1995 Mercedes-Benz 280 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 Mercedes-Benz 280, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3150.8%
- Engine1016.4%
- Fuel system46.6%
- Driver assistance34.9%
- Brakes23.3%
- Body & structure23.3%
- Suspension23.3%
- Visibility11.6%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
- Powertrain (other)11.6%
- Seat belts11.6%
- Steering11.6%
- Tires & wheels11.6%
- Airbags11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING, CAR GRADUALLY LOST POWER UNTIL COMPLETELY SHUT-OFF. MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROADWAY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN ON AGAIN. NO POWER AT ALL. COULD NOT EVEN TURN ON HAZARDS. THANKFULLY, A GOOD SAMARITAN PULLED UP BEHIND ME WITH THEIR FLASHERS ON AND PROVIDED ME WITH A BOOST THAT POWERED UP MY VEHICLE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE MAIN ROADWAY. HOWEVER, ONCE I STOPPED AT THE NEXT STOP SIGN THE CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. AGAIN, THE SAME GUY CAME TO MY AID. THIS TIME WE LET THE BATTERY CHARGE FOR A MUCH LONGER TIME. I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR BUT, THE RPM'S WERE GOING CRAZY. THE DIALS WERE GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CAR WAS REVVING UP AND DOWN. THE FUEL GAUGE, ODOMETER AND OTHER GAUGES WERE AT ZERO. ODD. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT I NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS AS HE SHOWED ME THE INSULATION ON MINE HAD COMPLETELY DETERIORATED WAS CAUSING IT TO SHORT OUT. HE STATED THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM FOR THESE VEHICLES AND THAT IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE OR A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT ON THE ROAD. THIS REPAIR IS COSTING ME $1700. MB CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE NO HELP. *TR
CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR FRO SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES, HOWEVER TODAY IT STARTED, WHAT SEEM TO BE A MISFIRE. I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, IGNITERS AND THEY WERE ALL IN GOOD CONDITION SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES AN HOUR THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND SMOKE FILED THE INSIDE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON A BUSY CROSS ROAD, SO INSTANT PANIC SET IN, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF VISION AND UNABLE TO BREATH FROM THE FUMES. I SUFFER FROM MIGRAINES AND HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR A CHECK UP BECAUSE MY HEALTH HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE. AS DAYLIGHT CAME I FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND IT WAS THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON CERTAIN YEARS OF MERCEDES BENZ, PER THE VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE ISSUE AND HOW I AM NOW WRITING ABOUT IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR, BUT MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR FRO SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES, HOWEVER TODAY IT STARTED, WHAT SEEM TO BE A MISFIRE. I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, IGNITERS AND THEY WERE ALL IN GOOD CONDITION SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES AN HOUR THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND SMOKE FILED THE INSIDE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON A BUSY CROSS ROAD, SO INSTANT PANIC SET IN, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF VISION AND UNABLE TO BREATH FROM THE FUMES. I SUFFER FROM MIGRAINES AND HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR A CHECK UP BECAUSE MY HEALTH HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE. AS DAYLIGHT CAME I FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND IT WAS THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON CERTAIN YEARS OF MERCEDES BENZ, PER THE VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE ISSUE AND HOW I AM NOW WRITING ABOUT IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR, BUT MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR FRO SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES, HOWEVER TODAY IT STARTED, WHAT SEEM TO BE A MISFIRE. I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, IGNITERS AND THEY WERE ALL IN GOOD CONDITION SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED RECENTLY. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT 35 MILES AN HOUR THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AND SMOKE FILED THE INSIDE AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ON A BUSY CROSS ROAD, SO INSTANT PANIC SET IN, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF VISION AND UNABLE TO BREATH FROM THE FUMES. I SUFFER FROM MIGRAINES AND HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR A CHECK UP BECAUSE MY HEALTH HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE. AS DAYLIGHT CAME I FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE AND IT WAS THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON CERTAIN YEARS OF MERCEDES BENZ, PER THE VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE ISSUE AND HOW I AM NOW WRITING ABOUT IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN A GOOD RUNNING CAR, BUT MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
ROTTED DISINTEGRATED WIRING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM--DASHBOARD LIGHTS THAT GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY---- ABS, CLOCK, OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE, REAR DEFROSTER. HAD PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION---WIRING WAS "PATCHED UP" AS BEST AS IT COULD BE AND STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A 1995 C-280 WITH APPROX. 118000 MI. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WHICH, ACCORDING TO MY BENZ MECH, JUST LIKE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THESE CARS,WAS A DISINTEGRATING GAS HOSE THAT HAD GASOLINE SPEWING EVERYWHERE. THE THREE (EXPENSIVE) HOSES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO SHOW RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. PERHAPS A CLASS ACTION SUIT MIGHT STIR THEM UP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS HAS BADLY DETERIORATED DUE TO USING POOR MATERIALS. THIS IS A VERY HIGH OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN THAT IT CAN CAUSE STALLING, SUDDEN ACCELERATION, FIRE AND IT CAN ALSO CAUSE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS TO OTHER VEHICLE SYSTEMS. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM OUT OF CONCERN FOR CONSUMER SAFETY, AND EXPENSE.
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED SPEEDOMETER JUMPING UP AND DOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
8182225555: MERCEDES C 280 LEMON RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 3/26/03/. I WALKED INTO ACURA AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR W/ ERIK ON 3/27. I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS. THE SRS LIGHT (AIRBAGS ) KEPT COMING ON W/ BUZZ NOISE. ON THE 5TH DAY, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AND REAR BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. THE RADIO FREQUENTLY GOES IN AND OUT ON SEVERAL STATIONS. THE 3RD WEEK, THERE WAS A HEAVY OIL LEAK, LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND HEAD GASKET. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND DOES NOT MEET USED CAR SAFETY STANDARDS. THE POWER STEERING HAD A LEAK. THE BRAKES WERE WORN BELOW 50%, THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS WERE WORN. THE SHOCKS LEAKED GAS FROM THE FRONT AND ARE WEAK IN THE BACK. CAR ENGINE IDLE HAS A WATER PUMP LEAK. THE BUYERS GUIDE STATED ABOVE. 4/16/04, I DROVE TO ACURA TO TALK TO VERN. VERN TOLD ME THAT MERCE ALWAYS HAS OIL LEAKS. VERN SIGNED A FORM THAT STATED HE WOULD HAVE UNION 76 MECHANIC CHANGE OIL PAN GASKET, CHECK OUT PWR STR PUMP, BRAKES, MISFIRE. 4/20/04, I HEARD VERN TELL UNION 76 TO FIX THE OIL LEAK, CHANGE ALL 4 STRUTS, CHANGE THE ROTORS, BRAKES, AND SENSORS, CHECK PWR STEERING, AND CHECK THE IDLE. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK ON 4/21/04, THE MECHANICS MESSED UP THE IDLE, THE CAR WAS SHAKING . THE CAR WAS NOT LIKE THIS BEFORE. VERN HAD UNION 76 MESS UP THE CAR. THE STRUTS WERE NOT CHANGED. THE OIL LEAK WAS NOT FIXED. THE OIL PAN WASN'T TIGHTENED. THIS IS AUTO REPAIR FRAUD. ON 4/22/04 I TALKED TO KURT KEENER. HE TRIED TO TO DRAG THIS ORDEAL TILL THE WARR PERIOD RAN OUT. 4/22/04, I BROUGHT A MALE WITNESS W/ ME, I DROPPED OFF THE CAR AND REQUESTED A REFUND OF $8,012.09 FOR THE CAR AND FOR CAR INSURANCE THE AMOUNT OF $421.00. VERN WAS AWARE OF MAJOR OIL LEAK IN HEAD GASKET/PISTONS, DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES. THIS WAS VERIFIED AT CALABASAS MOTORS ON 4/29 BY TONI PENKINS. TONI SAID THERE WERE OTHER LEAKS TOO. 8185912377. *AK
BRAKE SQUEAKS. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR LEFT SIDE PANEL NOT FINISHED, CAUSING MUFFLER TO BE EXPOSED. *SD
LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL INSIDE PANEL IS MISSING, TIRE WOULD WOULD SPRAY DEBRIS INTO VEHICLE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE THE BALL JOINT IS ATTACHED BROKE DETACHING THE WHEEL AND CAUSING THE TIRE TO COLLAPSE. A MERCEDES-BENZ SPECIALIST IN MY AREA WHO REPAIRS ONLY MERCEDES-BENZ ADVISED ME THAT THIS IS ALL TOO COMMON WITH THIS SERIES OF MERCEDES-BENZ HAS RANGING FROM 1994 TO 1998 IN BOTH C CLASS AND E CLASS VEHICLES. THE REPAIR SHOP THAT REPLACED THE CONTROL ARM WAS ALSO SURPRISED ON HOW THIN THE SHEET METAL CONTROL ARM IS WHERE THE BALL JOINT MOUNTING IS WELDED ONTO THE SHEET METAL. OVER TIME RUST FORMS ON THE INSIDE OF THE SHEET METAL WHICH IS HOLLOW. TWO WEEKS LATER THE SAME REPAIR SHOP HAD ANOTHER CUSTOMER COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON A 1998 MERCEDES-BENZ. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS NEVER MADE A RECOIL, AND DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SERIES OF VEHICLES. WHICH IN REALITY IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. *TR
THE PROBLEMS I HAVE CITED ARE REPETTIVE....BENZ FIXES A PART, THEN IT GOES AGAIN....THE CRA CANNOT BE PROPERLY BALANCED I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY YWO INDEPENDENT CAR REPAIR SHOPS.....THE ELECTRICAL PROBELSM STARTED 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR AND ARE ONGOING.........I BELIEVE THE CAR IS UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED AND BENZ HAS BEEN LYING TO ME........NG. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD WIPER SINGLE BLADE THAT GOES OVER COMPLETE WINDSHIELD FAILED DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM DUE TO FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY MOTOR. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
POSSIBLE DEFECT IN LEFT REAR WHEEL, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPEEDOMETER FAILED. *DH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
8182225555: MERCEDES C 280 LEMON RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 3/26/03/. I WALKED INTO ACURA AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR W/ ERIK ON 3/27. I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS. THE SRS LIGHT (AIRBAGS ) KEPT COMING ON W/ BUZZ NOISE. ON THE 5TH DAY, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AND REAR BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. THE RADIO FREQUENTLY GOES IN AND OUT ON SEVERAL STATIONS. THE 3RD WEEK, THERE WAS A HEAVY OIL LEAK, LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND HEAD GASKET. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND DOES NOT MEET USED CAR SAFETY STANDARDS. THE POWER STEERING HAD A LEAK. THE BRAKES WERE WORN BELOW 50%, THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS WERE WORN. THE SHOCKS LEAKED GAS FROM THE FRONT AND ARE WEAK IN THE BACK. CAR ENGINE IDLE HAS A WATER PUMP LEAK. THE BUYERS GUIDE STATED ABOVE. 4/16/04, I DROVE TO ACURA TO TALK TO VERN. VERN TOLD ME THAT MERCE ALWAYS HAS OIL LEAKS. VERN SIGNED A FORM THAT STATED HE WOULD HAVE UNION 76 MECHANIC CHANGE OIL PAN GASKET, CHECK OUT PWR STR PUMP, BRAKES, MISFIRE. 4/20/04, I HEARD VERN TELL UNION 76 TO FIX THE OIL LEAK, CHANGE ALL 4 STRUTS, CHANGE THE ROTORS, BRAKES, AND SENSORS, CHECK PWR STEERING, AND CHECK THE IDLE. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK ON 4/21/04, THE MECHANICS MESSED UP THE IDLE, THE CAR WAS SHAKING . THE CAR WAS NOT LIKE THIS BEFORE. VERN HAD UNION 76 MESS UP THE CAR. THE STRUTS WERE NOT CHANGED. THE OIL LEAK WAS NOT FIXED. THE OIL PAN WASN'T TIGHTENED. THIS IS AUTO REPAIR FRAUD. ON 4/22/04 I TALKED TO KURT KEENER. HE TRIED TO TO DRAG THIS ORDEAL TILL THE WARR PERIOD RAN OUT. 4/22/04, I BROUGHT A MALE WITNESS W/ ME, I DROPPED OFF THE CAR AND REQUESTED A REFUND OF $8,012.09 FOR THE CAR AND FOR CAR INSURANCE THE AMOUNT OF $421.00. VERN WAS AWARE OF MAJOR OIL LEAK IN HEAD GASKET/PISTONS, DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES. THIS WAS VERIFIED AT CALABASAS MOTORS ON 4/29 BY TONI PENKINS. TONI SAID THERE WERE OTHER LEAKS TOO. 8185912377. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
8182225555: MERCEDES C 280 LEMON RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 3/26/03/. I WALKED INTO ACURA AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR W/ ERIK ON 3/27. I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS. THE SRS LIGHT (AIRBAGS ) KEPT COMING ON W/ BUZZ NOISE. ON THE 5TH DAY, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AND REAR BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. THE RADIO FREQUENTLY GOES IN AND OUT ON SEVERAL STATIONS. THE 3RD WEEK, THERE WAS A HEAVY OIL LEAK, LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND HEAD GASKET. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND DOES NOT MEET USED CAR SAFETY STANDARDS. THE POWER STEERING HAD A LEAK. THE BRAKES WERE WORN BELOW 50%, THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS WERE WORN. THE SHOCKS LEAKED GAS FROM THE FRONT AND ARE WEAK IN THE BACK. CAR ENGINE IDLE HAS A WATER PUMP LEAK. THE BUYERS GUIDE STATED ABOVE. 4/16/04, I DROVE TO ACURA TO TALK TO VERN. VERN TOLD ME THAT MERCE ALWAYS HAS OIL LEAKS. VERN SIGNED A FORM THAT STATED HE WOULD HAVE UNION 76 MECHANIC CHANGE OIL PAN GASKET, CHECK OUT PWR STR PUMP, BRAKES, MISFIRE. 4/20/04, I HEARD VERN TELL UNION 76 TO FIX THE OIL LEAK, CHANGE ALL 4 STRUTS, CHANGE THE ROTORS, BRAKES, AND SENSORS, CHECK PWR STEERING, AND CHECK THE IDLE. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK ON 4/21/04, THE MECHANICS MESSED UP THE IDLE, THE CAR WAS SHAKING . THE CAR WAS NOT LIKE THIS BEFORE. VERN HAD UNION 76 MESS UP THE CAR. THE STRUTS WERE NOT CHANGED. THE OIL LEAK WAS NOT FIXED. THE OIL PAN WASN'T TIGHTENED. THIS IS AUTO REPAIR FRAUD. ON 4/22/04 I TALKED TO KURT KEENER. HE TRIED TO TO DRAG THIS ORDEAL TILL THE WARR PERIOD RAN OUT. 4/22/04, I BROUGHT A MALE WITNESS W/ ME, I DROPPED OFF THE CAR AND REQUESTED A REFUND OF $8,012.09 FOR THE CAR AND FOR CAR INSURANCE THE AMOUNT OF $421.00. VERN WAS AWARE OF MAJOR OIL LEAK IN HEAD GASKET/PISTONS, DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES. THIS WAS VERIFIED AT CALABASAS MOTORS ON 4/29 BY TONI PENKINS. TONI SAID THERE WERE OTHER LEAKS TOO. 8185912377. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ROTTED DISINTEGRATED WIRING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM--DASHBOARD LIGHTS THAT GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY---- ABS, CLOCK, OUTSIDE TEMP GAUGE, REAR DEFROSTER. HAD PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION---WIRING WAS "PATCHED UP" AS BEST AS IT COULD BE AND STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A 1995 C-280 WITH APPROX. 118000 MI. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN UNRELATED PROBLEM WHICH, ACCORDING TO MY BENZ MECH, JUST LIKE THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THESE CARS,WAS A DISINTEGRATING GAS HOSE THAT HAD GASOLINE SPEWING EVERYWHERE. THE THREE (EXPENSIVE) HOSES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO SHOW RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. PERHAPS A CLASS ACTION SUIT MIGHT STIR THEM UP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
8182225555: MERCEDES C 280 LEMON RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 3/26/03/. I WALKED INTO ACURA AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR W/ ERIK ON 3/27. I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS. THE SRS LIGHT (AIRBAGS ) KEPT COMING ON W/ BUZZ NOISE. ON THE 5TH DAY, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE HEAD RESTRAINTS AND REAR BUTTONS DID NOT WORK. THE RADIO FREQUENTLY GOES IN AND OUT ON SEVERAL STATIONS. THE 3RD WEEK, THERE WAS A HEAVY OIL LEAK, LEAKING FROM THE OIL PAN AND HEAD GASKET. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND DOES NOT MEET USED CAR SAFETY STANDARDS. THE POWER STEERING HAD A LEAK. THE BRAKES WERE WORN BELOW 50%, THE BRAKE SENSORS WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS WERE WORN. THE SHOCKS LEAKED GAS FROM THE FRONT AND ARE WEAK IN THE BACK. CAR ENGINE IDLE HAS A WATER PUMP LEAK. THE BUYERS GUIDE STATED ABOVE. 4/16/04, I DROVE TO ACURA TO TALK TO VERN. VERN TOLD ME THAT MERCE ALWAYS HAS OIL LEAKS. VERN SIGNED A FORM THAT STATED HE WOULD HAVE UNION 76 MECHANIC CHANGE OIL PAN GASKET, CHECK OUT PWR STR PUMP, BRAKES, MISFIRE. 4/20/04, I HEARD VERN TELL UNION 76 TO FIX THE OIL LEAK, CHANGE ALL 4 STRUTS, CHANGE THE ROTORS, BRAKES, AND SENSORS, CHECK PWR STEERING, AND CHECK THE IDLE. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK ON 4/21/04, THE MECHANICS MESSED UP THE IDLE, THE CAR WAS SHAKING . THE CAR WAS NOT LIKE THIS BEFORE. VERN HAD UNION 76 MESS UP THE CAR. THE STRUTS WERE NOT CHANGED. THE OIL LEAK WAS NOT FIXED. THE OIL PAN WASN'T TIGHTENED. THIS IS AUTO REPAIR FRAUD. ON 4/22/04 I TALKED TO KURT KEENER. HE TRIED TO TO DRAG THIS ORDEAL TILL THE WARR PERIOD RAN OUT. 4/22/04, I BROUGHT A MALE WITNESS W/ ME, I DROPPED OFF THE CAR AND REQUESTED A REFUND OF $8,012.09 FOR THE CAR AND FOR CAR INSURANCE THE AMOUNT OF $421.00. VERN WAS AWARE OF MAJOR OIL LEAK IN HEAD GASKET/PISTONS, DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES. THIS WAS VERIFIED AT CALABASAS MOTORS ON 4/29 BY TONI PENKINS. TONI SAID THERE WERE OTHER LEAKS TOO. 8185912377. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .