1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information 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. *ak”
“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 suspension housing…”
“Problems with mercedes-benz e300 diesel.*mr 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. *cb”
“Problems with mercedes-benz e300 diesel.*mr 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. *cb”
“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.*ak”
“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.*ak”
“While starting vehicle battery under rear passenger seat had exploded. Dealer/manufacturer were notified and were unwilling to assist. *ak consumer states in spite of various attempts, a foul smell still remains. *slc”
Defect investigations
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING EJECTION
ODI HAS FOCUSED THIS INVESTIGATION ON ASSESSING THE RISKS POSED BY A SEPARATED SPRING AS (1) A ROAD HAZARD AND (2) THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED AFTER THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAS BEEN EJECTED FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IN THE VEHICLE.BOTH RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION, FLEXING, AND FRACTURE…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.