1997 Mercedes Benz 500

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz 500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:00:16.929Z

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

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1990: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 8 complaints 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 8 complaints 1997 8 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 7 complaints 2000: 9 complaints 2000 2003: 11 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1990: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 6 complaints 1995: 8 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 8 complaints 1997 8 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2003: 11 complaints 2003
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 15 complaints 1992 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 8 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 8 complaints 1997 8 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2000 2003: 11 complaints 2003

1997: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19860
19870
19880
19901
19910
199215
199322
19946
19958
19966
19978
19982
19997
20009
200311

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.

INJURY
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.