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U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Mercedes Benz C CLASS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

31 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 31 complaints (22.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues619.4%
Braking behavior412.9%
Steering behavior412.9%
Engine operation39.7%
Fuel system concerns39.7%
Transmission and shifting26.5%

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
7
Engine And Engine Cooling
5
Seats
5
Fuel System, Gasoline
4
Suspension
4
Tires
3
Unknown Or Other
3
Power Train
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System7
Engine And Engine Cooling5
Seats5
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Suspension4
Tires3
Unknown Or Other3
Power Train2

Electrical System: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling: 5; Seats: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Suspension: 4; Tires: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Power Train: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 10 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.

2002
5
2003
4
2004
3
2005
1
2006
2
2007
3
2008
4
2009
3
2011
3
2013
2
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20025
20034
20043
20051
20062
20073
20084
20093
20113
20132
20141

2002: 5; 2003: 4; 2004: 3; 2005: 1; 2006: 2; 2007: 3; 2008: 4; 2009: 3; 2011: 3; 2013: 2; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 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 10252301 · 2008-12-19 (December 19, 2008)

SEAT CONTROLLER MODULES, THEY CONSTANTLY DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THIS IS A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES C CLASS. THE CONTROLLER DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY TO THE POINT WERE THE CAR CANNOT START, AND CONTINUES TO DO THIS IF THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN EVERYDAY. OBVIOUSLY HAVING A CAR BATTERY GET SUCKED BELOW 3V IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE BATTERY, AND IN THE END EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM HAS TO REPLACE THEIR BATTERY MANY MANY TIMES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10252301 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10254049 · 2009-01-06 (January 6, 2009)

SEAT CONTROL MODULE ON PASSENGER SIDE DRAINS THE BATTERY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 75,522 miles reported. Look up ODI 10254049 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070703 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

THE 1ST INCIDENT; MY MERCEDES C240 WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS NEW. 2ND INCIDENT AT 10.5 MOS, 3RD: EXACLTY 1 YEAR, 4TH: 1 YR/3 WKS, 5TH: 13 MOS. ALL 5 TIMES THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT DYING OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, & BRAKES. 3 OF THE 5 INCIDENTS THE CAR WOULD NOT START & REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER, HAVING THE DEALERS WORK ON THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DIE OUT AGAIN. BIGGEST COMPLAINT BESIDES MINE, MY CHILDREN, & OTHER FELLOW FREEWAY TRAVELERS LIVES BEING IN DANGER IS THE LACK AND DIS…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10070703 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10207484 · 2007-10-30 (October 30, 2007)

MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR IN THE MORNING, NO PROBLEM. EARLY AFTERNOON, SHE LEFT TO PICK UP OUR CHILD, WHILE LEAVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE VEHICLE STARTING SENDING WARNING SIGNS CAME ON THE DASH THAT HAD NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE. THEN THICK SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY WIFE HAD TO OPEN HER WINDOW. SHE THEN TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK HOME PRIOR TO LEAVING THE COMMUNITY. ON THE WAY BACK THE CAR SLAMMED ON BRAKES BY ITSELF AND CUT ITSELF OFF AND SAID THE VEHICLE HAD 7 FAULTS. RAN UP TO A NEIGHBORS HOME, UPON RETURNING THE VEHICLE…

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10207484 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004900 · 2003-01-29 (January 29, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING MY C-240 BETWEEN 30 & 60 MPH I CAN FEEL A VIBRATION ON THE SHIFT LEVER & THE STEERING WHEEL & IF PUT MY HAND ON TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. YOU CAN SENSE THE VIBRATION AROUND YOU. IT SEEMS TO COME FROM THE POWER TRAIN, VIA DRIVE SHAFT, TRANS. OR DIFFERENTIAL, THE DEALER REPLACED & BALANCED ALL FOUR TIRES, AND IT I THUOGHT IT WAS CORRECTED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSITS SOMETIMES IT IS MORE NOTICIBLE THAN OTHERS, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BUT ON A TEST DRIVE THE SERVICE MAN SAID HE CAN'T FEEL ANYTHI…

Owner-reported narrative. 674 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004900 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10065172 · 2004-03-30 (March 30, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON ONE OCCASION, BUT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THE SECOND TIME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10065172 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10375150 · 2011-01-07 (January 7, 2011)

I PURCHASED A 2002 C240 MERCEDES IN 2006. THE CAR HAS NEVER GIVEN ME ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS UNTIL HERE RECENTLY. THE CAR BEGAN TO NOT START AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THREE TIMES TO THE MECHANICS (DON ALLEN SERVICE CENTER ON ALLENTOWN ROAD, FORT WASHINGTON, MD). WAS TOLD I NEEDED A FUEL PUMP. I PAID $1,500 TO HAVE A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE IT TURNS OVER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO FUEL FILTER CHAN…

Owner-reported narrative. 104,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10375150 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10524137 · 2013-07-10 (July 10, 2013)

I CALLED MBUSA 2 WEEKS AGO REGARDING MY 2002 C320 WAGON WHICH WAS SMELLING OF PURE GASOLINE WHICH THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG IT WAS COMING INTO THE HOUSE FROM THE GARAGE GIVING US HEADACHES. I CHECKED ONLINE WITH MBUSA CLUB MEMBERS AND FOUND OUT THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND TO CALL IT IN. I CALLED MBUSA AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR BULLETINS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE AND WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY TO CONTACT THE DEALER. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND JUST FOR PARTS IT WAS OVER $800 AND THEY WERE NOT…

Owner-reported narrative. 136,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10524137 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014381 · 2003-04-14 (April 14, 2003)

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

Owner-reported narrative. 8,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014381 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10404244 · 2011-06-02 (June 2, 2011)

MERCEDES BENZ C240 ECU FAILURE. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE SOMETIMES RANDOM AT BEST AND SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF. THE CARS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK, THE POWER STEERING LEAKS INTERMITTENTLY THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE . THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED SO WAS THE COIL PACK AND OTHER ITEMS BY MERCEDES BUT THEY ALWAYS TRIED TO JUSTIFY THAT PROBLEM WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WHICH IS NOT TRUE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10404244 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

67.7%Usable mileage21 / 31 records
90.3%Valid incident date28 / 31 records
100.0%Valid filing date31 / 31 records
90.3%Ordered incident and filing dates28 / 31 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006
Electrical System
213.3%
ODI 10237934 · 108,000 mi

I RECENTLY ACQUIRED THIS 1994 C-CLASS 4 CYL FROM MY FATHER WHO DROVE IT VERY LITTLE AROUND TOWN. IT ONLY HAD 108,000 MILES ON WHEN I GOT IT IN FEB., 2008. ON MARCH 24, 2008 I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN THE SHOP BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH. I PAID $1,400.00 FOR A NEW LOWER ENGINE WIRING HARNESS TO BE INSTALLED. TODAY AUG. 12,2008 I WILL BE PICKING UP MY CAR AT THE SHOP FOR THE UPPER WIRING HARNESS TO BE REPLACED FOR THE COST OF $450.00. THESE REPLACEMENTS ARE BOTH DUE TO THE HARNESSES CRACKING, AND SPLITTING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WIRING HARNESS…

Look up ODI 10237934 at NHTSA ↗

1734.7%
ODI 10209100 · 65,000 mi

FAILURE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS WITH THE ROTTING AND CRACKING OF HARNESS HAS CAUSED ENGINE TO MISFIRE CAUSING RAPID POWER LOSS IN INTERSECTIONS. SHORTING OF CONNECTIONS CAUSE ECU RELATED MALFUNCTIONS AND READ ERROR CODES ON VEHICLE. PREMATURE DEGRADATION OF WIRING HARNESS. *TR

Look up ODI 10209100 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 10172599 · 82,000 mi

HESITATION/ NO RESPONSE FROM ENGINE. SIGNAL LIGHTS/ EMERGENCY FLASHERS NOT WORKING AT TIMES. THIS PROBLEM PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK SINCE IT WAS IN A INTERSECTION. *JB

Look up ODI 10172599 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10458187 · 249,800 mi

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR BEGAN BACKFIRING AND SPEED DROPPED FROM 65 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND BEGAN TO BACKFIRE MORE. TEMP WENT UP AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED OVER TO CHECK ON CAR AND IT NEVER RESTARTED AGAIN. CONTACTED MB ASSIST AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED A JUMP WITH THICK GAUGE CABLES AND THEY COULD SEND A TECH BUT THE CHARGES WOULD BE AT MINIMUM $100. ITS BEEN OVER A WEEK AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. I'VE PUT BATTERIES IN FOB (THEY NEVER HAD ANY BEFORE) , CHA…

Look up ODI 10458187 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 10261743 · 80,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WERE UNABLE TO BE READ, WHICH INCREASED THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1,500 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES BECAUSE HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V028000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10261743 at NHTSA ↗

428.6%
ODI 10062684

VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS. *JB

Look up ODI 10062684 at NHTSA ↗

722.6%
ODI 10003576 · 6,670 mi

ESP & BAS WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE MESSAGE SCREEN TWICE, ONCE ON 1-20-03 & AGAIN ON 1-27-03, THE FIRST TIME DEALER SAID IT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T TIGHTEN THE GAS CAP. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE MESSAGES WERE GONE THE NEXT DAY. ON 1-27-03 I CALLED RALLYE MOTORS TO TELL THEM & I HAVE AN APPT FOR MARCH 10, 2003.

Look up ODI 10003576 at NHTSA ↗

222.2%
ODI 10134422 · 18,300 mi

MY MERCEDES-BENZ C-240 (2003 MODEL), HAVING LESS THAN 18500 MILES, SUDDENLY LOST POWER AFTER SOME 2-HOUR WORTH OF FREE-WAY DRIVING. AROUND NOON ON FRIDAY, 8/26/05, I WAS DRIVING SOUTH -BOUND ON I-15 PAST VICTORVILLE (CA), ABOUT 9 MILES PAST THE EXIT FOR ROUTE 18, WHEN MY C-240 SUDDENLY LOST POWER. AS I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, I FELT NO POWER AND THE RPM WAS DECREASING. IT FELT LIKE THE ENTIRE ENGINE-TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WAS SHUTTING DOWN. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. I MADE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LETTING OTHER VEHICLES KNOW I WAS COMING OFF TH…

Look up ODI 10134422 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10464581 · 58,000 mi

I HAVE BLACK MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORTS SEDAN 2004 MODEL. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE IS NO MODIFICATION MADE TO THIS CAR AND ALL THE SERVICING DONE AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT HAD ONLY 58000 MILES. LAST B SERVICING WHICH CHECKED ANY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND INCLUDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE, WAS DONE AT AUTHORIZED DEALER ON 02/18/2012. NO ISSUE WAS INFORMED ON 02/18/2012 TO US BY MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICING DEPARTMENT. ON 06/21/2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FROM …

Look up ODI 10464581 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10442578 · 105,000 mi

SEAT CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. 2 MODULES PER CAR, 1 FOR PASSENGER SEAT, AND 1 FOR DRIVER SEAT FAIL. THE DEFECTIVE SEAT CONTROL MODULE UNIT WILL DEPLETE THE CARS BATTERY OVERNIGHT RESULTING IN A NO-START CONDITION THE FOLLOWING DAY. A NEW BATTERY, OR A JUMP START, WILL GET THE CAR GOING AGAIN. THE COMMON IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION IS TO UNPLUG THE SEAT CONTROL MODULE WHICH WOULD IMPACT THE SEATS ABILITY TO RESPOND IN AN ACCIDENT. THE REPLACEMENT PART AND DIAGNOSIS FROM MB DEALER IS APPROX $700/ MODULE. THIS IS A HUGE LIABILITY FOR MERCEDES OWNER…

Look up ODI 10442578 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
746.7%
ODI 10140668 · 83,500 mi

I HAVE A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ C280 VIN#[XXX] WITH ABOUT 84000 MILES ON IT AND IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING, WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON RANDOMLY AND OTHER ELECTRICAL GREMLINS. I WAS CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD GETTING READY TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS TO TRY TO MAKE IT RUN BETTER, WHEN I NOTICED SOME BARE WIRES COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS TO A CONNECTOR NEAR THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE. I REACHED DOWN TO REMOVE THE CONNECTOR AND WHEN I DID THERE WAS A POP, AND A PUFF OF SMOKE FROM THAT AREA. THE HARNESS GOT …

Look up ODI 10140668 at NHTSA ↗

1632.7%
ODI 10014643 · 107,000 mi

THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD WAS STRIPPED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON. *JB *SCC

Look up ODI 10014643 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10151604

I OWN A C 280 (96) [XXX] CAR STARTED CONSUMING MORE GAS THAN NORMAL, WAS HARDER TO START, STARTED MISSING AND DROVE SLUGGISH. I REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND CABLES. BUT IT GOT WORSE, AND THEN QUIT, AS IF IT WAS OUT OF TIME. I SEND IT TO AN IMPORTED CAR SERVICE SHOP IN DALTON, GA. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MERCEDES BENZ BENZ. THE WIRING HARNESS UNDERHOOD (INSULATION ON THE WIRING) CRUMBLED TO PIECES, LIKE DUST AND SHORTED RELAYS AND ALL THE CAR. I PAID OVER $2600.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I STILL HAVE THE OLD HARNESS …

Look up ODI 10151604 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.

17.1%
ODI 10062684

VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS. *JB

Look up ODI 10062684 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring
16.7%
ODI 10129347 · 70,000 mi

THE WIRE HARNESS ON THIS CAR IS COMPLETELY STRIPPED OF INSULATION. THE BARE WIRES ARE HANGING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR RUNS POORLY AND SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT WILL STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON IN THE DASH CONSTANTLY WHICH REQUIRES DIAGNOSIS. I HAVE DECIDES IT IS TOO COSTLY TO GET DIAGNOSIS DONE REGULARLY SO I JUST UNPLUG THE BATTERY TO RESET THE COMPUTER. IN ADDITION TO THE FIRE HAZARD, ACCIDENT HAZARD, NOW I AM COVERING UP OTHER POSSIBLE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS BY DISREGARDING CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON THE DASH. MERCEDES WILL NOT D…

Look up ODI 10129347 at NHTSA ↗

1326.5%
ODI 10016302 · 125,000 mi

I BOUGHT A 1995 C280 AND THE WIRING HARNESS IS DEFECTIVE AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE IT. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS A POOR PLASTIC FORMULATION. THE COST IS >$1100. SINCE IT CONTROLS ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE MY FEELING IS THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *NLM

Look up ODI 10016302 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.2%
ODI 10049880 · 18,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING 15 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. 15 SECONDS LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DUE TO SEVERE FIRE DAMAGE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK

Look up ODI 10049880 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling
213.3%
ODI 10421214 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT DETECTED EXTREMELY SMALL FLAMES AND SPARKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Look up ODI 10421214 at NHTSA ↗

24.1%
ODI 10214173 · 140,000 mi

ENGINE POWER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10214173 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10376256 · 119,293 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS BEGAN ILLUMINATING MOMENTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V058000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1…

Look up ODI 10376256 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 10163463 · 123,000 mi

I OWN A 1999 MERCEDES C43, I LIKE MANY OTHERS HAVE A HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS ON OUR VEHICLES. THIS PART WHEN FAULTY WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START WHEN THE CAR IS WARM. WHEN THE CAR SITS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO "COOL DOWN" THE CAR WILL START. I WAS AT THE DEALER TODAY, AND THEY ARE AWARE THIS IS A HIGH FAILURE ITEM ON THIS MODEL. AS WELL AS THE CLK430, AND S430. BUT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. THERE ISN'T ANY SIGN THAT THIS PART IS FAILING, ON SOME INSTANCES THE CAR JUST STALLS WHILE DRIVING. THIS COULD…

Look up ODI 10163463 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 10004536

VEHICLE HAS STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY TWICE. ONCE HE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A GROUNDING PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME HE HAD IT TOWED, HE WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. THEN HE BEGUN TO HAVE PROBLEMS OPENING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY, THEN ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS OPEN THEN IT WOULD NOT ENTER THE IGNITION TO START THE AUTO. HE THINKS THIS CAR IS A LEMON. VEHICLE IS A MERCEDES C20, 2001. TS

Look up ODI 10004536 at NHTSA ↗

516.1%
ODI 10065172 · 39,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON ONE OCCASION, BUT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THE SECOND TIME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10065172 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10087821

WILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE HOOD AND BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ,BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10087821 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 10164130 · 9,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE PEDAL SHAKES WHILE DEPRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Look up ODI 10164130 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
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.

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.

516.1%
ODI 10252301

SEAT CONTROLLER MODULES, THEY CONSTANTLY DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THIS IS A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES C CLASS. THE CONTROLLER DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY TO THE POINT WERE THE CAR CANNOT START, AND CONTINUES TO DO THIS IF THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN EVERYDAY. OBVIOUSLY HAVING A CAR BATTERY GET SUCKED BELOW 3V IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE BATTERY, AND IN THE END EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM HAS TO REPLACE THEIR BATTERY MANY MANY TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10252301 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10073225 · 1 mi

NEW 2004 C230K COUPE. DRIVERS SEAT HAD SLIGHT ROCKING MOTION FORWARD AND BACK FROM THE DAY OF PURCHASE. NOTIFIED DEALER - SAID WAS NORMAL. ROCKING MOTION GOT WORSE AND AGAIN NOTIFIED DEALER AT 5000 MILES ON ODOMETER. DEALER SAID SEAT ADJUSTER WAS COMING LOOSE FROM SEAT FRAME, APPARENTLY THE BOLTS HAD "WALLOWED OUT" IN THE HOLES AND THE TWO PIECES COULD HAVE COME APART FROM EACH OTHER. MY WORRY WAS THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IT COULD HAVE SEPARATED AND A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE OCCURED SINCE THE PART I WAS SITTING IN WAS NO…

Look up ODI 10073225 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 10442578 · 105,000 mi

SEAT CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. 2 MODULES PER CAR, 1 FOR PASSENGER SEAT, AND 1 FOR DRIVER SEAT FAIL. THE DEFECTIVE SEAT CONTROL MODULE UNIT WILL DEPLETE THE CARS BATTERY OVERNIGHT RESULTING IN A NO-START CONDITION THE FOLLOWING DAY. A NEW BATTERY, OR A JUMP START, WILL GET THE CAR GOING AGAIN. THE COMMON IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION IS TO UNPLUG THE SEAT CONTROL MODULE WHICH WOULD IMPACT THE SEATS ABILITY TO RESPOND IN AN ACCIDENT. THE REPLACEMENT PART AND DIAGNOSIS FROM MB DEALER IS APPROX $700/ MODULE. THIS IS A HUGE LIABILITY FOR MERCEDES OWNER…

Look up ODI 10442578 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
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.

116.7%
ODI 10566705 · 173,000 mi

WAS DRIVING CAR AND HEARD LOUD NOISE GOT OUT AND SAW FRONT RIGHT SIDE WAS SITTING LOWER ON ONE SIDE. CAR PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. HAD MY MECHANIC INSPECT. CONCLUDED THAT THE CUP HOLDER THAT HOLDS THE VEHICLES SPRINGS WAS RUSTED OUT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND OR DESIGN FLAW. THANKFULLY DID NOT HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. *TR

Look up ODI 10566705 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 10330537 · 157,000 mi

I HAD JUST EXITED THE FREEWAY, AND SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CRACK. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING SOCKET THAT CONNECTS TO THE UNIBODY HAD RUSTED AND BROKE, DROPPING THE SUSPENSION ON TOP THE TIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SOCKET WAS RUSTED AS WELL. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO MENTIONED THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM BUT MERCEDES HAD YET TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10330537 at NHTSA ↗

17.1%
ODI 565474

C240 MODEL. CONSUMER STATES THAT RIMS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHCLE WERE FOUND TO BE BENT. DEALER REPLACED RIMS. *TT

Look up ODI 565474 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 10439377 · 65,000 mi

THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINI…

Look up ODI 10439377 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.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.0%
ODI 10299650

I OWN A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C280. THIS VEHICLE YEAR AND MODEL HAS A POSSIBLE CRITICAL ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM WHERE THE INSULATION ON THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES VERY QUICKLY. THIS DISINTEGRATION CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL AND CATCH FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE OF COURSE OTHER RELATED SEVERE PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR SINCE THE WIRING HARNESS IS CRITICAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW OF THE OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS AFFECTED ARE IGNITION, FUEL INJECTION, COOLING, TIMING, MIXTURES AND VARIOUS OTHER SYSTEMS/SENSORS OF THE CAR. AFTER …

Look up ODI 10299650 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 10158412

2001 C240 CEILING FABRIC SAGS. *TS THE FABRIC IN THE CONSUEMR'S DAUGHTER IN LAWS 2002 C240 ALSO SAGS ANS IS ONLY BEING HELP UP BY THE INTERIOR LIGHT***NAR***

Look up ODI 10158412 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10014381 · 8,700 mi

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

Look up ODI 10014381 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 10075879

VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE BEING SHIPPED. *MR *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10075879 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10056660

THIS DEFECT/CONCERN IS A GENERAL SAFETY COMPLAINT WITH RESPECT TO ALL VEHICLES WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY ENACTMENT OF STANDARDS TO BE USED BY ALL MANUFACTURERS. MAINLY THE STANDARDIZATION OF THE LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF KEY CONTROLS AND SWITCHES ON ALL AUTOMOBILES. IN TODAYS DRIVING, DRIVERS ARE PLACED BEHIND THE WHEEL OF UNFAMILIAR VEHICLES ALL THE TIME AS TRAVEL AND BUSINESS PUTS THEM IN RENTAL CARS. WITH EACH VEHICLE HAVING DIFFERENT LOCATIONS FOR LIGHT SWITCHES, FLASHERS, WINDSHEILD WIPERS/WASHERS, DIMMERS AND CRUISE CONTROLS. DRIVERS…

Look up ODI 10056660 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
16.7%
ODI 10162552 · 125,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH., THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING ON ITS OWN AND ACCELERATING VEHICLE'S SPEED ON THE SPEEDOMETER. AS THE CONTACT TURNED INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE FASTER AND THE SPEED INDICATOR NEEDLE MOVED PASSED THE MAXIMUM SPEED INDICATED ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK AS THE BRAKES FAILED TO HOLD THE PROGRESS OF THE RACING ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF STOPPING THE VEHICLE. ON THE FIRST VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE REPLACEMENT PART UNAVAILABLE, THEREFORE THE…

Look up ODI 10162552 at NHTSA ↗

12.0%
ODI 10299650

I OWN A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C280. THIS VEHICLE YEAR AND MODEL HAS A POSSIBLE CRITICAL ENGINE WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM WHERE THE INSULATION ON THE HARNESS DISINTEGRATES VERY QUICKLY. THIS DISINTEGRATION CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL AND CATCH FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE OF COURSE OTHER RELATED SEVERE PROBLEMS THAT CAN OCCUR SINCE THE WIRING HARNESS IS CRITICAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW OF THE OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS AFFECTED ARE IGNITION, FUEL INJECTION, COOLING, TIMING, MIXTURES AND VARIOUS OTHER SYSTEMS/SENSORS OF THE CAR. AFTER …

Look up ODI 10299650 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10458187 · 249,800 mi

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR BEGAN BACKFIRING AND SPEED DROPPED FROM 65 MPH TO 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND BEGAN TO BACKFIRE MORE. TEMP WENT UP AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED OVER TO CHECK ON CAR AND IT NEVER RESTARTED AGAIN. CONTACTED MB ASSIST AND WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED A JUMP WITH THICK GAUGE CABLES AND THEY COULD SEND A TECH BUT THE CHARGES WOULD BE AT MINIMUM $100. ITS BEEN OVER A WEEK AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. I'VE PUT BATTERIES IN FOB (THEY NEVER HAD ANY BEFORE) , CHA…

Look up ODI 10458187 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

225.0%
ODI 10334928 · 52,301 mi

CAR: 2000 MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR DRIVING AT 55MPH, THE CAR'S FRONT RIGHT BRAKE SUDDENLY ENGAGED CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL FOR A MOMENT. THE BRAKE THEN RELEASES AND THE BAS/ESP LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. THIS SITUATION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!!! I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME IT IS THE YAW RATE SENSOR OR STEERING POSITION SENSOR. THE FIX IS $1100. THIS IS A TOTAL SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS CAR AND AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE IN VARIOUS FORUMS THERE ARE NUMEROUS OWNERS I…

Look up ODI 10334928 at NHTSA ↗

17.1%
ODI 10341913

2001 MERCEDES C240. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND THE ACCELERATOR FAILED. THE ENGINE WOULD GO FULL THROTTLE WHEN IN GEAR. SHE HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MECHANIC. HE FOUND THE CAR COMPUTER HAD SAID THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR WAS BAD. A NEW ACCELERATOR WAS PUT IN AND NO MORE PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10341913 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.

120.0%
ODI 10460509 · 72,280 mi

WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE WOULD REV NORMALLY BUT VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO SIDE OF FREEWAY SAFELY. PLACED CAR IN PARK AND THEN SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE, AND CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. ACCORDING TO, HTTP://JAYAUTO.WORDPRESS.COM, MERCEDES IS IN A FIGHT WITH ITS OWN SUPPLIERS BECAUSE THEY PRODUCE A LOW-QUALITY PART. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR 7-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS, PLEASE REPORT IT TO: NHTSA. ONLY T…

Look up ODI 10460509 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range60,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10003576 · 6,670 mi

ESP & BAS WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE MESSAGE SCREEN TWICE, ONCE ON 1-20-03 & AGAIN ON 1-27-03, THE FIRST TIME DEALER SAID IT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T TIGHTEN THE GAS CAP. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE MESSAGES WERE GONE THE NEXT DAY. ON 1-27-03 I CALLED RALLYE MOTORS TO TELL THEM & I HAVE AN APPT FOR MARCH 10, 2003.

Look up ODI 10003576 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10207484 · 65,000 mi

MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR IN THE MORNING, NO PROBLEM. EARLY AFTERNOON, SHE LEFT TO PICK UP OUR CHILD, WHILE LEAVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE VEHICLE STARTING SENDING WARNING SIGNS CAME ON THE DASH THAT HAD NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE. THEN THICK SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY WIFE HAD TO OPEN HER WINDOW. SHE THEN TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK HOME PRIOR TO LEAVING THE COMMUNITY. ON THE WAY BACK THE CAR SLAMMED ON BRAKES BY ITSELF AND CUT ITSELF OFF AND SAID THE VEHICLE HAD 7 FAULTS. RAN UP TO A NEIGHBORS HOME, UPON RETURNING THE VEHICLE…

Look up ODI 10207484 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10404244 · 90,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ C240 ECU FAILURE. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE SOMETIMES RANDOM AT BEST AND SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF. THE CARS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK, THE POWER STEERING LEAKS INTERMITTENTLY THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE . THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED SO WAS THE COIL PACK AND OTHER ITEMS BY MERCEDES BUT THEY ALWAYS TRIED TO JUSTIFY THAT PROBLEM WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WHICH IS NOT TRUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10404244 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range78,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10065172 · 39,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON ONE OCCASION, BUT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THE SECOND TIME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10065172 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10219969 · 78,000 mi

I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240 SEDAN WITH 78,000 MILES ON IT. UPON LEAVING WORK TWO WEEKS AGO DRIVING DOWN THE PARKING LOT IN SECOND GEAR THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE THE WORST ENGINE NOISE I EVER HEARD. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. IF I WAS TRAVELING DOWN AN INTERSTATE AND THIS BROKE AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IN NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE CAR I HAVE A SERVICE FILE FULL OF PROBLEMS AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY ON THINGS LIKE FRONT C…

Look up ODI 10219969 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10239832 · 110,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OR HIGHER, THE ESP INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT ORDER THE PARTS AND MAKE THE REPAIR AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 09/23/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED IN BRAKING MODE.

Look up ODI 10239832 at NHTSA ↗

SeatsToo few reports for a range70,261 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10254049 · 75,522 mi

SEAT CONTROL MODULE ON PASSENGER SIDE DRAINS THE BATTERY. *TR

Look up ODI 10254049 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10260382 · 115,000 mi

DEFECTIVE SEAT CONTROLLER MODULES ( DRIVER AND PASSENGER ) CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DRAIN COMPLETELY WITHIN 24 HOURS. THIS LEAVES ME STRANDED AND UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. A SEARCH ONLINE REVEALS MULTIPLE OTHER WITH THE SAME ISSUES...INDICATING AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS WELL KNOWN TO THE MANUFACTURER WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM FROM THE MANUFACTURER OTHER THAN PAYING $1000 FOR A KNOWN DEFECTIVE ISSUE/PART. *TR

Look up ODI 10260382 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10267667 · 65,000 mi

POWER SEAT CONTROLLER BECOMES DEFECTIVE AND FAILS TO SHUT DOWN WHEN CAR IS OFF AND LOCKED, AND THUS DRAINS THE BATTERY. *TR

Look up ODI 10267667 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range104,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10014381 · 8,700 mi

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

Look up ODI 10014381 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10375150 · 104,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 2002 C240 MERCEDES IN 2006. THE CAR HAS NEVER GIVEN ME ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS UNTIL HERE RECENTLY. THE CAR BEGAN TO NOT START AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THREE TIMES TO THE MECHANICS (DON ALLEN SERVICE CENTER ON ALLENTOWN ROAD, FORT WASHINGTON, MD). WAS TOLD I NEEDED A FUEL PUMP. I PAID $1,500 TO HAVE A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR. IT HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS BEFORE IT TURNS OVER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO FUEL FILTER CHAN…

Look up ODI 10375150 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10524137 · 136,000 mi

I CALLED MBUSA 2 WEEKS AGO REGARDING MY 2002 C320 WAGON WHICH WAS SMELLING OF PURE GASOLINE WHICH THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG IT WAS COMING INTO THE HOUSE FROM THE GARAGE GIVING US HEADACHES. I CHECKED ONLINE WITH MBUSA CLUB MEMBERS AND FOUND OUT THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND TO CALL IT IN. I CALLED MBUSA AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR BULLETINS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE AND WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY TO CONTACT THE DEALER. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO SEEMED VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND JUST FOR PARTS IT WAS OVER $800 AND THEY WERE NOT…

Look up ODI 10524137 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range65,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10439377 · 65,000 mi

THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINI…

Look up ODI 10439377 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range46,850 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10223713 · 46,850 mi

WE PURCHASED A NEW SET OF MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 2 TIRES AT COSTCO IN POWAY, CA ON 10/8/07 FOR MY WIFE'S MERCEDES. AFTER JUST LESS THAN SIX MONTHS AND UNDER 6,800 MILES, WE NOTICED HER LEFT TIRE WAS LOW. SUSPECTING SHE HAD PICKED UP A NAIL OR SUCH, WE FULLY INFLATED THE TIRE AND DROVE THE THREE MILES TO COSTCO. THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE, PATRICK, CALLED ME TO SAY IT WAS A NAIL BUT IT HAD DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL AND THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE TIRE CENTER, PATRICK'S SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM KENNISON, INSISTED THAT SIX MONTHS AND…

Look up ODI 10223713 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range4,370 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10014381 · 8,700 mi

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

Look up ODI 10014381 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10155867 · 39 mi

I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN THE SHOP FOR WELL OVER 40+ DAYS REGARDING A VIBRATION THAT CAUSES ME TO BELIEVE IT COULD BE SAFETY RELATED. I'M ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DEALER CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND HAS NO IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 MERCEDES C240. AT THE PRESENT TIME I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE GOING ON 6 WEEKS, THIS IS THE 6TH OR 7TH TIME IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER. *JB

Look up ODI 10155867 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range32,837 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10004900 · 674 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY C-240 BETWEEN 30 & 60 MPH I CAN FEEL A VIBRATION ON THE SHIFT LEVER & THE STEERING WHEEL & IF PUT MY HAND ON TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. YOU CAN SENSE THE VIBRATION AROUND YOU. IT SEEMS TO COME FROM THE POWER TRAIN, VIA DRIVE SHAFT, TRANS. OR DIFFERENTIAL, THE DEALER REPLACED & BALANCED ALL FOUR TIRES, AND IT I THUOGHT IT WAS CORRECTED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSITS SOMETIMES IT IS MORE NOTICIBLE THAN OTHERS, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BUT ON A TEST DRIVE THE SERVICE MAN SAID HE CAN'T FEEL ANYTHI…

Look up ODI 10004900 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439377 · 65,000 mi

THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINI…

Look up ODI 10439377 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 27 reports

2005: 1 complaints · 2006: 7 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005011
2006677
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2005500
2006801

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
ComponentElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeatsFuel System, GasolineSuspensionTiresUnknown Or OtherPower Train
Electrical System—
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10252301

SEAT CONTROLLER MODULES, THEY CONSTANTLY DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THIS IS A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES C CLASS. THE CONTROLLER DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY TO THE POINT WERE THE CAR CANNOT START, AND CONTINUES TO DO THIS IF THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN EVERYDAY. OBVIOUSLY HAVING A CAR BATTERY GET SUCKED BELOW 3V IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE BATTERY, AND IN THE END EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM HAS TO REPLACE THEIR BATTERY MANY MANY TIMES. *TR

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ODI 10512849 · 56,000 mi

DRIVERS POWER SEAT CONTROL MODULE DRAINS BATTERY WHEN AUTO IS PARKED. *TR

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1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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00
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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—0
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

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00
Seats
2
ODI 10252301

SEAT CONTROLLER MODULES, THEY CONSTANTLY DRAIN THE BATTERY WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THIS IS A VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES C CLASS. THE CONTROLLER DRAINS THE CAR BATTERY TO THE POINT WERE THE CAR CANNOT START, AND CONTINUES TO DO THIS IF THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN EVERYDAY. OBVIOUSLY HAVING A CAR BATTERY GET SUCKED BELOW 3V IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE BATTERY, AND IN THE END EVERYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM HAS TO REPLACE THEIR BATTERY MANY MANY TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10252301 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10512849 · 56,000 mi

DRIVERS POWER SEAT CONTROL MODULE DRAINS BATTERY WHEN AUTO IS PARKED. *TR

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0—00000
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10014381 · 8,700 mi

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

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0
Suspension
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10439377 · 65,000 mi

THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINI…

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Tires
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 567249

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. *SLC

Look up ODI 567249 at NHTSA ↗

—00
Unknown Or Other000
1
ODI 10014381 · 8,700 mi

3/03 WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASING MY 2002 C-240, THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING, FUEL GAUGE FAILED, HEADLIGHT WASHER BROKE, AND ONE OF THE VENTS ON THE DASH FELL APART. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS GIVEN ANOTHER 2002 C-240, AND WHILE DRIVING THE LOANER CAR IN THE MOUNTAINS, IT BEGAN DOWN SHIFTING ITSELF AND THERE WAS NO POWER. CAR WOULD COME TO COMPLETE STOP AND THEN WOULD START MOVING AGAIN. HAPPENED 6 TIMES. MERCEDES DEALER THOUGHT WAS ISOLATED INCIDENT. I FELT IT WAS VERY SERIOUS AS I WAS ON INTERSTATE WHEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY STOP …

Look up ODI 10014381 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
Power Train0000
1
ODI 10439377 · 65,000 mi

THIS IS A C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THEN LOCKED UP AFTER BEING DRIVEN SLOWLY TO A SHOP. IT WAS LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE EARLY 2002 C CLASS CARS BUT AS USUAL, THERE IS NO RECALL. I CONTACTED MBUSA AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THIS CAR HAS ALSO RECENTLY SHOWN EVIDENCE OF RUSTING. I CONTACTED MBUSA ABOUT THAT AND LEARNED THAT THE MB CORROSION PROTECTION IN THE U.S. IS MERELY FOUR YEARS. I ALSO FOUND THAT MOST OF THE OTHER GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKERS HAVE USED GALVINI…

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00—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 12.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10065172 · 39,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ON ONE OCCASION, BUT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THE SECOND TIME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

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ODI 10070703

THE 1ST INCIDENT; MY MERCEDES C240 WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS NEW. 2ND INCIDENT AT 10.5 MOS, 3RD: EXACLTY 1 YEAR, 4TH: 1 YR/3 WKS, 5TH: 13 MOS. ALL 5 TIMES THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT DYING OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, & BRAKES. 3 OF THE 5 INCIDENTS THE CAR WOULD NOT START & REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER, HAVING THE DEALERS WORK ON THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DIE OUT AGAIN. BIGGEST COMPLAINT BESIDES MINE, MY CHILDREN, & OTHER FELLOW FREEWAY TRAVELERS LIVES BEING IN DANGER IS THE LACK AND DIS…

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ODI 10219969 · 78,000 mi

I HAVE A 2002 MERCEDES BENZ C240 SEDAN WITH 78,000 MILES ON IT. UPON LEAVING WORK TWO WEEKS AGO DRIVING DOWN THE PARKING LOT IN SECOND GEAR THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE THE WORST ENGINE NOISE I EVER HEARD. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. IF I WAS TRAVELING DOWN AN INTERSTATE AND THIS BROKE AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IN NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE CAR I HAVE A SERVICE FILE FULL OF PROBLEMS AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY ON THINGS LIKE FRONT C…

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

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 6.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10070703

THE 1ST INCIDENT; MY MERCEDES C240 WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS NEW. 2ND INCIDENT AT 10.5 MOS, 3RD: EXACLTY 1 YEAR, 4TH: 1 YR/3 WKS, 5TH: 13 MOS. ALL 5 TIMES THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT DYING OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, & BRAKES. 3 OF THE 5 INCIDENTS THE CAR WOULD NOT START & REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER, HAVING THE DEALERS WORK ON THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DIE OUT AGAIN. BIGGEST COMPLAINT BESIDES MINE, MY CHILDREN, & OTHER FELLOW FREEWAY TRAVELERS LIVES BEING IN DANGER IS THE LACK AND DIS…

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ODI 10404244 · 90,000 mi

MERCEDES BENZ C240 ECU FAILURE. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ARE SOMETIMES RANDOM AT BEST AND SOMETIMES SHUTS OFF. THE CARS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK, THE POWER STEERING LEAKS INTERMITTENTLY THE REAR COIL SPRING BROKE ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE . THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED SO WAS THE COIL PACK AND OTHER ITEMS BY MERCEDES BUT THEY ALWAYS TRIED TO JUSTIFY THAT PROBLEM WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WHICH IS NOT TRUE. *TR

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10070703

THE 1ST INCIDENT; MY MERCEDES C240 WAS ONLY 2 MONTHS NEW. 2ND INCIDENT AT 10.5 MOS, 3RD: EXACLTY 1 YEAR, 4TH: 1 YR/3 WKS, 5TH: 13 MOS. ALL 5 TIMES THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME EXACT DYING OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, & BRAKES. 3 OF THE 5 INCIDENTS THE CAR WOULD NOT START & REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALER, HAVING THE DEALERS WORK ON THE CAR ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR DIE OUT AGAIN. BIGGEST COMPLAINT BESIDES MINE, MY CHILDREN, & OTHER FELLOW FREEWAY TRAVELERS LIVES BEING IN DANGER IS THE LACK AND DIS…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b