2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety Report

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class shows recurring fuel system, powertrain, and steering issues with no recalls, and no NHTSA crash test ratings.

160Complaints
0Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
12Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (25)Fuel/Propulsion System (16)Air Bags (16)Unknown Or Other (11)Power Train (10)Steering (10)Structure (5)Fuel System, Gasoline (4)Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Service Brakes (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a mixed safety profile based on available NHTSA data. While there are no official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), the vehicle has accumulated 160 complaints, including 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 12 injuries, with no reported deaths. A significant concern is the recurring pattern of fuel system issues, with multiple complaints detailing strong gasoline odors inside and outside the cabin, often linked to fuel lines or crankcase ventilation systems. This issue is explicitly mentioned in several complaints and could pose a fire risk, as evidenced by the 3 reported fires. Beyond fuel system problems, other common complaint patterns include power train issues, particularly related to acceleration hesitation, transmission slipping, and the vehicle getting stuck in park. Steering malfunctions, such as intermittent loss of power steering or the steering wheel seizing, are also reported, which are critical safety concerns. Airbag system failures, including the airbag light illuminating due to squib malfunctions or seat pressure sensor issues disabling the passenger airbag, represent a significant safety defect. Despite these complaints, there are no recalls issued for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is unusual given the nature and frequency of some reported problems, especially those related to fuel leaks and airbag systems. The absence of recalls means that owners are currently responsible for addressing these potentially serious defects. The lack of official crash test ratings makes it difficult to assess the vehicle's passive safety performance in a collision, placing more emphasis on the active safety systems and component reliability, which show areas of concern based on owner complaints.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Odor/Leak
Strong gasoline smell in the cabin and outside, often linked to fuel lines or crankcase ventilation system, with 3 reported fires.		 High Common unknown miles
Power Steering Malfunction
Intermittent loss of power steering or steering wheel seizing while driving, requiring increased physical effort.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Airbag System Failure
Airbag warning light illumination due to squib malfunction or seat pressure sensor failure disabling the passenger airbag.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Transmission/Acceleration Issues
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate, transmission slips, or gets stuck in park, with 'Reverse not Possible - Service Required' messages.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Crankcase Ventilation System Failure (Pcv Valve)
Malfunctioning PCV valve causing check engine light and requiring expensive replacement.		 Medium Common 18000-70000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

Engine 15% of complaints

Issues include hesitation, loss of power, and PCV valve failures.

Fuel/Propulsion System 10% of complaints

Strong gasoline odors, fuel leaks, and related fire incidents.

Air Bags 10% of complaints

Warning lights, squib malfunctions, and seat pressure sensor failures disabling airbags.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Transmission slipping, delayed shifting, and vehicle getting stuck in park.

Steering 6% of complaints

Loss of power steering, steering wheel seizing, and malfunction warnings.

Structure 3% of complaints

Reports of sunroof glass exploding and jagged seat release levers.

Forward Collision Avoidance 2% of complaints

Malfunctioning automatic braking assist and perimeter sensors.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 160 complaints, including 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 12 injuries. Key safety concerns include recurring fuel system leaks, power steering failures, and airbag system malfunctions. There are no official NHTSA crash test ratings available, making a comprehensive safety assessment challenging.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are related to the ENGINE (25 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints), and AIR BAGS (16 complaints). Specific problems include strong gasoline odors, power steering loss, airbag warning lights, transmission slipping, and PCV valve failures.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

No, according to NHTSA data, there are currently no recalls issued for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, despite numerous complaints about potentially serious safety defects like fuel leaks and airbag malfunctions.

What should I do if I smell gasoline in my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

If you smell gasoline in your 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it is a serious safety concern reported by multiple owners and linked to 3 fires. You should immediately have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic, specifically checking fuel lines and the crankcase ventilation system, even if no warning lights are illuminated.

How does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class does not have official NHTSA crash test ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover safety. Therefore, its performance in crash tests cannot be assessed based on this data.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and the presence of recurring, potentially serious issues like fuel leaks, power steering failures, and airbag malfunctions without any recalls, exercise caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist is highly recommended, focusing on the fuel system, steering, and airbag components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The data includes 160 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 12 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.