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FaultScore report

1998 Mercedes Benz E320 problems

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2018. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 16 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Mercedes Benz E320 All 1998 cars
C

FaultScore 43/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz E320.

How this is worked out

The numbers

51

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

94,450 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

25%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 27 vs 50 Severity 71 vs 50 Early failure 43 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz E320. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1998 compares with every other Mercedes Benz E320

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Mercedes Benz E320

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 10 19.6%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

Suspension 7 13.7%

Median failure at 143,681 miles

Body & Structure 5 9.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 151,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 4 7.8%
Equipment & Accessories 4 7.8%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 7.8%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

Lights 3 5.9%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

Airbags 3 5.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 115,500 mi

Tires 2 3.9%

Median failure at 14,000 miles

Brakes 2 3.9%

Median failure at 128,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 3.9%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

Wheels 1 2.0%

Median failure at 169,900 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 2.0%

Median failure at 149,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 1,500 mi

Steering 1 2.0%
Electrical System 1 2.0%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 6 21.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 3.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 17.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 10.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 7 25.0%
150,000+ miles 6 21.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jul 1999 peak 8 Aug 2018

NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Mercedes Benz E320

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE07021 Opened 19 Apr 2007 Closed 9 Aug 2007 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION

ODI HAS FOCUSED THIS INVESTIGATION ON ASSESSING THE RISKS POSED BY A SEPARATED SPRING AS (1) A ROAD HAZARD AND (2) THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED AFTER THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BEEN EJECTED FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IN THE VEHICLE.BOTH RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION, FLEXING, AND FRACTURE OF THE UPPER FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNTING BRACKET.TIME-IN-SERVICE FAILURE RATES ARE NOTABLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES SINCE CORROSION IS A PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE FAILURE MODE.SINCE A NUMBER OF INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, ODI IS SKEPTICAL THAT OWN...

PE03058 Opened 17 Dec 2003 Closed 22 Apr 2004 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER-STEERING ASSIST.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 546 NON-DUPLICATIVE REPORTS THAT ALLEGE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER FAILURE ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES USING THE SUBJECT COMPONENT.THE SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES ARE PROGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINTS AND WARRANT CLAIMS INVOLVED A FAILURE THAT HAD PROGRESSED FAR ENOUGH TO EFFECT POWER STEERING PERFORMANCE (6 OF...

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 151,000 miles Franklin, MA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 E-320 DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN MY FRONT SPRING CAME OFF THE FRAME AND FELL OFF MY CAR, CAUSING THE HOLE FRONT END TO DROP AND THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL. I WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH, MY FRONT END BOUNCED OFF THE GROUND, MY NECK AND BACK ARE HURT, AND MY EXHAUST SOUNDS MESSED UP NOW TOO. I CHECKED THE MERCEDES BENZ FORUM AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE W210 CHASSIS, I AM GOING TO CONTACT THE DEALER, ON MONDAY WHEN THEY RE-OPEN, AND AT THE VERY LEAST I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL TYPE DEAL, AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THAT'S ALL I WANT TO REPORT PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFO, THANKS -BRIAN RONCA

NHTSA complaint #10248219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Chula Vista, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG FAILURES PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND HAS PICTURES OF HERSELF AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. SHE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000.

NHTSA complaint #10219343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,500 miles Scottsdale, AZ Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MERCEDES E-320 1998, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, REF. ODI 10113529. *BF THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, JUMPING THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN FENCE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED IRREGULAR SPEED. THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES THE ENTIRE TIME. MERCEDES FOUND NO PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10115643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami, FL Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

THE REAR LEFT DOOR OPENED ON IMPACT. THE CAR WAS HIT MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TOWARDS THE CENTER COLUMN AND THE REAR DOOR OPENED. MY 5-YEAR-OLD SON WAS SITTING NEXT TO THAT DOOR AND COULD HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #732025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Granada Hills, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS SILVER MERCEDES (NOT SURE THE YEAR) CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS, NO SIGNS OF IT BEING MOVED AT ALL. 16329 CHATSWORTH STREET DOORS ARE UNLOCKED AND I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY NEIGHBORS PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS VEHICLE, FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN IT EVER BE PARKED HERE. POSSIBLE STOLEN CAR AND JUST LEFT THERE, PLEASE CHECK ON VEHICLE AND HAVE IT TOWED AWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11122441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,900 miles Boca Raton, FL

WHEELS

I HAVE PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING 2 TIRES AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DEVELOPED A SIDEWALL BULGE WHEN I WAS REVERSING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE SAME FAMILY OF TIRES HAVE A RECALL, AND WHILE MY SET ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, I HAVE THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IT APPEARS THAT THE BULGE WAS DUE TO MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT (PER MY MECHANIC) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE IS UNSAFE TO RIDE ON, SO I AM USING THE FULL SPARE AT THE MOMENT. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER , GITI TIRES, AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE TIRE IS PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING 2, 215/55/16, DOT NUMBER IS Y9JM CLHX 1515.

NHTSA complaint #11013452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,900 miles Mechanicsburg, PA

SUSPENSION

PASSENGER COIL SPRING SEAT BROKE , CAR IN GARAGE LAST 15 YEARS , NOT EVEN 100000 MILES YET

NHTSA complaint #10992086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rogersville, AL

AIR BAGS

YOUR WEB SITE STATES "INVALID REQUEST" WHEN I PLACE VIN NUMBER IN. CORRECT CHARACTERS WERE USED.

NHTSA complaint #10946398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,040 miles Cinnaminson, NJ

SUSPENSION

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. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MBUSA, BUT NOT A RECALL ISSUE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS REFUSING REPAIRS DUE TO THEIR VIEW OF THIS AS BEING A "MAINTENANCE ISSUE."

NHTSA complaint #10874208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palo Alto, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKING POWER DIMINISHED AND REQUIRED A LOT MORE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10743372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palo Alto, CA

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKING POWER DIMINISHED AND REQUIRED A LOT MORE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10743372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palo Alto, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKING POWER DIMINISHED AND REQUIRED A LOT MORE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10743372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,000 miles Bixby, OK

ENGINE

ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015, 4:45 PM, AN ATTENDANT AT SAM'S CLUB GAS PUMPS, TULSA HILLS SHOPPING CENTER, TULSA, OK, OVERFLOWED THE GAS TANK, CREATING A SPILL LARGE ENOUGH THAT ABSORBENT MATERIALS WAS USED TO SOAK UP THE GAS ON THE PAVEMENT (VIDEO AVAILABLE FROM SAM'S). UPON LEAVING, THE ENGINE DIED BEFORE EXITING THE STATION. RESTARTED AND DIED AGAIN AT THE FIRST TRAFFIC LIGHT ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. RESTARTED AND ABNORMAL NOISES WERE HEARD DURING THE NEXT MILE AND WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A LARGE EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD, PRODUCING LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE BUT NO EXTENDED FIRE. LOCAL POLICE HELPED IN REMOVING THE CAR FROM TRAFFIC AND LATER LOADING THE CAR ON A WRECKER. THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE MBZ REPAIR FACILITY GAVE THIS EXPLANATION AND REPAIRED THE CAR AT A COST OF $2,600. THE GAS OVERFLOW CAUSED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER TO FILL UP WITH LIQUID GAS AND WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED THE LIQUID GAS WAS SUCKED INTO THE INPUT MANIFOLD, CAUSING AN UNDETECTED EXPLOSION AND CRACKING THE MANIFOLD. THE EXPLOSIONS GOT LARGER AS THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AND FINALLY AN EXPLOSION BLEW MOST OF ONE END OF THE INPUT MANIFOLD OFF (MANIFOLD AVAILABLE). END

NHTSA complaint #10683710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 149,000 miles Bixby, OK

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015, 4:45 PM, AN ATTENDANT AT SAM'S CLUB GAS PUMPS, TULSA HILLS SHOPPING CENTER, TULSA, OK, OVERFLOWED THE GAS TANK, CREATING A SPILL LARGE ENOUGH THAT ABSORBENT MATERIALS WAS USED TO SOAK UP THE GAS ON THE PAVEMENT (VIDEO AVAILABLE FROM SAM'S). UPON LEAVING, THE ENGINE DIED BEFORE EXITING THE STATION. RESTARTED AND DIED AGAIN AT THE FIRST TRAFFIC LIGHT ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. RESTARTED AND ABNORMAL NOISES WERE HEARD DURING THE NEXT MILE AND WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A LARGE EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD, PRODUCING LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE BUT NO EXTENDED FIRE. LOCAL POLICE HELPED IN REMOVING THE CAR FROM TRAFFIC AND LATER LOADING THE CAR ON A WRECKER. THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE MBZ REPAIR FACILITY GAVE THIS EXPLANATION AND REPAIRED THE CAR AT A COST OF $2,600. THE GAS OVERFLOW CAUSED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER TO FILL UP WITH LIQUID GAS AND WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED THE LIQUID GAS WAS SUCKED INTO THE INPUT MANIFOLD, CAUSING AN UNDETECTED EXPLOSION AND CRACKING THE MANIFOLD. THE EXPLOSIONS GOT LARGER AS THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AND FINALLY AN EXPLOSION BLEW MOST OF ONE END OF THE INPUT MANIFOLD OFF (MANIFOLD AVAILABLE). END

NHTSA complaint #10683710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,322 miles Stafford, VA

SUSPENSION

TL* 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

SUSPENSION

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Alexandria, VA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR MANUFACTURER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. ..UPDATED 02-28-14

NHTSA complaint #10558161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,000 miles Alexandria, VA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THEIR MANUFACTURER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. ..UPDATED 02-28-14

NHTSA complaint #10558161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,047 miles Bloomfield Hills, MI

SUSPENSION

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. THIS DAMAGE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS NO MERCEDES MECHANICS IDENTIFIED THE RUST AT THIS POINT, AND IF THE CAP SNAPPED OFF, THE ENTIRE WHEEL CARRIAGE WOULD BREAK. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN OPERATING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THIS KIND OF FAILURE, WHICH COULD OCCUR INSTANTLY WHEN SUBJECTED TO A NORMAL SHOCK IMPACT, COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT. THE CAP IS DEFINITELY A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW, ESPECIALLY AS THE MERCEDES STRUCTURE RUSTS (WHICH THEY CLAIM NO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR), AND MANY OF THESE CARS COULD EASILY BE ON THE ROAD TODAY. THUS, WE BELIEVE THAT SIGNIFICANT DANGER TO THE CONSUMER PUBLIC IS COMPLETELY IGNORED BY MERCEDES-BENZ, WHICH WE FEEL IS AN APPALLING LACK OF CONCERN AND COMPLETE OVERSIGHT ON THE PART OF THE COMPANY.

NHTSA complaint #10437260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,047 miles Bloomfield Hills, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

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. THIS DAMAGE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS NO MERCEDES MECHANICS IDENTIFIED THE RUST AT THIS POINT, AND IF THE CAP SNAPPED OFF, THE ENTIRE WHEEL CARRIAGE WOULD BREAK. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN OPERATING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THIS KIND OF FAILURE, WHICH COULD OCCUR INSTANTLY WHEN SUBJECTED TO A NORMAL SHOCK IMPACT, COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT. THE CAP IS DEFINITELY A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW, ESPECIALLY AS THE MERCEDES STRUCTURE RUSTS (WHICH THEY CLAIM NO ACCOUNTABILITY FOR), AND MANY OF THESE CARS COULD EASILY BE ON THE ROAD TODAY. THUS, WE BELIEVE THAT SIGNIFICANT DANGER TO THE CONSUMER PUBLIC IS COMPLETELY IGNORED BY MERCEDES-BENZ, WHICH WE FEEL IS AN APPALLING LACK OF CONCERN AND COMPLETE OVERSIGHT ON THE PART OF THE COMPANY.

NHTSA complaint #10437260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 121,502 miles Worcester, MA

SUSPENSION:FRONT

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, GA

VISIBILITY

A/C, HEATER BLOWER, WINDOWS REGULATOR FAILED AS EXPECTED. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN IGNORED BY MANUFACTURER EVEN WHEN LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINT ABOUT IT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION THROUGH A RECALL OR AT LEAST ADMIT THERE'S A PROBLEM. THEN YOU ARE FORCED TO PURCHASE THE REGULATOR, MOTOR, AND MOUNTING BRACKET AT AN EXORBITANT PRICE ! I.E IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND IT WILL GO AWAY. I PURCHASED A MERCEDEZ AND ENDED UP WITH A CHRYSLER !!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10269034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 710,000 miles Cherry Hill, NJ

SUSPENSION:FRONT

THE COIL SPRING AND TWO ROUND PLASTIC PARTS JUST FELL OFF ON OUR 1998 E320 MERCEDES BENZ FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS 71,000 MILES AND NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #10255428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles OAK Lawn, IL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I NOTICED WHILE AT A STOPLIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THAT MY STEERING COLUMN WAS VIBRATING, AS WELL AS THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT WAS ALSO VERY NOISY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS HAD COLLAPSED!

NHTSA complaint #10251439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,000 miles Franklin, MA 1 injured

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 E-320 DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN MY FRONT SPRING CAME OFF THE FRAME AND FELL OFF MY CAR, CAUSING THE HOLE FRONT END TO DROP AND THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL. I WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH, MY FRONT END BOUNCED OFF THE GROUND, MY NECK AND BACK ARE HURT, AND MY EXHAUST SOUNDS MESSED UP NOW TOO. I CHECKED THE MERCEDES BENZ FORUM AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE W210 CHASSIS, I AM GOING TO CONTACT THE DEALER, ON MONDAY WHEN THEY RE-OPEN, AND AT THE VERY LEAST I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO FIX IT BECAUSE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL TYPE DEAL, AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THAT'S ALL I WANT TO REPORT PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFO, THANKS -BRIAN RONCA

NHTSA complaint #10248219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Chula Vista, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCEDES E320. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO AIR BAG FAILURES PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND HAS PICTURES OF HERSELF AS WELL AS THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. SHE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000.

NHTSA complaint #10219343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

TIRES:SIDEWALL

CONSUMER BRIDGESTONE TURANZA LS-H SIDEWALL FAILED WHILE DRIVING 60+ MILES. *TS THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE DAMAGES SUSTAINED TO THE REAR PASSENGER QUARTER PANEL, WHEEL AND RELATED EXPENSES.

NHTSA complaint #10155208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,500 miles Scottsdale, AZ Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MERCEDES E-320 1998, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, REF. ODI 10113529. *BF THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, JUMPING THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN FENCE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED IRREGULAR SPEED. THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES THE ENTIRE TIME. MERCEDES FOUND NO PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10115643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.