NHTSA Data Explorer

Mercedes-Benz C230

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Mercedes-Benz C230.

Complaints

856

Active records

Recalls

11

Active records

TSBs

127

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

1

Injuries

63

Crashes

52

Fires

37

Top reported issues — Mercedes-Benz C230

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

271

Operating state

241

Reporting mechanism

153

Engine behavior

140

Performance issue

126

Safety restraint issue

118

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

96

Thermal issue

73

Fluid issue

67

Smell

59

Safety restraint behavior

45

Vibration/harshness

45

Electrical issue

42

Noise

35

Access/entry issue

33

Recent change

31

Braking behavior

27

Starting behavior

26

Lighting behavior

24

Driver assistance issue

22

Steering behavior

16

Powering on/off behavior

15

Ride/handling behavior

10

HVAC behavior

9

Wiper/washer behavior

8

Infotainment behavior

6

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Apr 30, 2026


The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose and landed in the contact's lap. The steering wheel failed to lock securely in place. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Mar 5, 2026


The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving in a storm, the windshield cracked. The taillight and indicator lights were inoperable. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no failure with the sunroof. The vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start while the temperature was 20 degrees. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer by AAA. The…

2012 MERCEDES BENZ C-CLASS

Filed Nov 3, 2025


The taillights in my 2012 c300 was starting to go out intermittently. At first the notification came on for the brake light but the brake light kept working. Afterwards the rest of the taillights and the sidemarker light went out as well. I went to go take a look and the grounding wire was oxidated and corroded. A known issue in which there was a recall made for the 2008-2011 version of the w204 but this did not apply to the 2012 w204. As of last week my entire rear drivers side light is out…

2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Oct 21, 2025


The rear subframe rusted out and failed at the driver side trailing arm mount. It is available for inspection. My pregnant wife was driving it when it failed, luckily it failed an 1/8th mile from our house on a 25mph back road. The problem with these subframes has been well documented in later models and the subject of a class action lawsuit. Nobody has inspected it. There were no symptoms prior to the failure.

2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Aug 5, 2025


Fire

Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…

2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Jun 12, 2025


Engine misfires while driving. OBD 2 codes P0016 and P0017 indicates bad balance shaft. Common defect in these cars. Very expensive repair needed.

2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Mar 6, 2025


We received a recall notice on our Mercedes stating that over time the bonding in the glass panel and sunroof frame might deteriorate over time and cause the glass to separate from the vehicle. On 02/06/25, my son brought his car into the Mercedes dealership in Lafayette, Indiana to take care of the recall. The service tech signed off on the recall and told him everything was ok. On [XXX], he was driving down the highway and the entire glass part of the sunroof flew off behind him! Luckily…

2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Jan 28, 2025


Recall ID: 24V874 on Sliding Roof Bonding was issued. Mercedes-Benz of Nashville was not able to open the Roof and asked for $219.88 to determine cause of sunroof being inoperative. Recall letter stated that: vehicle repair will be provided at no cost to you If dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge.. you may submit a complaint to the NHTSA.. Hence I am submitting this complaint that my sliding roof was not checked nor repaired.

2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Dec 9, 2024


The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH with the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: LI03.30-P-050027. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer…

2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230

Filed Jul 24, 2024


The contact owns a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact heard fluttering sounds coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle each time. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.