1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 16%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 16% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 e420 mercedes that my wife and our one month old baby drive daily. Well she told me she heard some strange noises coming from the wheel area of the front left tire. I told her that she better let us have it checked out before driving the car anymore. I took the car to my mechanic and he found that the spring perch was hanging on the frame by a thread of metal. Fortunately no one was hurt and no accident occurred. As it turns out this has happened to a number of cars like mine, it should be something that is recalled with out a doubt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10224905, filed 2008-04, 144,000 miles“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 compromises the airbag system in any way?”
NHTSA complaint #10031222, filed 2003-08, 70,000 miles“Severe rust damage to front passenger suspension component and front frame rail. Rust hole big enough to put a human fist into. Approximately $3000 in rust repairs, on a car with less than 67,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10000808, filed 2003-01, 64,000 miles“Spring perches on the front suspension has rusted and are falling apart. This is a serious safety threat and if the perches break while driving, people can get killed. Local mercedes dealership is refusing to repair or even inspect the problem and is telling me there is nothing they can do. Rust on the frame weld in any car is not acceptable, I am deeply disappointed by the lack of quality and lack of support from Mercedes-Benz!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10174087, filed 2006-11“Removed left front wheel and found upper suspension spring perch breaking away from body, could see possible loss of steering. No incident yet but an accident avoided. Dealer has this particular part in stock and asked if it had come apart yet because they had seen it before.”
NHTSA complaint #10090763, filed 2004-09Related service bulletins
- 10015071Apr 5, 2005Trunk lid opens or closes too quickly while operating with remote trunk lid control button.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class
20 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology