1997 Mercedes Benz E300
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEMS WITH MERCEDES-BENZ E300 DIESEL.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE HESITATING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND HAS SPENT APPROX $3800.00 IN REPAIRS FOR DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *CB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040728
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
2 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 8 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, GEARS SHIFTED BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN TWO GEARS; ACCELERATION AT 25-50 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20011212
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
THE WIRE HARNESS IS BRITTLE AND THE INSULATION IS DISINTEGRATING, RESULTING IN SHORTS AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160626
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE BATTERY UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT HAD EXPLODED. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND WERE UNWILLING TO ASSIST. *AK CONSUMER STATES IN SPITE OF VARIOUS ATTEMPTS, A FOUL SMELL STILL REMAINS. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20011114
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060504
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mercedes Benz E300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz E300 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 E300?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz E300 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.