MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz 280

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz 280
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:40:10.293Z

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz 280 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 18 complaints 1994 1995: 47 complaints 1995 1996: 13 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2000
1997: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19850
19860
19870
19880
199418
199547
199613
19975
19983
19993
20006

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

2 of 5 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE IN REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE ABOUT 20 MPH, CAUSING $3200 DAMAGES ON THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970903

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990429

VISIBILITY

1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
STEERING

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing linkages.

CHILD SEAT

1 of 5 total reports mentions: child seat.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz 280 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz 280 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercedes Benz 280?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz 280 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.