Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median E-Class year — the 1997 model ranks #4 of 23 E-Class years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 47% of all reports (20 of 43), far ahead of body & structure at 6.
43
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20 | 47% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 12% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS IN THE ABSENCE OF A CRASH.
Consequence
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
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 REPLACE THAT WIRING IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH DOWN A SMALL HILL THE FRONT PASSENGER SPRING MOUNT (PERCH) ON MY 1997 E 300 DIESEL (W210) BROKE OFF CAUSING THE COIL SPRING TO FALL OFF OF THE CAR. THIS WAS AN UNBELIEVABLY DANGEROUS OCCURRANCE AND LUCKILY IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN I WAS GOING 65 MPH. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR MY…”
“DASHBOARD CRACKS ON MY 1997 MERCEDES E420 SEDAN. CRACKS HAVE BEEN APPARENT FOR 18 MONTHS; DEALER AND REGIONAL SERVICE REP DECLINE TO REPLACE/REPAIR. SIMILAR CRACKS HAVE BEEN WIDELY REPORTED IN MERCEDES E-CLASS SEDANS IN MODEL YEARS 96-00. CRACKS ARE AROUND PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. WONDER IF THIS…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS OPENED, THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND, AND A SOUND OF GLASS BREAKING. AFTER THESE INCIDENCES THE WINDOW WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CLOSE, EVEN THOUGH THE WINDOW MOTOR WAS STILL FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ E420. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN LIGHTLY DRIZZLED WEATHER CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. SUDDENLY, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE…”
“THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYED BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. MERCEDES SPECIALISTS HAVE EVALUATED THE CAR AND CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THEY HAVE OFFERED TO FIX IT FOR FREE IN RETURN FOR A BLANKET RELEASE FROM ALL LIABILITY "PAST" "PRESENT" AND "FUTURE"…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1997 model at #4 of 23 E-Class years. It is one of the E-Class years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (20 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-Class years to avoid are 2003, 2000, 1994, 1997, 2001, 1998. The cleanest record among E-Class years belongs to 1992.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.