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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
12%of 132 total for the year
Median mileage
85,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, 12% of the 132 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On sept. 10, 2020 while driving on the westbound long island expressway, near exit 19,in an afternoon rainstorm, my 3 year old mb E300 was flooded through the rear view mirror mount and the column on the drivers' side, separating the windshield and door. Water cascaded from these areas and flooded the floor. All electronic components on the floor, under the front seats, were shorted out. This brought the car to a complete and sudden standstill in traffic on the highway. The engine continued to run but the car would not drive or move, potentially putting my life in jeopardy. …”

NHTSA complaint #11360007, filed 2020-09, 64,000 miles

“When applying gas after braking, the car has an intermittent stutter. The car was recalled for a transmission issue and after the recall was performed, the problem appeared. Local dealer calls it normal”

NHTSA complaint #11231952, filed 2019-07, 20 miles

“There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.”

NHTSA complaint #11735276, filed 2026-05

“Crankcase ventilation system has failed. Spending $1700 because Mercedes won’t fix it because it’s a known issue and requires a lot of work. They left my car sitting in their parking lot for a week. I have the screen shots to prove it.”

NHTSA complaint #11641643, filed 2025-02

“The car lurches forward upon accelerating. Other times the car lags when accelerating after slowing for a dip or speed bump. This has caused me to almost be hit from behind on multiple occasions. My car has been in the shop multiple times since I bought it.”

NHTSA complaint #11524269, filed 2023-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018516%
20171612%
1999215%
1997225%

Other parts of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300

Engine
37 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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