MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz 420

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz 420
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:55:19.557Z

Only 22 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 22 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 420 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 4 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 15 complaints 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 22 complaints 1997 1999: 5 complaints 1999
1997: 22 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19840
19850
19866
19873
19881
19892
19903
19914
199416
199515
19961
199722
19995

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

11 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs and front.

Show complaint excerpts

WELD BROKE AND DISLODGED THE SPRINGS.. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20131004

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING HARD. THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRAME WELL WAS BROKEN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB METAL ON FRAME WELL WAS REPLACED DUE TO FATIGUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040701

Also filed under STRUCTURE

POWER TRAIN

3 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120614

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970918

SEAT BELTS

2 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN ISUZU TROOPER PASSENGER FRONT HIT PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL OF MERCEDES AND PASSENGER DOOR WITH DRIVER SIDE FRONT. DURING IMPACT, FRONT SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010117

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

VISIBILITY

1 of 22 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz 420 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz 420 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 420?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz 420 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.