1997 Mercedes Benz E320

● Typical for this model

1997 Mercedes Benz E320
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:05:49.183Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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 PER YEAR

1997: 63 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	11
1995	96
1996	45
1997	63
1998	37
1999	83
2000	44
2001	38
2002	23
2003	214
2004	203
2005	231
2006	41
2007	17
2008	10
2009	8

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SUSPENSION 19%

19% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

* Left front substrate to which the Coil Spring Perch mounts is badly rusted and the spring is about to come off under pressure of the cars weight, thereby endangering myself and the general public.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231113

SEAT BELTS 14%

14% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

ON NOVEMBER 19TH, 2014, WHILE STOPPED ON HABANA AT MLK, JR. BLVD. IN TAMPA, FLORIDA, WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER, A VERY LOUD "EXPLOSION" OCCURRED INSIDE MY CAR AND THERE WAS INSTANT PRESSURE ON MY CHEST.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141206

Driver seatbelt exploded while buckled up as the car was going about 30 mph on a 4 lane street. No warning and was very traumatic. I had to pull over when I smelled something burning.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230127

WAS DRIVING SLOW LIKE 10 MPH AND PREPARING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AS THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SLAMMED INTO THE STERNUM OF MY 73 YEAR OLD MOTHER, WHO ALMOST HAD AN EPISODE OF CARDIAC...

NHTSA ODI report, 20171126

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

1997 MERCEDES BENZ E-320. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS MALFUNCTION. *SMD CONSUMER STATED THAT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DEFECTIVELY FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 5MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180329

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY EMITTED A YELLOW SUBSTANCE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150910

NHTSA ODI report, 20141206

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20070419 — PE (closed 20070809)

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz E320 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 2001 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320?

The most-reported component is suspension:front:springs:coil springs, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz E320 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.