Mercedes-Benz 420 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz 420 model year from 1995–1999 using 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1997, which drew far more complaints than other 420 years at the same age. The best years are 1999.

3model years
42complaints
0recalls
1997worst years
1999best years

Complaints by model year

19951997199915225
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz 420. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19995−44%—TransmissionGood
1997221.8×—SuspensionCaution
199515typical—ElectricalAverage

* Complaints compared with the median 420 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz 420 problems

  • Suspensionworst: 1997
    1126%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1995
    819%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1997
    614%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    37%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1997
    37%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1997
    37%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 1995
    25%
  • Steeringworst: 1995
    25%
  • Brakesworst: 1995
    25%
  • Body & structureworst: 1997
    25%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    12%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1997
    12%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1997
    12%
  • Seatsworst: 1997
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 1997
    12%
  • Other / not specified
    12%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1999
    12%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz 420 should you avoid?

1997 — this year has the most complaints relative to other 420 years at the same age, led by suspension problems in the 1997.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz 420?

1999 has the fewest complaints compared with other 420 years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz 420 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (11), electrical system (8) and transmission & drivetrain (6). Suspension complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz 420 had?

0 recalls across 1995–1999.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.