1997 Mercedes Benz S Class

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz S Class
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:35:19.709Z

Only 2 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 2 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 S Class Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 9 complaints 2000: 81 complaints 2000 2001: 36 complaints 2002: 48 complaints 2002 2003: 28 complaints 2004: 15 complaints 2004 2005: 2 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2012: 1 complaints 2012
1997: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199412
199527
19966
19972
19982
19999
200081
200136
200248
200328
200415
20052
20092
20121

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

MULTIPLE FAILURES, WITH DEGRADATION OF INSULATION ON WIRING IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080304

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

MULTIPLE FAILURES, WITH DEGRADATION OF INSULATION ON WIRING IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080304

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

MULTIPLE FAILURES, WITH DEGRADATION OF INSULATION ON WIRING IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080304

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz S Class — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz S 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 S Class?

The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:front underhood, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

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

1 recall on file for this model year.

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