AI Damage1997 Mercedes-Benz E 300: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 300 filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 4 Exterior lighting 13% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The wire harness is brittle and the insulation is disintegrating, resulting in shorts and electrical failures. The headlights stopped working unexpectedly.
Tl*- the contact owns a 1997 mercedes e300. While driving at various speeds and pressing the brake pedal the rear passenger brake light did not illuminate. Recall#05v505000 related to the 1999 slk mercedes. The failure mileage was 89,000. The current mileage was 90,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35mph a loud bang was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. After hearing the noise, the vehicle began handling differently and was taken to a dealer for inspection who determined the suspension had collapsed on front passenger side.
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.
Rotors were not working properly, they were making noise when applying brakes, and there was extended stopping distance.contacted dealer, and dealer stated that rotors were only suppose to last 20000 miles.
The first engine oil leak was repaired under warranty at 8/25/2000 (48,523 miles) and the replacement gaskets are leaking again on 9/15/2001 (at 58,500 miles).
On several occasions vehicle would hesitate at 40 mph and vehicle is bucking, dealer replaced resonance flap, and fuel injection pump, problem still exists, consumer also complains of poor fuel efficiency.
While starting vehicle battery under rear passenger seat had exploded. Dealer/manufacturer were notified and were unwilling to assist. Consumer states in spite of various attempts, a foul smell still remains.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,899 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the E 300 has 20 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 8, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 300?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, powertrain. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: hesitation when accelerating (25%), headlights and tail lights (13%), oil leak or consumption (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 300?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 300 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.