Model year record
1997 Mercedes-Benz 320 recalls & problems
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz 320 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 19 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is suspension (5 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz 320.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| SuspensionFront; Front › Springs › Coil springs | 5 | — |
| Air bagsFrontal; Side/window | 5 | — |
| VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices; Windshield wiper/washer | 4 | — |
| Exterior lightingHeadlights | 3 | — |
| Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Wiring | 3 | — |
| Power trainManual transmission; Automatic transmission | 2 | — |
| StructureBody › Hatchback/liftgate; Frame and members | 2 | — |
| EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner | 1 | — |
| Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip | 1 | — |
| Engine and engine coolingEngine | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Suspension
4/3/2012 FOR 2 DAYS RATTLE FROM LEFT FRONT END. HAD IT CHECKED AT INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER. SAID STRUT BUSHING DRY. LUBED IT. A FEW HOURS LATER NOSE INTENSIFIED AND SPRING AND OTHER PIECES FELL ONTO ROAD AS I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO CONDO DRIVEWAY. HAVING IT TOWED TO DEALER. HAD I BEEN AT SPEED AND/OR IN TRAFFIC THINGS COULD HAVE TURNED OUT VERY BAD. ALL 97 E320'S SHOULD HAVE THIS AREA INSPECTED. *TR
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES 320. THE CONTACT'S SPRING PERCH THAT HOLDS THE SPRING IN FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION WELL TIP BROKE AND CAME APART FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MILES PER HOUR. PER THE CONTACT, IT SEEMD TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM BY MERCEDES AND A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED OF THE RISK AND DANGER INVOLVED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES WILL REPAIR SOME BUT NOT ALL OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL MERCEDES. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THEREWAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACTWAS AWARE OF THE DESIGN FLAW OF THE WELD STRUCTURAL PART OF THE FRAME WHICH CAME APART.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE CORRODED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT END WILL COLLAPSE WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
- Electrical system › Wiring
"BLACK ELECTRICAL JUNCTION/HARNESS BOX" WAS FOUND WITH A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMELL OF ELECTRICITY BURNING THROUGH PART OF THE BOX.*AK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK.*JB *TS
- Air bags › FrontalCrash
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A 40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH FRONTAL DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
- Suspension
SINCE PURCHASE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PULLING TO RIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER 4- 5 TIMES, DID WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND CHANGED TIRES. VEHICLE WILL NOT RETAIN A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, CONSTANTLY PULLS TO RIGHT. *AK
- Power train › Automatic transmission
MBZ REPLACED TRANSMISSION & ELECTRONIC SENDING UNIT AT WHICH POINT I BECAME AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAD HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS AND IT JUST SEEMED TO BE ESCALATING. I TURNED THE CAR IN FOR VOLUNTARY REPOSSESSION AND PAID A $15,000 PENALTY.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.