U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz 230 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

28 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

66,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1968 to 2004 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 28 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	7	25.0%
Electrical and battery issues	7	25.0%
Steering behavior	5	17.9%
Transmission and shifting	3	10.7%
Engine operation	2	7.1%
Fuel system concerns	2	7.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Air Bags:Side/Window

Latches/Locks/Linkages

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Vehicle Speed Control

Air Bags

Air Bags:Frontal

Electrical System:Ignition

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System	4
Air Bags:Side/Window	3
Latches/Locks/Linkages	2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Air Bags	1
Air Bags:Frontal	1
Electrical System:Ignition	1

Electrical System: 4; Air Bags:Side/Window: 3; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998

2000

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2011

2012

2013

1998: 2; 2000: 1; 2002: 2; 2003: 1; 2004: 3; 2005: 5; 2006: 1; 2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2009: 3; 2011: 2; 2012: 2; 2013: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 7 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 829700 · 1998-11-18 (November 18, 1998)

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE SUB-FRAME BROKE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING, AND THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HIT A CONSUMER ON A BIKE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 829700 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046749 · 2003-11-12 (November 12, 2003)

DRIVING THE CAR AT 45 MILES AN HOUR, HEARD A BUZZING NOISE GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS PICKING UP SPEED ON ITS OWN, PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WASN'T STOPPING, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, TOOK THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A HARD LEFT, WAS IN THE LEFT LANE, HIT THE CONCRETE DIVIDER TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS, HIT THE CAR IN FRONT THAT CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, THE AIRBAG OPENED, KNOCKED ME OUT, THEN I GUESS THE CAR SWERVED DIAGONALLY HIT A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THEN HIT THE CONCRETE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WHEN I CAME TO…

Owner-reported narrative. 44,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10046749 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10108413 · 2005-02-02 (February 2, 2005)

APPROXIMATELY, IN 2001 I STOPPED INTO A MERCEDES DEALER IN LATROBE, PA. FOR HELP REPLACING MY RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT. IT WAS FROZEN IN THE SOCKET AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND THAT THE SOCKET HOLDING THE BULB GETS SO HOT THAT THE PLASTIC ADHERES TO THE FRAME. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY EXPLAINING TO ME THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS OUT OF WARRENTY SAFETY ISSUE RESPONSIBILITY NEVER EXPIRE AS A MANUFACTURER. I LIKE THAT, I FELT OK WITH IT. SINCE THEN I AM CONTINUING TO PLACE BRAK…

Owner-reported narrative. 105,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10108413 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10222476 · 2008-03-27 (March 27, 2008)

THERE WAS A RECALL ON A TAIL LAMP ON THE MERCEDES SLK 230. PRIOR TO THE RECALL MY TAIL LAMP CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED THE ENTIRE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY. WATER GOT IN TO THE TAIL LAMP AND LEAKED TO THE WIRING OF THE ERP PUMP BELOW THE TAIL LAMP IN THE TRUNK. WIRES SHORTED AS A RESULT AND ERP PUMP NOW NEEDS REPLACING. MERCEDES WILL NOT REPLACE THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAULTY TAIL LAMP THAT CAUGHT FIRE PRIOR TO THE RECALL. HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE CORROSION NOW IN THE WIRING OF THE ERP PUMP COULD SPARK AND IGNITE THE FUEL TANK ALSO LOCATED DIRECTLY BE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10222476 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10196144 · 2007-07-11 (July 11, 2007)

THE C230 MERCEDES BENZ 2002 STARTED LURCHING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY DID A GLYCOL TEST ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FIND GLYCOL IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER. REPAIRS CURRENTLY INCLUDED A NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION FLUSH, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION MODULE FOR ABOUT $2100, IF THAT DIDN'T WORK THEN A TORQUE CONVERTER FOR ANOTHER $2700. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10196144 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10282967 · 2009-09-05 (September 5, 2009)

PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:…

Owner-reported narrative. 71,004 miles reported. Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10078806 · 2004-06-25 (June 25, 2004)

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER DETACHED FROM ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS. CAR HAS ONLY 14600 MILES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 14,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10078806 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10262164 · 2009-03-17 (March 17, 2009)

I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S…

Owner-reported narrative. 83,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1988

1999

2001

2002

2003

2004

1988: 0; 1999: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2004: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Mercedes Benz 230 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1968	0	2	Not available
1974	1	0	Not available
1977	0	1	Not available
1978	0	1	0
1988	1	0	Not available
1999	8	0	Not available
2001	3	0	Not available
2002	4	0	0
2003	5	0	0
2004	6	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

28 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

53.6%Usable mileage15 / 28 records

96.4%Valid incident date27 / 28 records

100.0%Valid filing date28 / 28 records

96.4%Ordered incident and filing dates27 / 28 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1999	2001	2002	2003	2004
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	250.0% ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10460392 · 86,314 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. REPAIR DONE TO FIX ISSUE FOUND AS STATED BY MERCEDES PARK PLACE TECH IN DALLAS TX - 'FOUND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SENDING INCORRECT SIGNALS DUE TO OIL DAMAGE. ALSO FOUND AIR INTAKE TEMP SENSOR WITH OIL DAMAGE. NECESSARY TO REPLACE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND INTAKE TEMP SENSOR. REPLACED ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND BOTH O2 SENSORS. THE TOTAL CHARGE WAS $3432.12. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT HAD SUBSEQUENT RECALL 2009100001. THIS RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON MY CAR ON … Look up ODI 10460392 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Side/Window	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 8015860 WHILE TURNING VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PROBABLE SPEED 55 - 60 MPH, MOSTLY IMPACTED ON FRONT, BUT SIDE AS WELL. NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH OWNER RECEIVIING HEAD INJURIED DUE TO SEAT BELT NOT HOLDING. DRIVER WAS THROWN AROUND INSIDE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8015860 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 10120571 DT: THE CONTACT VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT LIKE IN THE CENTER OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS, AND NEITHER ONE OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HE SAID THE VEHICLE WAS HIT PRETTY HARD AND THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THE AIR BAGS COULD DEPLOY IF HIT IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS, AND THAT MAYBE WAS THE REASON WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER SAID PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THING, AND THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. ALSO, MANUFACTURER SAID THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE AIR BAGS MESSED … Look up ODI 10120571 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 10383219 · 30,000 mi MERCEDES 230 C KOMPRESSOR. LIFTED HOOD AFTER 'CHECK ENGINE' LIT UP. AS HOOD WAS BEING LIFTED THE SPRING LOADED PASSENGER SIDE HOOD LATCH RELEASE FLEW OUT WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE - STRIKING NOSE AND EYEGLASSES - DROPPED HOOD INSTANTLY - YANKING RIGHT SHOULDER CAUSING INJURY REQUIRING ONGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT ALONG WITH PERMANENT SCAR ON NOSE. MERCEDES INSPECTED PART BUT NEVER PROVIDED ;TECHNICAL REPORT REGARDING DEFECTIVE PART WHICH UTILIZED PLASTIC INSERT. *LN Look up ODI 10383219 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10196144 · 66,000 mi THE C230 MERCEDES BENZ 2002 STARTED LURCHING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY DID A GLYCOL TEST ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FIND GLYCOL IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER. REPAIRS CURRENTLY INCLUDED A NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION FLUSH, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION MODULE FOR ABOUT $2100, IF THAT DIDN'T WORK THEN A TORQUE CONVERTER FOR ANOTHER $2700. *AK Look up ODI 10196144 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10144433 · 24,705 mi DT; THE CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CAR REVVED WITHOUT GEARING DOWN BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ON ALL OCCASIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10144433 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	225.0% ODI 10046749 · 44,000 mi DRIVING THE CAR AT 45 MILES AN HOUR, HEARD A BUZZING NOISE GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS PICKING UP SPEED ON ITS OWN, PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WASN'T STOPPING, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, TOOK THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A HARD LEFT, WAS IN THE LEFT LANE, HIT THE CONCRETE DIVIDER TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS, HIT THE CAR IN FRONT THAT CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, THE AIRBAG OPENED, KNOCKED ME OUT, THEN I GUESS THE CAR SWERVED DIAGONALLY HIT A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THEN HIT THE CONCRETE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WHEN I CAME TO… Look up ODI 10046749 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 10093016 THE AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYING. SO FAR NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED ON TWO SERVICE TECHS. AND ONE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. DEPLOYMENT IS DO TO A DEFECT. *AK Look up ODI 10093016 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 8015860 WHILE TURNING VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PROBABLE SPEED 55 - 60 MPH, MOSTLY IMPACTED ON FRONT, BUT SIDE AS WELL. NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH OWNER RECEIVIING HEAD INJURIED DUE TO SEAT BELT NOT HOLDING. DRIVER WAS THROWN AROUND INSIDE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8015860 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10200371 · 51,000 mi MY 2002 MERCEDES 230 SLK FAILED TO START, STRANDED MY WIFE, BECAUSE OF A FAILURE IN THE IGNITION LOCK AND STEERING INTERLOCK. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE IN 50,000 MILES. TR UPDATED 09/11/07 TR Look up ODI 10200371 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	83,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10460392 · 86,314 mi CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. REPAIR DONE TO FIX ISSUE FOUND AS STATED BY MERCEDES PARK PLACE TECH IN DALLAS TX - 'FOUND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SENDING INCORRECT SIGNALS DUE TO OIL DAMAGE. ALSO FOUND AIR INTAKE TEMP SENSOR WITH OIL DAMAGE. NECESSARY TO REPLACE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND INTAKE TEMP SENSOR. REPLACED ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND BOTH O2 SENSORS. THE TOTAL CHARGE WAS $3432.12. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT HAD SUBSEQUENT RECALL 2009100001. THIS RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON MY CAR ON … Look up ODI 10460392 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Side/Window	Too few reports for a range	83,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	Too few reports for a range	50,502 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10383219 · 30,000 mi MERCEDES 230 C KOMPRESSOR. LIFTED HOOD AFTER 'CHECK ENGINE' LIT UP. AS HOOD WAS BEING LIFTED THE SPRING LOADED PASSENGER SIDE HOOD LATCH RELEASE FLEW OUT WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE - STRIKING NOSE AND EYEGLASSES - DROPPED HOOD INSTANTLY - YANKING RIGHT SHOULDER CAUSING INJURY REQUIRING ONGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT ALONG WITH PERMANENT SCAR ON NOSE. MERCEDES INSPECTED PART BUT NEVER PROVIDED ;TECHNICAL REPORT REGARDING DEFECTIVE PART WHICH UTILIZED PLASTIC INSERT. *LN Look up ODI 10383219 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	45,353 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10196144 · 66,000 mi THE C230 MERCEDES BENZ 2002 STARTED LURCHING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY DID A GLYCOL TEST ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FIND GLYCOL IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER. REPAIRS CURRENTLY INCLUDED A NEW RADIATOR, TRANSMISSION FLUSH, AND A NEW TRANSMISSION MODULE FOR ABOUT $2100, IF THAT DIDN'T WORK THEN A TORQUE CONVERTER FOR ANOTHER $2700. AK Look up ODI 10196144 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10144433 · 24,705 mi DT; THE CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CAR REVVED WITHOUT GEARING DOWN BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ON ALL OCCASIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. AK Look up ODI 10144433 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	44,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10046749 · 44,000 mi DRIVING THE CAR AT 45 MILES AN HOUR, HEARD A BUZZING NOISE GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER, THE ACCELERATOR WAS PICKING UP SPEED ON ITS OWN, PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WASN'T STOPPING, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, TOOK THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A HARD LEFT, WAS IN THE LEFT LANE, HIT THE CONCRETE DIVIDER TO AVOID HITTING OTHER CARS, HIT THE CAR IN FRONT THAT CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, THE AIRBAG OPENED, KNOCKED ME OUT, THEN I GUESS THE CAR SWERVED DIAGONALLY HIT A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THEN HIT THE CONCRETE WALL ON THE RIGHT SIDE, WHEN I CAME TO… Look up ODI 10046749 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	Too few reports for a range	51,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10200371 · 51,000 mi MY 2002 MERCEDES 230 SLK FAILED TO START, STRANDED MY WIFE, BECAUSE OF A FAILURE IN THE IGNITION LOCK AND STEERING INTERLOCK. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE IN 50,000 MILES. TR UPDATED 09/11/07 TR Look up ODI 10200371 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2003: 2 complaints · 2004: 4 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2003	0	1	2
2004	0	3	4

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2003	5	0	0
2004	6	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Air Bags:Side/Window	Latches/Locks/Linkages	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Vehicle Speed Control	Air Bags	Air Bags:Frontal	Electrical System:Ignition
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags:Side/Window	1 ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 MERCEDES C230 WITH 80K MILES, THE CAR WOULD STOP RUNNING EITHER WHILE IDOL OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, REPLACED O2 SENSOR, NEXT WEEK SAME PROBLEM, REPLACED 02 SENSOR AGAIN, IT DIED AGAIN WHILE AT THE DEALER, DEALER THEN EXPLAINED THE OIL HARNESS LEAKED INTO THE 02 SENSOR AND KNOCKED OUT THE CAM SENSORS AND CRANK SENSOR AS WELL, SO THEY REPLACED THOSE PARTS PLU THE HARNESS AND SUBHARNESS. I UNDERSTAND FROM 2007-2008 MERCEDES SERVICE BLOGS THAT "SEEMS TO HAPPENING ON THE M271 MOTOR'S (2003-2005 C230); THE CAM S… Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 8015860 WHILE TURNING VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PROBABLE SPEED 55 - 60 MPH, MOSTLY IMPACTED ON FRONT, BUT SIDE AS WELL. NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH OWNER RECEIVIING HEAD INJURIED DUE TO SEAT BELT NOT HOLDING. DRIVER WAS THROWN AROUND INSIDE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8015860 at NHTSA ↗	0
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1 ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi PRIOR TO FOLLOWING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE, A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, SRS SYSTEM, CAR LOCKS, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. THE AFOREMENTIONED FAILURES IN BRAKING, POWER STEERING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING HAVE OCCURRED 6 TIMES WITHIN A 2 MONTH PERIOD (AUGUST 15TH 2009- SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009). THE MOST RECENT EVENT IS LISTED BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION ON SEPTEMBER 5TH 2009 AT 10:… Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	1 ODI 8015860 WHILE TURNING VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PROBABLE SPEED 55 - 60 MPH, MOSTLY IMPACTED ON FRONT, BUT SIDE AS WELL. NEITHER FRONT OR SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH OWNER RECEIVIING HEAD INJURIED DUE TO SEAT BELT NOT HOLDING. DRIVER WAS THROWN AROUND INSIDE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK Look up ODI 8015860 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:Ignition	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 10.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10383219 · 30,000 mi

MERCEDES 230 C KOMPRESSOR. LIFTED HOOD AFTER 'CHECK ENGINE' LIT UP. AS HOOD WAS BEING LIFTED THE SPRING LOADED PASSENGER SIDE HOOD LATCH RELEASE FLEW OUT WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE - STRIKING NOSE AND EYEGLASSES - DROPPED HOOD INSTANTLY - YANKING RIGHT SHOULDER CAUSING INJURY REQUIRING ONGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT ALONG WITH PERMANENT SCAR ON NOSE. MERCEDES INSPECTED PART BUT NEVER PROVIDED ;TECHNICAL REPORT REGARDING DEFECTIVE PART WHICH UTILIZED PLASTIC INSERT. *LN

Look up ODI 10383219 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144433 · 24,705 mi

DT; THE CONTACT STATED TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CAR REVVED WITHOUT GEARING DOWN BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ON ALL OCCASIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10144433 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10460392 · 86,314 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. REPAIR DONE TO FIX ISSUE FOUND AS STATED BY MERCEDES PARK PLACE TECH IN DALLAS TX - 'FOUND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SENDING INCORRECT SIGNALS DUE TO OIL DAMAGE. ALSO FOUND AIR INTAKE TEMP SENSOR WITH OIL DAMAGE. NECESSARY TO REPLACE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND INTAKE TEMP SENSOR. REPLACED ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND BOTH O2 SENSORS. THE TOTAL CHARGE WAS $3432.12. THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM DUE TO MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT HAD SUBSEQUENT RECALL 2009100001. THIS RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON MY CAR ON …

Look up ODI 10460392 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 48,800 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10078806 · 14,600 mi

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER DETACHED FROM ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS. CAR HAS ONLY 14600 MILES. *AK

Look up ODI 10078806 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10262164 · 83,000 mi

Look up ODI 10262164 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 7.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 42,802 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10078806 · 14,600 mi

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HARMONIC BALANCER DETACHED FROM ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS. CAR HAS ONLY 14600 MILES. *AK

Look up ODI 10078806 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10282967 · 71,004 mi

Look up ODI 10282967 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 727970

MY CAR SELF-ACCELERATED CAUSING CRASH INTO OTHER VEHICLE. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP SELF-PROPELLED CAR. MANUFACTURER NOT ACKNOWLEDGING CAR PROBLEM. PUTTING BURDEN OF PROOF ON ME. I HAVE NO WITNESSES . I REPORTED THIS TO YOU ON 5/28/00 AND DO NOT SEE IT APPEARING ON YOUR WEBSITE. I CALLED THIS A.M. GOT NO WHERE WITH YOUR OPERATOR. I HAVE COPY OF VOQ CONFIRMATION. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.*AK

Look up ODI 727970 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 66,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10196144 · 66,000 mi

Look up ODI 10196144 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule