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2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission problems

16 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
    1
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission problems in other years

20172018

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported February 8, 2017 · 73 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 17V078000 · Recall details

What 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · LA

There is a recall on my year model 2017 Mercedes E3 hundred 4matic for the steering column shift module, but I’m being told that my specific vin was not included, but it is having the exact issues as the recall while driving the shift lever will not leave drive to go into reverse. It will only go to park. It refuses shift commands. If I shut the engine off and turn it back on sometimes it will allow me to go into other gears again.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Transmission · 144,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for approximately five to ten minutes, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic shift lever had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact picked up the vehicle from the dealer, and two days later, the same message was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Reverse not Possible - Service Required” was displayed. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the contact waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to a higher gear. The contact stated that the transmission was also slipping out of gear, and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was not shifting above second gear. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module (TCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V078000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

Mercedes-Benz E300 is affected by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) recall, you might notice these symptoms: - Delayed or rough shifting: The transmission may hesitate or struggle to change gears. - Slipping gears: The car might unexpectedly shift out of gear or fail to stay in the correct gear. - Unresponsive transmission: You may experience difficulty accelerating or feel like the car is stuck in a lower gear. - Warning lights: The check engine or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard. - Limp mode activation: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting speed and performance to prevent further damage.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the drive as intended. In addition, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into drive after several attempts, the gear shifter shifted to drive three instead of drive one. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a transmission control module and a shift-level module failure. The contact was informed that the transmission control module and shift level module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that when the failure had started, the transmission slipped, and the gear shifter independently shifted into neutral. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Crankcase ventilation system has failed. Spending $1700 because Mercedes won’t fix it because it’s a known issue and requires a lot of work. They left my car sitting in their parking lot for a week. I have the screen shots to prove it.

Filed Dec 5, 2024 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at red traffic lights or stop signs, on several occasions the gear shifter inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). Additionally, on several occasions when the gear shift lever was shifted in gear, the gear shifter unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V078000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Transmission · 130,981 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle downshifted inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while shifting from neutral to park. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was confirmed, that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,981.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the transmission. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle had self-corrected the issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with solenoid failure in the valve body. The contact was informed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed May 25, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · IA

The car is running poorly. Smell of fumes inside the car. Not drive able due to risk of engine damage including fires and exposure to dangerous fumes. Part is on back order and that is not a guarantee that the part will not fail again after fixed. Many people report continual replacement of the part. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. Crankcase ventilation actuator is blocked .

Questions about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission

Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the transmission of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 17V078000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 problems

Engine 39Fuel system 25Electrical 23Steering 12Body 10Driver assistance 10Brakes 7Airbags 6Lights 5Visibility 3Acceleration 2Wheels 2Seat belts 1Tires 1

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