The vehicle is getting stuck in parking and can not shift out of park. The issue first happened at the dealership when looking into an auxillary battery issue which has since been resolved. After over 30 minutes of trying to resolved the dealer was able to get the vehicle off the lift and switch the gear back into drive. Since then two days later the batteries were replaced and the same issue…
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class engine problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 E300 has a serious track record of piston cracking and early engine failure in the M274 four-cylinder engine, with failures documented as early as 16,000 miles and no manufacturer recall despite widespread complaints. PCV valve failures are also endemic at 25,000–69,000 miles with parts on backorder nationwide and Mercedes refusing warranty coverage. Steer clear unless you can absorb a $9,000–$15,000 engine replacement out of pocket.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 shows patterns of multiple engine failures across this complaint cluster. Piston cracking on cylinder #1 is the most severe: owners report sudden loss of power, violent shaking, and check engine lights at mileages ranging from 16,000 to 89,000 miles. One owner's independent mechanic found broken piston #1 with melted spark plugs at 48,000 miles; another experienced complete power loss at 62,000 miles during highway driving. Engine replacement is the only fix, with quotes between $9,000 and $15,000. Mercedes has not issued a recall despite references to a class action lawsuit and widespread internet complaints about the M274 engine.
PCV valve failure (code P052E/P052E71) is extremely common, hitting owners between 25,000 and 69,000 miles. The valve fails due to condensation in the intake line, causing check engine lights and increased oil consumption. Repair runs $1,500–$2,300 with parts on nationwide backorder; Mercedes extended warranty does not cover it.
Transmission solenoid failure and inability to shift out of Park also appear, with one owner stranded on a busy highway with a child in the vehicle during extreme heat. Oil leaks with engine smoke occurred at just 16,000 miles on one vehicle. Cam adjuster malfunction causing stalling while driving is reported as affecting many owners but remains unrecalled and unfunded by Mercedes.
Same Mercedes-Benz E-Class engine reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Piston cracking / low compression on cylinder #1
Cylinder #1 piston cracks or develops low compression, causing sudden power loss, severe engine shaking, and check engine light. Owners report this happens unexpectedly even during highway driving. Multiple owners cite this as a widespread issue in the M274 engine at relatively low mileage. Engine replacement quoted at $9,000–$15,000.
When: Between 16,000 and 89,000 miles; one owner reports it at 62,000 miles, another at 82,000, another at 89,000; one owner reports failure already occurring at 16,000 miles on a new vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Violent shaking or vibration; Check engine light illuminated (sometimes flashing); Engine stalls or shuts off; Vehicle loses power and cannot exceed 60 MPH; Loud booming noise from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P0300 (cylinder misfire detected), Low compression cylinder #1 (confirmed by independent mechanics and dealerships)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report engine replacement as the only fix; independent mechanics quoted $9,000–$15,000 for full engine replacement. One owner mentioned spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors replaced first without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes-Benz has not issued a recall. One owner references a class action lawsuit against Mercedes for M274 piston failure. Owners note Mercedes refuses to cover this under warranty or extended warranty and blames design defect on owners.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve failure
PCV valve or regulator valve malfunctions, causing check engine light (code P052E or P052E71). Owners report this is a common, recurring issue across 2016–2018 Mercedes models (C300, E300, GLE300) with the four-cylinder turbo engine. The valve fails due to condensation buildup in the intake line. No recall issued despite widespread complaints.
When: Between 25,000 and 69,000 miles; one owner reports second occurrence on same engine.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Code P052E or P052E71 displayed; Increased oil consumption; Oil leaks; Reduced fuel efficiency; Engine releasing more pollutants
Codes mentioned: P052E (crankcase ventilation system malfunction), P052E71 (crankcase ventilation valve faulty, actuator blocked)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake line assembly or PCV valve replacement required. Owners report repair cost $1,500–$2,300 with approximately 7 hours labor. Parts are on nationwide backorder; dealerships place owners on waitlists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the part to prevent recurrent failure but has not issued a recall. Extended warranty does not cover the repair. Dealerships provide no assistance beyond waitlist placement.
Transmission shift solenoid failure
Transmission shift solenoid in valve body fails, causing inability to shift out of Park or loss of response to accelerator pedal. One owner reports abnormally loud sound from transmission during reverse. Another owner reports the vehicle got stuck in Park on two separate occasions with transmission light illuminating. A previous transmission recall may not have fully addressed the issue.
When: At 85,000 miles (solenoid failure); transmission stuck in Park incidents occurred after battery replacement at dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift out of Park; gear stuck in Park; Gear shifts to Neutral but returns to Park involuntarily; Engine jerks and shakes; Check engine light illuminated; Accelerator depressed but vehicle does not accelerate; Abnormally loud sound from transmission during reverse; Transmission light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Solenoid failure in valve body (diagnosed by independent mechanic)
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement required. One owner's vehicle was not repaired; another's vehicle remains inoperable pending recall reissue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous transmission recall was allegedly addressed, but owner believes recall for their specific VIN may have been missed or not fully completed. Mercedes made aware of failure; case filed but no resolution provided.
Engine oil leak and overheating
Oil leaks from engine compartment accompanied by smoke emerging from under the hood. One owner also reports abnormal booming noise from engine. Occurred while driving at highway speed with no warning lights beforehand.
When: At 16,000 miles (very early in vehicle life).
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emerging from engine compartment; Oil leaking from vehicle; Abnormal booming noise from engine; No warning indicators illuminated prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; vehicle not repaired by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted and provided reference number 1-7QUCM but offered no further assistance.
Cam adjuster malfunction / timing defect
Cam adjusters malfunction or fail, causing timing to be defected, which results in engine stalling or shutting off even while driving. Owner reports this affects a great percentage of people with 2017 E300 and is a safety issue.
When: Timing unspecified; owner states this is happening to many owners but has not personally experienced complete failure yet.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or shuts off while driving; Safety concern due to unexpected stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates high repair cost due to this defect but specific repair cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes-Benz has issued technical bulletins on the problem but has not taken responsibility for fixing it or issuing a recall.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and the contact was made aware of a failed piston. The contact was informed that further diagnostic testing on the engine was needed. The vehicle was not repaired and…
PCV regulator valve failure at69,000 miles on my 2017 Mercedes E300.. I understand this is common before 100,000 miles with the four cylinder turbo, I feel there should be a recall and be replace at Mercedes dealers cost. (to replace cost is around $2,000 about 7 hours labor I was told)
While in motion, engine starts vibrating and the check engine light comes up. Took it to the mechanic and its a broken piston. This is the third time this is happening on the same engine
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 31 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 51,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.