1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 19%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,040miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320, 19% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,040 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.
“While driving in traffinc east along haddonfield berlin road in cherry hill nj, I was slowing to a stop approaching a red light at evsham road. As I pressed the brake pedal, there was a loud bang and grinding sound from the front end that ended with a loud clank on the ground. After which I saw the spring from my driver's side on the road behind me in my rear view mirror. Driving was not affected, not was steering. However we came to find that the panel containing the driver's side spring perch had rusted and then torn away from the bod, thus releasing the front spring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10874208, filed 2016-06, 127,040 miles“During the course of ownership of an 1998 mercedes benz E320 the front top spring support a.k.a rusts out and can easily disintegrate causing complete fallout of the front wheel assembly and if happening in the highway it can easily kill you. Luckily for me it happened in a 30 MPH road where the spring perch broke off and the whole front wheel got out of place locking itself up.”
NHTSA complaint #10288783, filed 2009-10, 121,502 miles“Some rust damage has been observed on the body of the car for quite some time, but no mercedes mechanics suggested it was structural or dangerous. Recently, a loud creaking noise from the front right tire began to occur when driving, especially when subjected to bumps, even at very low speeds. By removing the tire, we discovered that the creaking was from the poorly designed suspension cap, which had rusted and broken partially off, bending the spring against the axle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10437260, filed 2011-11, 200,047 miles“The contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle independently dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure was 160,322.”
NHTSA complaint #10663038, filed 2014-12, 160,322 miles“Had an inspection on friday. Found passenger shock tower broken from the body frame, this is an extremely dangerous situation. Looked in mercedes benz world website, and saw many many complaints about this typical issue, people must not be reporting this typical rust of the spring tower to body rust issue. Apparently there is a recall for this issue in canada but not in USA.”
NHTSA complaint #10610053, filed 2014-07Related service bulletins
- 10151948Jul 19, 2018Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10044180Aug 11, 2011Xentry: 'airmatic- service required' or 'elc- service required' in display- 'fc5151- b22/3 (rear axle sensor): signal implausible' stored.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 20% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 5 | 11% |
| 1999 | 10 | 12% |
| 1998 | 7 | 19% |
| 1997 | 32 | 51% |
| 1996 | 19 | 42% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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