Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 18 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Suspension. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
21 reports
120,000 miles · Mar 1, 2021
Power Train
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 30-40MPH ENTERING THE FREEWAY THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT, WHEN IT DOWNSHIFTED IT LOST ALL DRIVE. THE ENGINE CAN FREELY REV BUT NO MOVEMENT WHATSOEVER. HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE FREEWAY AND PUT IT INTO THE PARK AND RESTART THE CAR. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WILL BE LOCKED INTO 3RD GEAR AND WON'T SHIFT, THE…
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WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 30-40MPH ENTERING THE FREEWAY THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT, WHEN IT DOWNSHIFTED IT LOST ALL DRIVE. THE ENGINE CAN FREELY REV BUT NO MOVEMENT WHATSOEVER. HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE FREEWAY AND PUT IT INTO THE PARK AND RESTART THE CAR. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WILL BE LOCKED INTO 3RD GEAR AND WON'T SHIFT, THERE IS NOT WARNING LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO TELL ME WHAT IS GOING ON. 1ST AND 2ND GEAR ALSO HAS HARSH ENGAGEMENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11398558
199,000 miles · Sep 2, 2015
Suspension
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN SPRING CAME OUT AND LOST CONTROL OF CAR PUT CAR IN SHOP COST ME 1400 FOR REPAIRS SOMEONE NEED TO HELP PAY FOR IT AND THIS SHOULD BE S RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10761131
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2015
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A SUSPENSION SPRING FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPRING COIL TOWER FRAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A SUSPENSION SPRING FRACTURED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPRING COIL TOWER FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10679314
155,000 miles · Dec 16, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED. THEY RELATE THAT THEY HAVE SENT PICTURES AND INFORMATION TO "MERCEDES" AND AFTER 1 WEEK I AM ONLY TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE. LONGER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664648
99,829 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V256000 (AIR BAGS). THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V256000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,829.
NHTSA ODI #10610602
99,829 miles · Jul 4, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts
SAFETY ISSUES: SRS WARNING LIGHT IS ON. AC BLOWING WARM AIR, SIDE POWER WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE., FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CANNOT ADJUST-SENSOR FAULT INDICATED L/ VALVE COVER BREATHER NIPPLE BROKEN -REPLACED L/SIDE VALVE COVER -($1524.89). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10608241
147,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPRING PERCH FRACTURED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/30/11*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10425082
119,000 miles · May 31, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ E430. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #10403809
99,996 miles · Feb 19, 2010
SuspensionCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING SUPPORT AND THE COIL SPRING FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. BECAUSE OF THAT FAILURE, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOMEONE'S YARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING SUPPORT AND THE COIL SPRING FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. BECAUSE OF THAT FAILURE, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO SOMEONE'S YARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS OF NO ASSISTANCE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COIL SPRING REPAIR BUT HE HAD NOT RECEIVED THE REIMBURSEMENT WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,996. UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 06/28/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10312239
133,000 miles · Nov 27, 2009
Suspension
I OWN AND DRIVE A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. IT HAS APPROX. 133000 MILES. THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED OFF THE CAR AS I WAS DRIVING IT AT APPROX. 35 MPH. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR DRIVING ON ROUTE 516 OLD BRIDGE, NJ ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOME. I WAS NOT INJURED JUST BADLY SHAKEN UP. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A REPAI…
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I OWN AND DRIVE A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430. IT HAS APPROX. 133000 MILES. THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED OFF THE CAR AS I WAS DRIVING IT AT APPROX. 35 MPH. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR DRIVING ON ROUTE 516 OLD BRIDGE, NJ ABOUT 3 MILES FROM MY HOME. I WAS NOT INJURED JUST BADLY SHAKEN UP. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND IS AT OLD BRIDGE COLLISION ON ENGLISHTOWN ROAD, OLD BRIDGE NJ. I HAVE NOTED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS. PLEASE NOTE MY COMPLAINT AND ADVISE ASAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293676
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
PE07021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Ejection
Opened Apr 19, 2007 · Closed Aug 9, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
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 OWNERS CAN ALWAYS DETECT THE SUBTLE SIDE TO SIDE DIFFERENCE IN RIDE HEIGHT AND/OR INSPECT OR NOTICE THAT THE UPPER SUSPENSION BRACKET HAS BEEN COMPROMISED BY CORROSION.(1) ROAD HAZARD - ALTHOUGH THE (APPROX. 7 LB.) FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING THAT MAY BE EJECTED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD POSE A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES, THE OCCURRENCE RATE HAS BEEN LOW (.03% BASED ON 51 REPORTED INCIDENTS OCCURRING AND AN INITIAL POPULATION OF 172,781 VEHICLES AFTER 9 - 12 YEARS OF USE / EXPOSURE) AND THERE ARE NO KNOWN INJURIES, FATALITIES, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORTS DUE TO AN EJECTED SPRING.ALSO, MANY OF THE 51 INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR PARKED.(2) VEHICLE CONTROL - VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL COULD BE AFFECTED BY THE FRACTURE OF THE UPPER SUSPENSION MOUNT AND/OR THE ASSOCIATED SPRING EJECTION.ODI FIRST IDENTIFIED ITS CONCERN ABOUT CORROSION IN THE UPPER SUSPENSION BRACKET OF SUBJECT VEHICLES IN 2002, AT WHICH TIME MERCEDES PROVIDED A VIDEO THAT SHOWED THAT A VEHICLE COULD BE STEERED, STOPPED, AND CONTROLLED THROUGH VARIOUS MANEUVERS AT HIGH SPEEDS WITH A FRONT COIL SPRING COMPLETELY MISSING FROM THE VEHICLE. DURING PE07-021, IN ADDITION TO REVIEWING THE 2002 VIDEO-TAPE, ODI ENGINEERS DROVE AN EXEMPLAR VEHICLE WITH THE SPRING REMOVED AND SIMULATED VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF STEERING ANGLES TO ASSESS WHETHER THERE WERE ANY POSSIBLE CONDITIONS / DISPLACEMENTS IN WHICH THE SEPARATED SPRING MIGHT INTERFERE WITH THE WHEELS. IN A VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT SPRING REMOVED, THE TOP OF THE WHEEL CAN LIGHTLY CONTACT THE BOTTOM AREA OF THE WHEEL FENDER DURING HIGH ANGLE TURNS TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SLOWER SPEED MANEUVERS SUCH AS CITY DRIVING. THE LIGHT TIRE CONTACT GENERATED AN OBVIOUS GRINDING NOISE AND WOULD LIKELY ABRADE OR BEND THE EDGE OF THE FENDER WITH CONTINUED USE.HOWEVER, THE EXTENT OF THE INTERFERENCE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO AFFECT VEHICLE STEERING AND DOES NOT OCCUR AT SMALLER TURNING ANGLES ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHWAY DRIVING.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
PE03058 · Engine Crankshaft Pulley Failure
Opened Dec 17, 2003 · Closed Apr 22, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys
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 55 ODI COMPLAINTS REFERENCE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT).THERE HAVE BEEN NO CRASHES OR INJURIES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER DETAIL.
1999 Mercedes Benz E430 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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