MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz E Class

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz E Class
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:46.836Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
38
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Suspension

53% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1995: 21 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1997: 38 complaints 1997 38 1998: 24 complaints 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1994 1995: 21 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1996 1997: 38 complaints 1997 38 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2002 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2006 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1993: 7 complaints 1993 1994: 38 complaints 1994 1995: 21 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1996 1997: 38 complaints 1997 38 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 13 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2001 2002: 8 complaints 2002 2003: 45 complaints 2003 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 10 complaints 2006 2008: 5 complaints 2008

1997: 38 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19920
19937
199438
199521
199616
199738
199824
199913
200034
200115
20028
200345
200415
20059
200610
20085

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

53% · 20 reports

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, 2013-12-18

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, 2012-07-27

Structure

16% · 6 reports

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, 1999-09-30

Visibility

8% · 3 reports

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, 1999-11-29

Service brakes

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

5% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.

Show complaint excerpts

Alternator.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-08

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2000-06-02Recall queryClosed 2001-07-20 Inadvertent side impact airbag deploymen
  2. R
    2001-02-02Air bags00V388000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-09 Front suspension coil spring ejection

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mercedes Benz E Class — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V388000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.