How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300?

NHTSA lists 16 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 E300, which is 12% of the 132 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300?

Yes. Recall campaign 17V078000 covers a steering column-mounted shift lever module that may have a damaged internal circuit board, affecting gear shifting. Dealers replace the module free of charge.

At what mileage do 2017 E300 transmission problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 E300 is 85,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Have transmission issues in the 2017 E300 caused crashes or injuries?

According to NHTSA data, the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 E300 report zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, 12% of the 132 total complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 85,000. A related recall (17V078000) covers a steering column-mounted shift lever module that can fail internally.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 16; 12% of 132
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 85,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Gear shifter intermittently fails to engage or seizes when moving from neutral into reverse or drive, sometimes resolving after the vehicle is turned off and restarted.
Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral on its own while stopped at lights or stop signs, or while already in gear.
Transmission jerks, hesitates, lurches, or downshifts inadvertently at various speeds, including while shifting from neutral to park.
Accelerator pedal is depressed but the vehicle fails to accelerate as intended, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light or an abnormally loud sound when reversing.
Owners report a stutter when applying gas after braking, which one owner said began after the shift lever module recall repair was performed.

When 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 15, 2019, latest May 2, 2026.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2019 to May 2026; peak Jul 2024 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300

NHTSA 17V078000Feb 8, 2017Transmission & Powertrain73 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 E300 and E300 4Matic vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged steering column-mounted shift lever module. If the internal circuit board is damaged, moving the shift lever will not select a transmission gear.
Risk: If the vehicle does not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column-mounted shift lever module, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by E300 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20160 (0%)
201716 (12%)
20185 (16%)
20190 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300?: NHTSA lists 16 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 E300, which is 12% of the 132 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission-related recall for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300?: Yes. Recall campaign 17V078000 covers a steering column-mounted shift lever module that may have a damaged internal circuit board, affecting gear shifting. Dealers replace the module free of charge.
At what mileage do 2017 E300 transmission problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 E300 is 85,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Have transmission issues in the 2017 E300 caused crashes or injuries?: According to NHTSA data, the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 E300 report zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries.