1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320, 8% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Automatic transmission mallfunction, fibers and metal shavings found in trransmission pan, shift adaption data maxed at 180. Dealer replaced automatic transmission, torque converter and shift selector switch, flushed cooler lines and replaced transmission fluid. Provided 24,000 mile/24 month warranty. Total cost: $4,339.83.”
NHTSA complaint #10003396, filed 2003-01, 90,200 miles“Transmission failed at 83k miles. The 2-3 and 3-4 gear slips. According to mercedes mechanics, the transmission needs to be rebuilt. They also said that this is a common problem with the 1997 e-class mercedes. The atf, which is supposed to be change at 100k, did not protect the transmission as advertised. One mechanic, specialized in repairing mercedes, had replaced over 10+ transmissions for the same model year.”
NHTSA complaint #10016557, filed 2003-04, 83,000 miles“Check engine light has been on for over a year and recently car shakes but not all the time. Have had o2 sensors,transmission sensors etc--over $3500.00 and the check engine light still on. Still shakes and sputters at times. No one can fix it!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10021083, filed 2003-06, 60,000 miles“While driving 60 MPH vehicle lost power. This caused the consumer off the road and hit a neighbor's garage consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined that transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10066901, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Sep 22, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10032709Aug 13, 2009Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle is subject to torsion or when steering wheel is turned. This is mainly heard when the vehicle is stationary or…
- 10025663Apr 2, 2008Slow acceleration with gas pedal hesitation. Models 164.122/8ss (ml 320 and gl320); 211.022 (e320); 251.122 (4320). Years unknown.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 10 | 4% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 13% |
| 2001 | 6 | 16% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 11 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320
32 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320
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