1998 Mercedes Benz C Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other C Class years
- Not enough data 10th of 14 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Mercedes Benz C Class. That ranks 10th out of 14 C Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is suspension (2 complaints, 33%), typically at around 173,000 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
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- 6owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1998 Mercedes Benz C Class problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 33% | 173,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Child Seat | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1998 Mercedes Benz C Class recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with hoppecke batteries. The battery maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels.
Risk: The low electrolyte levels result in accelerated battery grid growth, increased potential for inter-cell rupture and sparking, and the potential for a battery explosion.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the batteries, including fluid levels. Some batteries may be replaced if necessary, on a case by case basis. In addition to the battery inspection, the addition of labels in the vehicle owner's manual and engine compartment will be included to conspicuously remind owners as well as dealer and service personnel of the need to perform battery maintenance. Owner notification began february 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure (PE03058) — opened Dec 17, 2003, closed Apr 22, 2004.
- Battery explosion (PE01029) — opened Jul 31, 2001, closed Dec 13, 2001, led to recall 01V366000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Was driving car and heard loud noise got out and saw front right side was sitting lower on one side. Car pulls hard to the right. Had my mechanic inspect. Concluded that the cup holder that holds the vehicles springs was rusted out. I have researched this issue and seems to be a common problem and…
Britax roundabout car seat does not fit into mercedes c class car. *ak
While driving airbag warning light came on and then the airbag exploded . There was no accident. The vehicle was at the dealer at the time the airbag exploded. Manufacturer has been notified. *ak
Heat shield makes noise when vehicle is turned off, due to design.
Gas gauge sensor failed.
Other Mercedes Benz C Class years
← 1997 C Class · 1999 C Class →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 C Class | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 C Class | 13 | 1 |
| 2006 C Class | 9 | 2 |
| 2005 C Class | 5 | 2 |
| 2004 C Class | 15 | 1 |
| 2003 C Class | 9 | 0 |
| 2002 C Class | 31 | 0 |
| 2001 C Class | 14 | 0 |
| 2000 C Class | 8 | 0 |
| 1999 C Class | 7 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 | 1 |
| 1997 C Class | 3 | 0 |
| 1996 C Class | 6 | 1 |
| 1995 C Class | 49 | 0 |
See all Mercedes Benz C Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.
Similar Mercedes Benz models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz C Class?
Owners most often report suspension, air bags, child seat problems. The top one, suspension, accounts for 2 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Mercedes Benz C Class?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1998 Mercedes Benz C Class a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C Class model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.