1997 Mercedes Benz E420 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Mercedes Benz E420 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Seat belts (1), Fuel system (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
03/23/2018 · Seat belts
1997 MERCEDES BENZ E-420. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT INADVERTENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING THE CONSUMERS' HEAD TO HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THE CONSUMER HAD A THROBBING HEAD PAIN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *JS
12/22/2016 · Electrical system
MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 WENT IN TO LIMP MODE WITH NO WARNING WHILE MERGING ON TO 65 MPH TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT FAILED TO SHIFT WITH NO WARNING
01/12/2015 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* 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*CN…
06/28/2012 · Electrical system
THE MERCEDES BENZ E-420 ELECTRICAL WIRING WAS MANUFACTURED FROM BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS BEGAN TO DETERIORATE AND FAIL. THIS LEAD TO A CYCLE OF INCREASINGLY SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO LEAD TO THE SAFETY ON FREEWAY WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER CAN NOT SEE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN I AM BRAKING DUE TO THIS WI…
12/23/2011 · Engine · fire
COCKPIT SMELT LIKE SMOKE, BECAME HARD TO SEE. PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. VERY SCARY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES? *TR