1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 20%of 5 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420, 20% of the 5 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 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.
“The contact owns a 1997 mercedes benz E420. After stopping, the vehicle failed to shift out of low gear. In addition, when the vehicle was started, the radio failed to operate and the doors failed to lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 135,000. Updated 3/17/15 updated 8/18/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10671831, filed 2015-01, 135,000 milesRelated 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
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
4 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
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