1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,700miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by body and structure (2) and steering (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,700 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Body and structure2 40%
- Steering1 20%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley of my mercedes ml 320 gave out on me while I was driving. The belt started to burn. I called the mercedes benz dealer in honolulu, hi and the service manager, dan told me that there was no recall on the pulley to date and that I should bring my ml 320 in to get repaired. Dan stated that the pulley may not be the only part that is damaged and that the cost could probably go up in price. I stated that I had a mechanic looked at it and said that nothing else was damaged. Dan insisted that there were probably internal damages. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062287, filed 2004-03Body and structure: “On december 29th while traveling with my family on I-77 north in virginia the metal sunroof wind deflector on my 1998 mercedes ml320 completely and without warning broke off and flew into the path of several automobiles. A major traffic accident was narrowly avoided. My ml320 is well maintained and only serviced by the dealer whom sold me the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10000688, filed 2003-01, 110,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While pulling into a parking spot in a shopping center and going about 5 miles per hour, suddenly the accelerator went to the floor and I crashed into 2 cars. Luckily, I was not hurt and the damage to the 3 cars was slight bumper damage. I called the police and made a report. I brought it to the garage the next day to have the checked and no problems were found. The next day I went on the internet the check for similar occurrences and found several. My car was a mercedes benz ml320 SUV.”
NHTSA complaint #10288856, filed 2009-10, 67,700 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,400 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V465000Sep 17, 2008Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998–2004
Mercedes-benz is recalling 125,228 my 1998-2004 m-class vehicles. The hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
- 03V121000Mar 27, 2003Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998–2003
On certain passenger vehicles, the hose clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler may not provide sufficient clamping force for this connection.
- 99V328000Nov 22, 1999Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998–1999
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The latching mechanism on the seat belt assembly was not assembled correctly. If the plastic cover is loose during the engagement of the buckle tongue to the latch mechanism, the buckle could unlatch.
- 98V090000May 4, 1998Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Mercedes-Benz M Class 1998
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The certification label on these vehicles fail to comply with the labeling requirements of part 567, "certification."
Recall details for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ08002Power steering hose leakClosed · Mar 11, 2008
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10051989Feb 15, 2013Steering. Mercedes: see document search button for owner letter. The lower power steering hose and clamp should be replace, under extended warranty, due to power steering leakage from connection to power…
- 10016685May 16, 2005Electrical system. Esp lamp illuminated.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz M Class
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14 | 4,481 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 10 | 24,334 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 5 | 50,450 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 5 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 25 | 75,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 18 | 100,050 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 5 | 67,700 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz M Class model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by body and structure with 2.
Has the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Mercedes-Benz M Class reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,700 miles and the middle half falls between 37,400 and 110,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.