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…
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class powertrain problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain 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
Among the 14 model years of Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 E-Class powertrain has significant documented issues with transmission control and shifting that persist even after recall repairs. Water intrusion can disable the entire drivetrain, and crankcase ventilation problems cause fume exposure—be prepared for expensive repeated repairs and confirm your VIN is included in available recalls before purchase.
Owners of the 2017 E-Class E300 report persistent transmission control issues starting as early as 43,000 miles. The most common failure involves the Transmission Control Module (TCM) becoming unresponsive, leaving the shift lever stuck or causing it to shift into neutral without input. When this happens, the transmission often enters limp mode, restricting the vehicle to second or third gear, and owners see a dashboard message reading "Reverse not Possible - Service Required." Even after dealer replacement of the TCM, some owners report the same failure recurring within days.
Multiple owners reference NHTSA Campaign Number 17V078000, but many report their VINs are excluded from the recall despite experiencing identical symptoms. Transmission slipping, jerking during acceleration, and erratic downshifting are widespread complaints, with some occurring even after recall service was completed. One owner's vehicle was disabled on a highway during heavy rain due to water intrusion shorting out electrical components under the seats, leaving the shift lever completely inoperable while the engine continued running.
Owners also report failures in the crankcase ventilation system, with fumes inside the cabin and risk of engine damage. One owner paid $1,700 out of pocket because Mercedes deemed it a known issue not covered under warranty, and multiple owners report the part fails repeatedly after replacement.
Same Mercedes-Benz E-Class powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
The TCM fails, causing loss of transmission control. Owners report the shift lever becomes unresponsive or shifts unexpectedly into neutral, and the transmission may enter limp mode, restricting the vehicle to second gear or lower. Some owners experience repeated failures even after dealer replacement.
When: Between 43,000 and 144,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever fails to move or respond to input; Vehicle shifts inadvertently into neutral; Transmission enters limp mode, limiting gear selection; Transmission will not shift above second or third gear; Vehicle hesitates or refuses to accelerate when pedal is depressed; Message displays: 'Reverse not Possible - Service Required'
Codes mentioned: TCM failure diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis confirms TCM replacement needed. One owner reported the dealer kept the vehicle unrepaired; another had TCM replaced but same failure returned within two days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 17V078000 (Power Train) exists; however, multiple owners report their VINs are not included in the recall despite having identical symptoms.
Electronic Shift Lever Failure
The electronic shift lever mechanism fails to engage or move reliably. Owners cannot shift between gears or the lever gets stuck. The failure is linked to the shift level module and steering column shift module.
When: 43,000 to 97,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever seized and will not move; Shift lever fails to shift into drive, reverse, or park on first attempt; Shift lever returns to neutral position without input; Shift lever independently shifts into unintended gear position
Codes mentioned: Shift level module failure, Steering column shift module failure, Power train control module failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer or independent mechanic diagnosis required. Shift level module and/or steering column shift module replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V078000; multiple owners' VINs not included despite matching symptoms.
Transmission Slipping and Shifting Anomalies
The transmission slips out of gear, shifts erratically without driver input, or shifts to an unintended gear position. Jerking and hesitation occur during acceleration and gear changes.
When: 50,000 to 130,981 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips out of gear unexpectedly; Vehicle jerks or hesitates during acceleration; Transmission shifts down inadvertently at various speeds; Vehicle lurches forward when accelerating; Transmission shifts to higher than intended gear (e.g., D3 instead of D1); Transmission erratically switches between automatic and manual modes without selector input; Vehicle lags when accelerating after slowing for speed bumps
Codes mentioned: TCM failure, Transmission slip detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis typically identifies TCM or shift module failure. Some owners report the problem persists or recurs after recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners had recall work performed (NHTSA 17V078000), but symptoms appeared or continued after repair. Dealer claimed stuttering is 'normal' in at least one case.
Water Intrusion Causing Powertrain Electrical Failure
Water enters the vehicle through the rear view mirror mount and driver's side column during heavy rain, shorting out electronic components under the front seats and disabling the powertrain. The shift lever becomes inoperable and the vehicle loses all drive capability while running.
When: At 3 years of ownership during rainstorm
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever will not engage any gear (drive, reverse, neutral); Vehicle loses all drive capability despite engine continuing to run; Windshield wipers will not turn off; Windows will not close; Multiple warning lights illuminate on dashboard; Vehicle immobilized on highway
Codes mentioned: Electrical short due to water intrusion
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing on dolly. Electronic components under front seats were shorted out. Repair details not provided in narrative.
Crankcase Ventilation System Failure
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve and crankcase ventilation actuator malfunction or become blocked. Owners report fumes inside the car and risk of engine damage and fires. One owner reports the part is on back order and multiple owners have reported repeated failure of the same part after replacement.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Smell of fumes inside vehicle; Vehicle not drivable due to risk of engine damage; Risk of fire exposure; Dangerous fume exposure inside cabin
Codes mentioned: Crankcase ventilation system malfunction, Crankcase ventilation actuator blocked
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports spending $1,700 on repair. Part is on back order with no guarantee against future failure. Multiple owners report continued replacement of the part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes refuses to fix the issue, acknowledging it is a known problem requiring substantial labor.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 64,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 92,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 64,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.