1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 27%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 182,873miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280, 27% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 182,873 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The following is a letter sent to mercedes whidh describes the issue. Dear mercedes: I recently had an almost tragic incident in my mercedes. I was with my daughter who was driving my car, under her learners permit, along the highway on a clear, smooth, and dry pavement at 55 MPH, the speed limit. The right front spring fell off the car. I am sure you can imagine the noise as the spring rumbled under our car. It scarred her, though she was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Obviously, without the spring in place, the control of the car was seriously jeopardized. …”
NHTSA complaint #10198603, filed 2007-08, 144,000 miles“While traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH, the spring perch supporting the left, front coil spring broke. Instantly, the left front suspension totally collapsed leaving the left front wheel without any suspension or wheel clearance inside the fender. This in turn caused the left front bumper to nearly drag on the pavement. I understand this is a design defect in mercedes automobiles that use this same or similar spring perch. This type of part is one that should never fail unless due to an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558970, filed 2014-01, 221,746 miles“Without any warning attempting to make a turn around the corner car just made a very loud sound coming from under driver's side in the front. Car came down on driver side very close to tire. When I existed the vehicle is when I realized the front driver side coil suspension was on the ground completely off. Had it towed and looked at by a meinike they stated the the frame where this came off had some rust. I have my vehicle serviced regularly oil change with tire rotation no mechanic ever noticed it while servicing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10808202, filed 2015-12“On may 22, 2005, the right front suspension coil spring popped out of vehicle from driving over rough road. Information entered by state farm. On july 20, 2005, the left front suspension coil spring was damaged from driving over rough roads.”
NHTSA complaint #10139740, filed 2005-10Related service bulletins
- 10164810Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10135599Mar 24, 2015Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280
6 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology