1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 131,500miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420. The part named most often is suspension, with 11 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (3) and fuel system (2). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 131,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension11 50%
- Fuel system2 9.1%
- Seat belts2 9.1%
- Exterior lighting1 4.5%
- Seats1 4.5%
- Body and structure1 4.5%
- Vehicle speed control1 4.5%
Example complaints
Suspension: “I am a victim of a dangerous safety design flaw in my 1997 mercedes benz e420. Last week, my wife was driving the car in a straight line on a local street near our home, when the passenger side coil spring flew out of the car, resulting in her completely losing control of the vehicle. There were no warning signs - no sounds, rattles, etc. Luckily, she was driving at a slow speed of 35mph and that the cars around her stopped, allowing her to maneuver the car to the shoulder of the road. As a result, she avoided any accident and was not hurt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413904, filed 2011-07, 200,150 milesFuel system: “I recently had a gas tank pressure sensor replaced on my 1997 e model mercedes. Upon inspection of the interior of the gas tank, it was discovered that the return lines inside the tank had become disconnected which could result in loss of tank pressure, leakage, and /or improper emission system sensor readouts. The tank has not been damaged due to mpact so the disconnected line appears to be a design or engineering defect. In addition, the improper functioning of the return line equipment within the gas tank has a major impact on gas mileage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133880, filed 2005-08, 123,000 milesSeat belts: “Was making a left turn when isuzu trooper passenger front hit passenger side front wheel of mercedes and passenger door with driver side front. During impact, front seat belt on driver's side failed to restrain driver. Also, caused driver's breast implants to rupture. Other passenger failed to wear seat belt. But, air bag deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #878390, filed 2001-01Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 107,000 and 163,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 420
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 22 | 131,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 15 | 95,784 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 16 | 110,125 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 420 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 11 complaints (50% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 3.
Has the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 420 reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 131,500 miles and the middle half falls between 107,000 and 163,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.