1997 Mercedes Benz E Class
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 38 |
| 1995 | 21 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 45 |
| 2004 | 15 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2008 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
53% of complaints: suspension — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
Show complaint excerpts
I TOOK MY CAR INTO GET THE SUSPENSION FIXED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SPRING PERCH THAT ATTACHED THE SPRING TO THE CAR HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK. LUCKILY I FOUND IT BEFORE I HAD A BAD ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131218
I WAS COMING OFF WEST RT 46. I CAME TO A STOP SIGN,MADE A RIGHT AND AS I WAS DRIVING HEARD A THUMP NOISE....THEN AS I DROVE A SQUEAKING NOISE AND I PULLED OVER,LOOKED AT THE CAR ,AROUND IT AND UNDER IT AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120727
16% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
Show complaint excerpts
DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN OCCASIONALLY BECAUSE OF DOOR LOCK FAILURE. YH
NHTSA ODI report, 19990930
8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
POOR PERFORMANCE OF WINDSHILED CAUSES LACK OF VISIBILITY THROUGH THE WINDSHILED WHEN IT RAINS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19991129
8% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
ALTERNATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990908
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTENT SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DEPLOYMEN
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN THE ABSENCE OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR MOUNTED SIDE AIR BAG MODULES. AT THE SAME TIME, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONDITION OF THE SIDE AIR BAG MODULE WIRING WITHIN THE DOORS AND REPLA
Campaign 00V388000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V388000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz E 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 E Class?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz E Class have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.