1997 Mercedes Benz 500
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2003 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Equipment
2 of 8 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Air bags
2 of 8 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
False deployment of passenger side air bag exploded spontaneously while the vehicle is parked causing injury to the driver. Yh
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-07-06
Visibility
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
The steering fluid drained completely out.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-17
Also filed under Steering
Tires
1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.
Steering
1 of 8 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing power steering fluid.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Mercedes Benz 500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz 500 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 500?
- The most-reported component is equipment, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz 500 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.