Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class: common problems and reliability
· C238An average E-class year.
167 owner complaints, most about engine. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 E-class?The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class has 167 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag high maintenance costs: multiple owners report that dealer servicing, especially transmission fluid changes ($700-$1800), is expensive, and annual maintenance can reach $4k.
Safety record for the 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other E-class years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the E-class?
Across the 25 E-class model years we track, complaint volume runs from 40 (2021) to 912 (2014). With 167 complaints, the 2017 E-class sits about the same as the model's median of 171.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners report on the C238 E-class
Owners of the C238 E-class coupe are overwhelmingly positive, praising its gorgeous styling, comfortable and luxurious interior, and strong reliability. The car is described as a huge upgrade over its predecessor, particularly in interior quality.
- RecurrentHigh maintenance costs
Multiple owners report that dealer servicing, especially transmission fluid changes ($700-$1800), is expensive, and annual maintenance can reach $4k.
- IsolatedTransmission hesitation or rough shifting at low speeds
One owner reported kick-down issues that were resolved by a full transmission service (fluid, filter, torque converter drain, recalibration).
- IsolatedRear window shade getting stuck
One owner reported this as the only issue in 60k miles.
- IsolatedDiesel engine rattle at low revs under power
One owner reported this on two OM654-equipped cars and was able to fix it.
- IsolatedSqueaky driver-side window in cold weather
One owner reported this, fixed with lubricant.
Owner insights for the C238 E-class. Read the full C238 owner report.
Typical used price
Used E-class listings typically run $14,000–$30,990.
Other E-class model years
Compare every E-class year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the E-class against its rivals
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