2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 Owner Complaints

Broken rear subframe because of rust and corrosion with perforation. Manufacturer refused to cover the repair.

NHTSA ID

11755114

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the rear subframe of the vehicle suddenly and catastrophically failed. This caused the vehicle to fishtail violently and nearly led to a serious highway accident. I was able to regain control and pull off the road safely, but the vehicle was no longer drivable and had to be towed. An inspection by a certified technician confirmed that the rear subframe rusted from the inside and experienced a complete structural failure. One of the suspension control arms even broke off of the subframe due to rust. The vehicle showed no warning lights or symptoms prior to the incident. The road was dry and free of potholes or debris, and the car had been properly maintained and garage-kept for the prior 16 years. This issue is a known defect in Mercedes-Benz vehicles of similar design. Mercedes-Benz has extended the subframe warranty for C-Class vehicles from model years 2008–2015 due to widespread internal subframe corrosion. However, this vehicle (2006 model year) is not covered, despite experiencing the same failure. The corrosion originated from inside the subframe, indicating a manufacturing or materials defect rather than environmental exposure. This failure posed a severe risk to my safety and the safety of others, especially since it occurred at highway speeds without warning. The problem has been documented in other vehicles and is the subject of a current class-action lawsuit (Case § 1:23-cv-00636 in the state of Georgia).

NHTSA ID

11669316

Incident

May 23, 2025

SRS light went on. Restraint malfunction message flashed across screen. Code reader pulls up dealer recall for driver airbag possibly exploding due to build up of pressure. My VIN is not included and dealer will not honor. Stuck with unsafe car or HUGE expense out of pocket.

NHTSA ID

11667926

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

The balance shaft sprocket in this car needs to be recalled. It has has known issues since it came out nearly 20 years ago. It can cause your whole engine to blow if not fixed. The fix is often more than the value of the car, around $7000. It is ridiculous. The part was not properly heat treated during manufacture which causes it to fail prematurely at the expense of the owner.

NHTSA ID

11663649

Incident

May 28, 2025

Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could not make the proper repair of the "Check Engine Light" issue that was listed in the recall. Mercedes has failed to make the repair, associated with this recall and states that the recall #08V303000 of 07/03/2008 is expired. The car had had recent additional recall work done, and this problem was brought up, but not addressed nor corrected by Mercedes. There has been difficulty in our obtaining Connecticut vehicle emissions approval, and Connecticut registration renewal due to the unaddressed problem by Mercedes. We cannot re-register the vehicle out of Connecticut until this issue is resolved. If we chose the sale of the vehicle, we would have to provide the purchaser a clear and registerable vehicle. Without your assistance in the resolution of this matter that would be impossible to do.

NHTSA ID

11559915

Incident

Dec 13, 2023

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2018. THE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR HAS A RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT HONORING THE RECALL WITHOUT AN EXTENSION FROM THE MERECEDES BENZ COMPANY. AS WELL MY MOON ROOF NEED THE BONDING REPAIR AND IT IS SHOWING A RECALL IN THE SYSTEM

NHTSA ID

11479370

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and the vehicle in front stopped as a result the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver's side air bags were deployed with excessive force. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger side headrest restraint air bags were deployed. The contact stated that the driver in the vehicle in front was transported to the hospital by ambulance for a back injury. The contact stated that her son sought medical attention a month later for eye irritation. The front passenger sustained eye injuries that lead to blindness which eventually lead to his passing. The driver sustained burns on both arms and fingertips that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that the air bags were not replaced as she cut them out and was still driving today without air bags. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, her vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact also stated that a month later while driving the sunroof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic that replaced the sunroof however, the failure cause was not diagnosed. The contact stated that she believed the sunroof failure was due to the excessive force of the air bag deployment. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11474163

Incident

Apr 10, 2014

Mileage

100,000 mi

I just purchased this vehicle and it says it has a recall on the sliding window please help me get it fixed

NHTSA ID

11440574

Incident

Nov 15, 2021

I have a 2006 Mercedes C280 which I purchased almost a year ago with 57,000 miles. It currently has 73,000 miles and is having major mechanical problems which have been life threatening due to when and where they occur. 1. Loss of transmission upon acceleration. If I pull over, turn it off and restart, it will shift fine until it decides it wants to do it again and I either lose the ability to shift, or it goes into limp mode without a Check engine light. This has happened on the freeway, heavy traffic, and have been several close calls. The shop said the codes were for transmission malfunction and valve body malfunction. Just out of nowhere. 2. Check engine light goes on and off repeatedly and The plastic intake manifold needs to be replaced because it is one of the defects Mercedes was sued for on this particular year, model, and engine. All of the oxygen sensors are going out as well and that is just the start. The cost for the part alone is in the $1000 range. My mechanic said the best is yet to come and explained around my current mileage on up is when most of the damage takes place with the valves and whatever else happened with this engine. I'm not sure exactly what all the problems were but he said to take it to the junkyard and was very serious which infuriates me because it's a beautiful car and I couldn't in good conscience sell it to anyone. Mercedes is fully aware of this but not a lot of people benefited from the settlement. The same problems are known by all owners and German mechanics.

NHTSA ID

11439581

Incident

Oct 17, 2021

We have 71,000 miles on our 2006 Mercedes Benz C280. Before Christmas, the engine light starts going on and the engine starts sounding rough and jerking. We take it into Mercedes Benz and they diagnose a cam shaft issue. It turns out all 2006 Mercedes Benz C280 have the same problem with the same mileage. This car is a safety hazard and needs to be recalled.

NHTSA ID

11423484

Incident

Dec 24, 2020

WHILE TRYING TO MERGE ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR RESPONSE SLOWLY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE OVER REV'S BUT NO POWER THE SAME HAPPENS WHEN CHANGING LANES. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THE CAR LOCKED UP BOTH THE ENGINE AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT I HAD TO TURN IN ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND THE PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY REVERSE THIS INCIDENT PLACED MY LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR LOCKED UP HALF OF IT WAS ON THE DRIVEWAY AND THE OTHER HALF IN THE STREET IMPEDING TRAFFIC. I AM NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR BECAUSE IT DOESN'T RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS IT SHOULD WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11405096

Incident

May 11, 2015

Mileage

135,000 mi

THE WIRE HARNESS INSULATION WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLE IS DISINTEGRATING LEAVING THE WIRE, IT'S DESIGNED TO PROTECT, BARE AND EXPOSED TO CONTACT WITH ADAJACENT WIRE ALSO MISSING INSULATION AND NOW BARE. THIS HAS CREATED AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHICH WILL RESULT IN SHORT CIRCUITING, LOSS OF HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION, POSSIBLE FIRE AND CIRCUITS DAMAGE.

NHTSA ID

11166445

Incident

Jan 3, 2019

Mileage

106,465 mi

MERCEDES BENZ "MB" WANTS TO CHARGE ME $8,800.00 TO FIX A BALANCE SHAFT REPLACEMENT. THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS KIND OF MALFUNCTION

NHTSA ID

11143352

Incident

Oct 27, 2018

Mileage

117,121 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF GLASS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (PRIME MOTORS CARS, 137 US ROUTE 1, SCARBOROUGH, ME 04074, (207) 510-2250) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT VIN AVAILABLE UPDATED 12/06/18*JB

NHTSA ID

11140370

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

115,000 mi

TAMARA RECALL I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED IF MY VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE LATEST AIRBAG RECALLS. HOWEHER, THE SRS LIGHT REMAINS CONSTANT AND MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DON'T WORK AS WELL AS WIPERS. AT THE TIME I HEARD A LOUD POP IN CAR IT WAS STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION.

NHTSA ID

11053612

Incident

Jan 26, 2015

I HEARD THERE IS A RECALL ON MY C280 MERCEDES AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID

10947719

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS TEMPORARILY BLINDED AND BURNED BY THE DEPLOYMENT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTO DEALER TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ID

10920365

Incident

Oct 31, 2016

Mileage

109,000 mi

VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WITH A P0015 CODE WHICH INDICATES A CAMSHAFT PROBLEM. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE REGARDING SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL, NOT SHIFT GEARS AND OTHER ISSUES SUDDENLY.

NHTSA ID

10862268

Incident

Feb 25, 2016

Mileage

60,000 mi

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND MY CAR JERKS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM EVERYONE ELSE IS HAVING WITH THE 2006-2008 C280 MERCEDES BENZ.

NHTSA ID

10763270

Incident

Sep 11, 2015

I WAS APPROACHING AN EXIT AND THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS REVVING WITH RPM'S HIGH HOWEVER THERE WAS LITTLE POWER TO MOVE FORWARD. I PULLED THE CAR(COASTING) TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT UNABLE TO THINK WHAT ELSE TO DO. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE SAME RESULT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 4 TIMES.. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF I HAD BEEN ON A CONGESTED HIGHWAY WITH NO ACCELERATION AND NOWHERE TO PULL OFF THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE SHAKES UPON STARTING IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CAUSING ME TO BE UNAWARE OF A REAL PROBLEM. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING THIS CAR TO CHECK OUT WHY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING OFF AND ON TO BE INFORMED ITS ANNOYING BUT TO DEAL WITH IT.

NHTSA ID

10748209

Incident

Jun 11, 2014

Mileage

76,000 mi

THE BALANCE SHAFT IS FAULTY AND MY ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN 2 TYPES OF ENGINES AND MERCEDES BENZ WILL NOT COVER IT. THERE IS CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS GOING ON ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID

10644700

Incident

Oct 11, 2014

Mileage

83,314 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE ISSUE WAS THE TIMING IN BALANCE SHAFT OF THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC MERCEDES BENZ WAS WELL AWARE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT, BUT THE PROBLEM ONLY SHOWS UP ON SOME OF THE C-CLASS MODELS AND DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE MY VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. IF THIS IS AN ISSUE MERCEDES WAS AWARE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY 6K TO FIX. THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING MERCEDES SHOULD DO TO HELP OWNERS WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS. I HAD NO INDICATION THIS WAS A PROBLEM OTHER THAN THE SERVICE LIGHT APPEARING OUT OF NO WHERE TWO MONTHS AFTER MY SERVICE VISIT WHICH WAS TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON IF IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME , HOWEVER I'M AFRAID THE CAR WILL QUIT RUNNING. I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING THE CAR OUT OF TOWN ON VACATION NEXT MONTH I DON'T WANT TO GET STRANDED ON THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10597475

Incident

Jun 9, 2014

Mileage

152,000 mi

ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING WHILE DRIVING. BALANCE SHAFT MALFUNCTION. CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME NON-DRIVABLE. LOCAL DEALER QUOTED 6K TO FIX. CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ WHICH INDICATED IT WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND C-CLASS VEHICLES. OTHER RESEARCH INDICATES A DEFECT IN THE BALANCE SHAFT USED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS. MERCEDES BENZ ISSUED A SERVICE NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2008. PROBLEM OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE RELATIVELY CLOSE TO HOME PRIOR TO BEING DRIVEN OUT OF TOWN. HAD THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ON THE ROAD, THE DRIVER AND VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED. A NON DEALER MERCEDES MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS AN 8-10% FAILURE RATE ON THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN QUESTION. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE OWNERS TO RESOLVE THE ONES THAT DO FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ID

10534943

Incident

Jan 21, 2013

Mileage

85,000 mi

THE CAR HAS A BALANCE SHAFT ISSUE LIKE MANY W272 ENGINES...WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO GET MERCEDES INTO ANOTHER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT...THIS ISSUE WILL COST ME ABOUT 5000 DOLLARS TO FIX...OTHERWISE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10532092

Incident

Jul 16, 2013

Mileage

94,000 mi

AN ENGINE AIR FILTER HOUSING TO MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR SEAL TEAR CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SURGE AND THE CAR TO BUCK FORWARD INSTEAD OF BRAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. FAILURE TO BREAK RESULTED IN THIS VEHICLE REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS LOW SO NO ONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED. THE SENSORY SYSTEM FAILED TO DETECT THIS ISSUE UNTIL THE TEAR WORSENED AND THE PROBLEMS IT CAUSED WERE BAD ENOUGH AND CONTINUOUS ENOUGH TO TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (TOOK APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH). MERCEDES COULD NOT DIAGNOSE OR FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. DURING THAT 1 MONTH PERIOD THE FAILURE OF THE BREAKS TO ENGAGE/ENGINE SURGING/CAR BUCKING ISSUE OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES RESULTED FROM THESE EVENTS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MERCEDES US AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. *JS

NHTSA ID

10455977

Incident

Dec 2, 2011

Mileage

53,000 mi