1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320, 5% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,000 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.
“1998 mercedes E320 at different times, the driver and passenger doors locked by themselves while the vehicle was running. In june of 2003 the consumer heard a loud noise from the engine, the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who immediately diagnosed the problem as the crankshaft dampner which was in pieces, the rubber drive belt damaged the engine front cover and engine oil pan. …”
NHTSA complaint #10042440, filed 2003-11, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10032709Aug 13, 2009Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering wheel is turned. This is mainly heard when the vehicle is stationary or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 6 | 16% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320
8 complaintsSuspension
7 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 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 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