1997 Mercedes Benz S Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 3, 2010 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other S Class years
Not enough data 9th of 13 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class. That ranks 9th out of 13 S Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (2 complaints, 100%), typically at around 111,500 miles. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Mercedes Benz S Class
Mercedes-Benz Photography by David Adam Kess Picture by David Adam Kess. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: David Adam Kess, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System2 · ~111,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System2100%111,500——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2008, with 1 complaints
2008: 1200812010: 120101

n = 2 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1997 Mercedes Benz S Class recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The engine wiring harness for the engine of a 1997 mercedes-benz s500 has disintegrated due to a manufacturing defect. The mercedes manufacturer seemed to have used an inferior an unsuitable insulation for the wires, which, for no reason other than time, deteriorate allowing the wires to short and…

Electrical System · received Mar 3, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10316157

Multiple failures, with degradation of insulation on wiring in this vehicle. *tr

Electrical System · received Mar 4, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10220071

Other Mercedes Benz S Class years

← 1996 S Class · 1998 S Class →

See all Mercedes Benz S Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class?

Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 1997 Mercedes Benz S Class a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S Class model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.