1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 53%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class, 53% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my car into get the suspension fixed and was told that the spring perch that attached the spring to the car has rusted through and is about to break. Luckily I found it before I had a bad accident. I am in the process of checking with mercedes to see if they will stand by a poor design issue and repair it. I am amazed that someone has not contacted owners of older cars as this could be a very dangerous issue for those not fortunate to get things checked out. I am not driving the car until some decision is made.”
NHTSA complaint #10556553, filed 2013-12, 96,000 miles“While driving at 35 MPH down a small hill the front passenger spring mount (perch) on my 1997 e 300 diesel (w210) broke off causing the coil spring to fall off of the car. This was an unbelievably dangerous occurrance and luckily it did not happen when I was going 65 MPH. I have brought the car my autobody shop and we are still working on who will cover the cost of my repairs (insurance or mb)”
NHTSA complaint #10140792, filed 2005-10, 77,635 miles“I was coming off west rt 46. I came to a stop sign,made a right and as I was driving heard a thump noise....then as I drove a squeaking noise and I pulled over,looked at the car ,around it and under it and didn't see anything. I drove it slowly abt a mile home. When I got home I opened the hood and didn't see anything. I drove it to my mechanic around the corner and he told me I had a spring coil failure. I researched this issue and found that this was prevalent in certain mercedes vehicles and that there was a recall in canada for this failing part. …”
NHTSA complaint #10467941, filed 2012-07, 139,535 miles“Spring perch is cheaply welded to the wheel well on the mercedes 210 chassis (1997 e420). All other cards have it attached to a solid bar. Mercedes welded it to very thin sheet metal which mercedes knows has been failing at an alarming rate (dealer admitted this to me - they see this problem every week). 18 inch long suspension spring popped out of my car while moving. I could have been killed as car is uncontrollable after suspension gives out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10137699, filed 2005-09, 100,100 miles“While driving, heard a rattling sound from the front end of the car. Short while later, started to proceed from a stop and the front passenger side suspension coil spring came off the car and exited out the wheel well with a big bang and rolled down the street about 75 feet.”
NHTSA complaint #10291568, filed 2009-11, 102,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2003 | 3 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 13% |
| 2001 | 1 | 7% |
| 2000 | 3 | 9% |
| 1999 | 9 | 69% |
| 1998 | 7 | 29% |
| 1997 | 20 | 53% |
| 1996 | 7 | 44% |
| 1995 | 1 | 5% |
| 1994 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E Class
6 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