1997 Mercedes-Benz E300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300: 0 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 has 8 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 E300 model years for complaints (well below the 18 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 93,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (9 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Diesel |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), transmission & drivetrain (2), engine & cooling (2).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.