MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz C Class

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz C Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:18.909Z

Only 3 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 3 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 C Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1991: 1 complaints 1991 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 49 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1999: 7 complaints 1999 2000: 8 complaints 2001: 14 complaints 2001 2002: 31 complaints 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2005: 5 complaints 2005 2006: 9 complaints 2006
1997: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19911
199415
199549
19966
19973
19986
19997
20008
200114
200231
20039
200415
20055
20069

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR BEGAN BACKFIRING AND SPEED DROPPED FROM 65 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND BEGAN TO BACKFIRE MORE. TEMP WENT UP AND CAR STARTED SMOKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120512

SUSPENSION

1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

MY MERCEDES 1997 C-280, PURCHASED FROM THE MERCEDES DEALER, HAS EXHIBITED SEVERAL INHERENT DESIGN ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100209

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR BEGAN BACKFIRING AND SPEED DROPPED FROM 65 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND BEGAN TO BACKFIRE MORE. TEMP WENT UP AND CAR STARTED SMOKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120512

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABRUPTLY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL POWER. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AFTER 80000 MILES. *AK *TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20020305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR BEGAN BACKFIRING AND SPEED DROPPED FROM 65 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND BEGAN TO BACKFIRE MORE. TEMP WENT UP AND CAR STARTED SMOKING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120512

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz C Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz C Class 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 C Class?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz C Class have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.