1997 Mercedes Benz 420 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 420 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (11), Transmission / drivetrain (3), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Seat belts (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/04/2013 · Suspension
WELD BROKE AND DISLODGED THE SPRINGS.. *TR
06/14/2012 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD POP NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND SAW THAT METAL WAS HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN BUT WAS UNSAFE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOME. T…
09/12/2011 · Suspension
I AM FILING A COMPLAINT REGARDING AFTER WARRANTY SUPPORT FOR THE ABOVE REFERENCED VEHICLE. THE SPRING SEAT DETACHED FROM THE BODY OF THE AUTOMOBILE CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO FAIL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 45 MPH ON A DOWNHILL GRADE. AS THE SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE CAR, THE LEFT FRONT SIDE DRAGGED ON THE ROAD CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR TO SLIDE INTO…
07/21/2011 · Suspension
I AM A VICTIM OF A DANGEROUS SAFETY DESIGN FLAW IN MY 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. LAST WEEK, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A LOCAL STREET NEAR OUR HOME, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FLEW OUT OF THE CAR, RESULTING IN HER COMPLETELY LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS - NO SOUNDS, RATTLES, ETC. LUCKILY, SHE WAS…
02/08/2009 · Suspension
1997 MERCEDES E420 DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING PERCH FAILURE. *TR
11/24/2008 · Lights · fire
HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS IS DISINTEGRATING, AND LOOKS IDENTICAL TO PICTURES SENT TO NHTSA BY OTHER OWNERS AND IS A FIRE HAZARD THAT IS UNDETECTABLE UNTIL SHORTS OR FIRES DEVELOP. THE INSULATION IS LITERALLY FALLING APART, AND THIS CREATES GREAT POTENTIAL FOR UNSAFE OPERATION, SHORTCIRCUITS, BREAKDOWN AND IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *TR
03/31/2008 · Suspension
I HAVE A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420. THE SPRING PERCHES HAVE FAILED ON BOTH FRONT SIDES OF THIS CAR. THE DRIVE SIDE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR AND HAD TO BE WELDED AND REPAIRED. I CAUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE BEFORE ANY SERIOUS DAMAGE OCCURRED. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE AND HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA FOR THIS EXACT PROBL…
08/30/2007 · Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ 420. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS CRACKED. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RUST ENCOMPASSES THE ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE COIL SPRING CRACKED. HE INSPECTED THE COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGE…