1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 sits mid-pack among E320 years: 80 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 45% of all reports (36 of 80), far ahead of seat belts at 10.
80
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other E320 years?
What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 36 | 45% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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. SHORTLY AFTER, THE SHIFT LEVER EXPLODED AND SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE CONSOLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CAM SHAFT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E320. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE SEAT BELT BEGAN TO RETRACT AND LOCK ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E320. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS ONE INJURY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE LOST POWER. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK”
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER A YEAR AND RECENTLY CAR SHAKES BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. HAVE HAD O2 SENSORS,TRANSMISSION SENSORS ETC--OVER $3500.00 AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. STILL SHAKES AND SPUTTERS AT TIMES. NO ONE CAN FIX IT!!!!!*AK”
1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 — common questions
Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 reliable?
It is close to typical for the E320: 80 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 1997 E320 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (36 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).
Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320.
Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercedes-Benz E320 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E320 years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1995, 1999. The cleanest record among E320 years belongs to 2009.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.