2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230, 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
- Engine5336.1%
- Powertrain (other)2617.7%
- Airbags2617.7%
- Driver assistance85.4%
- Electrical64.1%
- Steering64.1%
- Seat belts53.4%
- Fuel system32.0%
- Brakes32.0%
- Visibility21.4%
- Body & structure21.4%
- Exterior lighting21.4%
- Transmission21.4%
- Tires & wheels10.7%
- Other / unspecified10.7%
- Suspension10.7%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine misfires while driving. OBD 2 codes P0016 and P0017 indicates bad balance shaft. Common defect in these cars. Very expensive repair needed.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 covered under the service bulletin. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift, and the transmission appeared to be frozen in the 2nd gear. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle and shifted into park (P); when the vehicle was restarted and shifted into drive (D), the vehicle was lunging and jerking. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift from drive (D) to park (P) or reverse (R), because the vehicle would lunge in the direction the transmission was shifted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the transmission control module sensor. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,629.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO THERE, THIS IS MY VEHICLE INFORMATION 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230 SPORT VIN : (XXXXX) AND THIS IS THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER : 16V081 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER : 2018030001 I HAVE STARTED A RESEARCH AFTER I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOO MANY ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING & HEADLAMPS, TAILGATE LIGHTS, STOP LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND THE MALFUNCTION ON THE HORN WHICH HAS STOPPED WORKING SINCE 2/2/2019. I HAVE ALSO BEING PULLED OVER BY POLICE OFFICERS STATING THAT THE MALFUNCTION ON MY TAIL GATE LIGHTS AND STOP / BRAKE LIGHTS AND ALSO HEADLAMPS MUST BE REPAIRED ASAP, I DID BOUGHT NEW BULBS AND REPLACED THE OLD BULBS ON BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS AND BRAKE/ STOP & PARKING LIGHTS BUT THEY ONLY WORK WELL FOR A FEW DAYS BUT THEN THEY JUST STOP WORKING OR WORK INTERMITTENTLY .... I HAVE RECEIVED A TRAFFIC VIOLATION TICKET ON 12/28/2018 AFTER SEVERAL PULLED OVER FROM THE SAME POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AS THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT I INDEED HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AFOREMENTIONED ( I HAVE ATTACHED THE RECEIPT FOR THAT VIOLATION ). THE ISSUE THAT WORRIES ME THE MOST IS THE HONK FAILURE AND THE DRIVER PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL, THOSE ARE A VERY SENSITIVE SAFETY MATTER AND I PLEASE WANT TO GET HELP TO GET THIS FIX. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACT 2 MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIPS HERE IN CALIFORNIA ( DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS & RUSNAK MERCEDES BENZ OF ARCADIA, CA ).... AT THIS TIME I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY REPLY TO MY CALLS AND EMAILS, AND I AM REALLY WORRY ABOUT IT BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE AND DRIVE TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND TO PLEASURE ON WEEKENDS WHEN I TAKE WITH ME MY 10 YEARS OLD SON, AND THAT IS THE PART THAT WORRIES ME THE MOST, I DO NOT WANT TO RISK MY SON IN AN EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH WITH THE AIRBAGS FAILURE, THAT CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE WITH SHATTER DEBRIS THAT CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE MY SON AND MYSELF AND EVEN CAUSE DEATH... PLEASE HELP ME TO GET THIS REPAIRS DONE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF RENO, 11500 S VIRGINIA ST, RENO, NV 89511) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 877-496-3691 AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SHIFTING GEARS. THE TACHOMETER WOULD REV HIGH BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVOLUTIONS. ONCE TRAFFIC FREED UP FROM A STOP AND GO 20 MILE/HR THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND REMAINED IN LIMP MODE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE CURRENT QUOTE TO REPLACE THE 7 SPEED 722.9 TRANSMISSION IS $2800 PARTS AND LABOR.
MOMENTS AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY AND REDUCING SPEED AT AROUND 35 MPH MY CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE AND CONTINUE AS IT WOULD IN NEUTRAL. FAMILY IN THE CAR PANIC AND FOR MY FORTUNE LIGHT TRAFFIC ON AN USUAL BUSY STREET. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON AT THE MOMENT OF DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT. A WEEK LATER WITHOUT A WARNING THE VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND LOST SPEED IN THE FREEWAY. THIS INCIDENT COULD EASY CAUSE MY FAMILY AND OTHER DRIVERS A FATAL ACCIDENT AND PREVENTABLE INJURIES. I HAVE FOUND MANY SIMILAR INCIDENTS DESCRIBING WHAT HAPPEN TO ME AND ITS AWFUL THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO FIX IT. I WILL CONTACT MY LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR TO DEMAND ACTION AND A FORMAL INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Steering column is locked. The car will not start.
MY CAR HAS A COMPUTER SYSTEM PROBLEM. IT HAS TO BE RESET TO WHERE IT WONT ERASE WHAT IS ALREADY ON THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. I CAN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE ITS STALLING OR IT SHAKES TO MUCH WHEN U ARE STOPED AT A RED LIGHT IT GIRKS ALOT AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT CUZ IT DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF POWER TO GET SPEED WHEN USING IT ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE HAD A SECOND OPINION ON WHAT IS WRONG WITH AND ITS THE COMPUTER SYSTEM SO PLEASE HELP I NEED ASSISTANCE MY HUSBAND AND I ARE DISABLED ALSO THE SPEEDOMETERS IS NOT WORKING.
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
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.
To whom this may,I been having problems with check engine light keep coming on,I'm paying alot of money on this car,it could be that recall hose on back order causing that check engine light to come on,please HELP!!!!!!
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
TAKATA RECALL- WENT IN FOR RECALL SRS LIGHT TURNED ON.DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST 150- TO FIND OUT PROBLEM, I'VE SAID ISN' THE SRS LIGHT IS THE AIRBAG UNIT? HE SAID NO MECHANIC IS GOING WORK IF THE RED LIGHT IS ON, UNLESS THE RED LIGHT NOT THERE.SO I'VE ASKED WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENS ALONG THE WAY? HE SAID SORRY, THEN( I RESCHEDULED IN 5 DAYS. I TOOK CAR HOME TO GET SRS-REDLIGJT OFF.) AT HONOLULU, MERCEDES BENZ.
TAKATA RECALL I WAS REAR ENDED AND HEADREST AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR HAS A COMPUTER SYSTEM PROBLEM. IT HAS TO BE RESET TO WHERE IT WONT ERASE WHAT IS ALREADY ON THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. I CAN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE ITS STALLING OR IT SHAKES TO MUCH WHEN U ARE STOPED AT A RED LIGHT IT GIRKS ALOT AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT CUZ IT DOESN'T HAVE A LOT OF POWER TO GET SPEED WHEN USING IT ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE HAD A SECOND OPINION ON WHAT IS WRONG WITH AND ITS THE COMPUTER SYSTEM SO PLEASE HELP I NEED ASSISTANCE MY HUSBAND AND I ARE DISABLED ALSO THE SPEEDOMETERS IS NOT WORKING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER WAS DIRTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,089 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,499.
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
SOMETIMES, ENGINES YELLOW LIGHT IS ON, AND CAR HAD A LITTLE SHAKING, AND LAKES ARE SOFT WHEN BRAKING,. AND THE CAR WINDOW ASIDE OF FRONT GUEST STOPS MOVING UP AND DOWN.
ON JUNE 9, 2011 I DROVE TO SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA TO VISIT MY COUSIN WHEN I GOT THERE I WENT TO LOCK MY DOORS BUT THE LOCK KEPT JUMPING UP AND DOWN. IT FINALLY LOCKED AFTER 12 ATTEMPTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $3500.00 TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 18, 2011 WITH MY BRAKES.THE BREAK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND $795.00 THEY CLAIMED I NEEDED FOR BOTH BRAKES AND ROTORS WHICH I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND SINCE 6 MONTHS PRIOR THE ROTORS HAD BEEN REPLACED. I AGAIN HAD TO HAVE THE ROTORS AND BREAKS REPLACED IN JULY 2012 AS WELL AS THE BACK BREAKS BUT THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER PLACE OTHER THAN THE DEALER AND HERE IT IS 2014 AND THEY ARE STILL HOLDING AND THE COST WAS $495.00 FOR BOTH FRONT AND BACK AS WELL 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE ME $495.00 FOR THE BACK ALONE. THE THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED IN LAS VEGAS I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. IT STARTED BACK RIGHT AWAY BUT I HAD A TEN HOUR DRIVE TO MAKE IT HOME AND THIS WORRIED ME. THE FOURTH INCIDENT WAS WITH THE SUNROOF I WENT TO THE CAR WASH AND THE WAX THAT WAS USED CAUSED THE SUNROOF TO STICK AFTER IT DRIED AND LATER THE MOTOR WENT OUT BECAUSE OF MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE ROOF, THE DEALER QUOTED ME A PRICE OF $5000.00 TO REPAIR IT. LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVERS SEATBELT AND BACK SEATBELT ON DRIVERS SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE AND IF I HAD AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELTS MIGHT NOT HOLD, THIS WILL COST ME $700.00 TO HAVE FIXED. I DON'T HAVE A MONEY TREE GROWING IN MY YARD. ALSO MY REAR TAILLIGHT KEPT GOING OUT AND WHAT WE FOUND WAS THAT THE ENTIRE CASING HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. THE ENTIRE UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE PAID MORE IN REPAIRS ON THIS CARS THAN I PAID IN GROCERIES OVER THE PASS FIVE YEARS. *TR
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V918000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V919000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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
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 there wasn’t a driver behind him. He was very startled and could’ve swerved off the road causing injury to himself or others. If someone was behind him they could’ve been injured or even killed. We called the dealership immediately. The service manager told my husband that they checked the glass on the roof and our car was not part of the recall and there was nothing they could do! Since that day, (one month) we have been trying to get SOMEONE to help us. We have contacted the GM at the dealership, talked to 3 people at Mercedes corporate only to be hung up on once and put on hold for 45 minutes the other time. To this day we are unable to get anyone to address the issue. The NHTSA clearly stated our vehicle is part of this recall yet the dealership is stating the glass number wasn’t listed. Obviously our vehicle is part of the recall considering what happened! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
FEW MILES DRIVEN AND A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM UNDER THE WINDSHIELD DO NOT ALLOW TO DRIVE WITH NECESSARY SERENITY. AFTER 5 INTERVENTION ON THE CAR FINALLY THEY SOLVED THE PROBLEM, REPLACING 3 TIMES THE PLASTIC COVER UNDER THE WINDSHIELD, ONE TIME COMPLETELY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD. NOW THAT THE WINTER AND COLD TEMPERATURES ARE BACK THE NOISE IS BACK AGAIN. UNBELIEVABLE FOR A MERCEDES-BENZ. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO THERE, THIS IS MY VEHICLE INFORMATION 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C230 SPORT VIN : (XXXXX) AND THIS IS THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER : 16V081 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER : 2018030001 I HAVE STARTED A RESEARCH AFTER I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOO MANY ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING & HEADLAMPS, TAILGATE LIGHTS, STOP LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND THE MALFUNCTION ON THE HORN WHICH HAS STOPPED WORKING SINCE 2/2/2019. I HAVE ALSO BEING PULLED OVER BY POLICE OFFICERS STATING THAT THE MALFUNCTION ON MY TAIL GATE LIGHTS AND STOP / BRAKE LIGHTS AND ALSO HEADLAMPS MUST BE REPAIRED ASAP, I DID BOUGHT NEW BULBS AND REPLACED THE OLD BULBS ON BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS AND BRAKE/ STOP & PARKING LIGHTS BUT THEY ONLY WORK WELL FOR A FEW DAYS BUT THEN THEY JUST STOP WORKING OR WORK INTERMITTENTLY .... I HAVE RECEIVED A TRAFFIC VIOLATION TICKET ON 12/28/2018 AFTER SEVERAL PULLED OVER FROM THE SAME POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AS THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT I INDEED HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AFOREMENTIONED ( I HAVE ATTACHED THE RECEIPT FOR THAT VIOLATION ). THE ISSUE THAT WORRIES ME THE MOST IS THE HONK FAILURE AND THE DRIVER PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL, THOSE ARE A VERY SENSITIVE SAFETY MATTER AND I PLEASE WANT TO GET HELP TO GET THIS FIX. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACT 2 MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIPS HERE IN CALIFORNIA ( DOWNTOWN LA MOTORS & RUSNAK MERCEDES BENZ OF ARCADIA, CA ).... AT THIS TIME I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY REPLY TO MY CALLS AND EMAILS, AND I AM REALLY WORRY ABOUT IT BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE AND DRIVE TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND TO PLEASURE ON WEEKENDS WHEN I TAKE WITH ME MY 10 YEARS OLD SON, AND THAT IS THE PART THAT WORRIES ME THE MOST, I DO NOT WANT TO RISK MY SON IN AN EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH WITH THE AIRBAGS FAILURE, THAT CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE WITH SHATTER DEBRIS THAT CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE MY SON AND MYSELF AND EVEN CAUSE DEATH... PLEASE HELP ME TO GET THIS REPAIRS DONE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
MY FIRST INCIDENCE WAS DRIVING AND THE STEERING WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN GET STIFF LIKE IT NEEDED POWER STEERING FLUID OR SOMETHING. CHECK IT WASN'T THE FLUID (THIS HAPPENED A FEW MONTH AGO I THOUGHT HMMM PROBABLY JUST SOMETHING FREAKY) THEN 1/8/16 RIDING DOWN THE BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THE CAR ACCELERATION JUST LEFT. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR BUT NO SPEED. IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT...IT'S THE CLASSIC PROBLEM I NEVER HEARD OF UNTIL TODAY. ( INTAKE MANIFOLD TUMBLE FLAP) SOME PLASTIC JUNK ON AN EXPENSIVE CAR. IF I WANTED A JUNK CAR I WOULD'VE WENT TO THE "JUNK YARD" PAID LIKE 250. AND BE DONE WITH IT. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED AND ANGRY. I'M GLAD MY KIDS WASN'T IN THE CAR AND IT WASN'T A HORRIFIC OUTCOME. NOW I CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH THE CAR RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT'S EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR FOR SUCH A CHEAP PIECE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE NEVER BEEN ON IT AND BECAUSE #1 I'M ON A FIXED INCOME #2 I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. BUT WHAT DOES MB CARE ABOUT THAT....ITS JUST A PRODUCT TO THEM, A MONEY MAKER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES C230. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A SLIGHT JERKING MOTION BEFORE STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO RESTART, BUT THE VEHICLE MOVED VERY SLUGGISH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE VALVE BODY, K1 CLUTCH AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE HYDRAULIC SEAL FOR THE COMPONENTS FAILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 1/18/2012 *LN *TR
WE OWN A MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BALANCE SHAFT ERROR. IT TURNS OUT THE BALANCE SHAFT IS BROKEN. THE PART COST ONLY ABOUT $400. BUT SINCE REPLACING IT REQUIRES PULLING OUT AND TAKING A PART THE ENGINE, THE REPAIR IS OVER $3000. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR
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
MY NEW CONTINENTAL TIRE INSTALLED BY CARX TIRE WENT FLAT FROM CRACKING ON HIGHTWAY, NO NAILS, MANY SPOTS LOOK GOING TO BE CRACKED, NEW TIRE OUTSIDE RING RUBBER LOOKS CRACKING. INSTALLED DATE: 02/19/2014 INSTALLER: CARX 9185 UNION CEMETERY RD CINCINNATI, OH 45249 513-667-5457 *TR
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
SIDEWALL AND TIRE COMING APART 245/40 ZR17 91Y M+S TUBELESS RADIAL 23 DOT 4M6C 001X 2111 TREAD WEAR 600 MADE IN USA GDA-1AZ 35-552663-01
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 FAILURE IN THIS CASE IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT ON A 2006 C230 MERCEDES BENZ WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. I'VE READ THAT MANY OF THESE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED AND THE REASON FOR FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE SHAFT NOT HAVING PROPER HARDENING. I'VE ALSO READ THE MERCEDES BENZ IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS ABOUT $4500 ON A VEHICLE THAT THE WARRANTY GOES OUT IN 4 YEARS OR 50,000 MILES. ALL SERVICES TO THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN DONE AS REQUIRED, BUT NOT THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP. INFORMATION I'VE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM STATES THAT THERE'S NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING AND THAT IT'S HAPPENING TO MANY, MANY VEHICLES. I BELIEVE IF THIS IS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY THAT THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. *TR
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 .