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U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Mercedes Benz C280 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

15 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

182,873 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 15 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues426.7%
Braking behavior213.3%
Fuel system concerns213.3%

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:12v/24v/48v Battery
3
Suspension
2
Electrical System:Horn
1
Electrical System:Ignition
1
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers
1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery3
Suspension2
Electrical System:Horn1
Electrical System:Ignition1
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash1
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings1

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 3; Suspension: 2; Electrical System:Horn: 1; Electrical System:Ignition: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 1; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 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.

1999
4
2000
2
2001
2
2002
3
2005
1
2007
1
2014
1
2015
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19994
20002
20012
20023
20051
20071
20141
20151

1999: 4; 2000: 2; 2001: 2; 2002: 3; 2005: 1; 2007: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 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 8006091 · 2002-03-21 (March 21, 2002)

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED, AND EVENTUALLY BATTERY WENT DEAD. VERY NEXT DAY A RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8006091 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 855911 · 2000-02-01 (February 1, 2000)

WHILE DRIVING AN ELECTRICAL LIGHT WILL COME ON AT THE DASHBOARD, AND THE LIGHT HAS A DESIGN LIKE A BULB, STARTING TO CHECK ELECTRIC ON THE BRAKES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 855911 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 849903 · 1999-10-05 (October 5, 1999)

WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AFTER THE CONSUMER STARTED TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN AND SPINNED 360 DEGREE ANGLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES BEFORE HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE, BUT THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 849903 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 608678 · 1999-02-01 (February 1, 1999)

GAS TANK GAUGE FAILED. YH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 608678 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 763346 · 2002-06-22 (June 22, 2002)

FUEL HOSE (PART NO.A2084761526) ABRUPTLY BURST WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, RESULTING IN HUGE FUEL LEAK (LIKE A SPIGOT), WITH FUEL IMMEDIATELY POOLING UNDER THE CAR AND STREAKING AWAY. IF THERE HAD BEEN A LIT CIGARETTE BUTT ON THE PARKING LOT PAVEMENT WE WOULD HAVE EXPLODED, KILLING ALL 4 OCCUPANTS AS WE WERE GETTING INTO THE CAR. IT WOULD HAVE WIPED OUT THREE GENERATIONS: TWO PARENTS, ONE CHILD AND ONE SURVIVING GRANDPARENT. THIS PART HAS TO BE FAILSAFE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF LIFE. I HAVE A 13-YR-OLD CAR THAT HAS NEVER HAD BREA…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 763346 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

13.3%Usable mileage2 / 15 records
60.0%Valid incident date9 / 15 records
100.0%Valid filing date15 / 15 records
60.0%Ordered incident and filing dates9 / 15 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
Component199419951996199719981999200020062007
Engine
444.4%
ODI 10668920 · 173,000 mi

THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CAR SHOOK AND DIED. I WAS ON I-75 IN ATLANTA, GA. THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, SOMETHING THAT MERCEDES IS AWARE OF. I WAS ALMOST KILLED. *TR

Look up ODI 10668920 at NHTSA ↗

637.5%
ODI 10489542 · 183,484 mi

AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE STARTED MISSING THEN QUIT. COULD NOT GET IT RE-STARTED. FAILURE CODES SAID RANDOM MISFIRE. CHECKED THE WIRING HARNESS GOING INTO THE SPARK COILS AND FOUND THAT THE INSULATION HAD DISINTEGRATED. AFTER CHECKING A FEW OTHER SPOTS ON THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, I FOUND THE INSULATION HAD DISINTEGRATED THERE ALSO. *TR

Look up ODI 10489542 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 10934585 · 150,000 mi

WELL, I HAVE A 1996 MECEDES BENZ C280 HAVIMG A VERY DIFFICULT TIME GET IT STARTING SO I'LL PUT IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR,AND THE MECHANIC SAID YOU'RE HAVE A VERY BAD IGNITION WIRING HARNESS,HE SAID CHECK AND SEE IF THEY HAVE RECALL ON THAT YEAR OF MECEDES BENZ OF THE YEARS,AND THEY DOSE,1994-1996 C280-E320 AND OTHERS.THE MECHANIC SAID IF YOU DRIVE THIS THIS VECHICLE IT MAY CAUGHT OF FIRE, IT MUST BE REPLACE.

Look up ODI 10934585 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.

1344.8%
ODI 10455977 · 53,000 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 P…

Look up ODI 10455977 at NHTSA ↗

1017.9%
ODI 10585333 · 94,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C-280.THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE RIGHT INTAKE CAM SHAFT MAGNET AND THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE BALANCE SHAFT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED…

Look up ODI 10585333 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
888.9%
ODI 10487452 · 96,957 mi

CAR STARTED STALLING AND TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO UPSHIFT. WHEN CAR SLOWED IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN. TURNS OUT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILED DUE TO A BIODEGRADABLE TYPE OF INSULATION USED AND IS SHORTING OUT IN MULTIPLE PLACES. CAR STARTED TO SMOKE AT ONE POINT. THIS CAUSED DANGEROUS ENGINE MALFUNCTION--AND A FIRE-COULD HAVE BEEN STARTED INSIDE MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10487452 at NHTSA ↗

1381.3%
ODI 10482298 · 109,033 mi

APPARENTLY THE W202 C-CLASS (1994-2000) BODY STYLE MERCEDES BENZ HAS A DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS BY USING BIODEGRADABLE INSULATION IN THEIR HARNESSES. I RECENTLY ACQUIRED A 1995 C280 WITH 109033 MILES. AS I WAS LOOKING THE CAR OVER, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FUSE WAS BLOWN I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR HOUSING STARTED SMOKING REAL BAD, SO I QUICKLY REMOVED THE NEW FUSE. NOW I CANNOT ADJUST THE MIRRORS TO BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT'S BEHIND, ALSO THE MIRROR HARNESS IS TIED WITH THE REVERSE/BACK UP LIGHTS.…

Look up ODI 10482298 at NHTSA ↗

375.0%
ODI 10934585 · 150,000 mi

WELL, I HAVE A 1996 MECEDES BENZ C280 HAVIMG A VERY DIFFICULT TIME GET IT STARTING SO I'LL PUT IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR,AND THE MECHANIC SAID YOU'RE HAVE A VERY BAD IGNITION WIRING HARNESS,HE SAID CHECK AND SEE IF THEY HAVE RECALL ON THAT YEAR OF MECEDES BENZ OF THE YEARS,AND THEY DOSE,1994-1996 C280-E320 AND OTHERS.THE MECHANIC SAID IF YOU DRIVE THIS THIS VECHICLE IT MAY CAUGHT OF FIRE, IT MUST BE REPLACE.

Look up ODI 10934585 at NHTSA ↗

342.9%
ODI 10166284 · 999,999 mi

WIRE HARNESS AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS ARE WELL KNOWN TO FAIL IN ALL W202 BODY STYLE MERCEDES MAF ARE NOT A LARGER PROBLEM DUE TO THEIR LOW REPAIR COST ON THE OTHER HAND ALL W202 HAVE TO HAVE THE WIRE HARNESS REPLACED IN UNDER 10 YEARS WHICH FOR $2000+ IS UNREASONABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A CLEAR PROBLEM IN ALL SUCH VEHICLES. *JB

Look up ODI 10166284 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.

310.3%
ODI 11166445 · 106,465 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.

Look up ODI 11166445 at NHTSA ↗

35.4%
ODI 10289475 · 19,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 19000.

Look up ODI 10289475 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10497708 · 150,000 mi

THE WIRING HARNESS SHORTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I HIT A POLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER LOSS OF STEERING. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOW, AND THEY WANT ME TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON AN ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ENGINE. *TR

Look up ODI 10497708 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11344101

MY NEIGHBOR WOKE ME UP TELLING ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE TRUNK AND SO I GOT THE WATERHOSE AND STARTED SPRAYING WATER IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP OR PUT OUT THE FIRE SO I CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND HAD TO SPRAY SOME CHEMICALS ALL OVER IN THE CAR TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND CUT THE WIRE TO THE BATTERY CAUSE THE WHOLE CAR WAS ON FIRE THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT'S WHY I COULDN'T PUT IT OUT WITH WATER. MY CAR WAS IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE MOBILE HOME ESTATE PARKING LOT OVER NIGHT AND IN THE MO…

Look up ODI 11344101 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.

13.4%
ODI 10748209 · 76,000 mi

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 CHE…

Look up ODI 10748209 at NHTSA ↗

1628.6%
ODI 10489060 · 54,125 mi

STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE MERCEDES C280 2007 WHEN IT'S FILLED UP, OR FILLED PAST THE SECOND NOTCH ON THE FUEL METER. INSPECTION OF THE FUEL TANK UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEATS REVEALS A VISIBLE FUEL LEAK ON THE LEFT SENDING UNIT A THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS SUGGEST THIS LEAKAGE MAY BE RELATED TO A MARCH, 2008 EMISSIONS RECALL CONDUCTED BY MERCEDES BENZ (EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2008-020001) WHICH INVOLVED POTENTIAL CRACKING OF THE FUEL FILTER MODULE IN VEHICLES EXPOSED TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. …

Look up ODI 10489060 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

212.5%
ODI 10985647

VEHICLE STALL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY . IT TOOK TEN MINUTES TO START. NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE. VERY DANGEROUS.

Look up ODI 10985647 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11417404

My 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 is leaking Oil and Radiator Cap(Expansion Trank Cap Replacement Cooling system Flush Thermostat Replacement because my Antifreeze Coolant is running out on me faster than ever,Module is year Affected and it needs a Value job and it needs a Head Gasket.

Look up ODI 11417404 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.8%
ODI 716986

FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED TWICE WITHIN 1 WEEK PERIOD OF TIME (AFTER DEALER REPLACED IT). CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO LACK OF FUEL. ROAD CONDITION AT THE TIME WAS BAD. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AFTERWARD. *AK

Look up ODI 716986 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

517.2%
ODI 10862268 · 60,000 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.

Look up ODI 10862268 at NHTSA ↗

47.1%
ODI 10749942 · 46,000 mi

ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS ARE CONSTRUCTED OF UNTREATED ALUMINUM. IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT SALT WILL REACT EASILY WITH ALUMINUM, EXTENSIVE CORROSION RESULTS. THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR MOUNT SITS IN A POCKET IN THE FRAME, WHERE BRINE CAN LAY ON IT FOR PROLONGED PERIODS. OF NOTE, MANY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS ARE NOW USING A BRINE MIX, INCLUDING MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, THAT WILL REACT WITH MOISTURE IN THE AIR TO CONTINUE THE CORROSION PROCESS. A RECENT STUDY BY VOLKSWAGEN CONFIRMS THAT THIS ACCELERATES THE CORROSION PROCESS. IN APRIL OR MAY OF THIS YEAR, I HAD TO HAV…

Look up ODI 10749942 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10615553 · 178,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMASHED AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BRUISED ARM DUE TO THE IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Look up ODI 10615553 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11417404

My 1996 Mercedes-Benz C280 is leaking Oil and Radiator Cap(Expansion Trank Cap Replacement Cooling system Flush Thermostat Replacement because my Antifreeze Coolant is running out on me faster than ever,Module is year Affected and it needs a Value job and it needs a Head Gasket.

Look up ODI 11417404 at NHTSA ↗

114.3%
ODI 10637226

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10637226 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10903155

TAKATA RECALL, RECEIVED LETTER FROM MERCEDES BENZ SAYING I WILL RECEIVE A VOUCHER FOR NEW AIRBAGS GRATIS BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN. I HOPE I LIVE LONG ENOUGH. TAKATA WILL OBVIOUSLY GO BANKRUPT BEFORE THEY COMPLETE OBLIGATIONS FOR 54 MILLION AIRBAGS...DISGUSTED CUSTOMER

Look up ODI 10903155 at NHTSA ↗

517.2%
ODI 10920365 · 109,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10920365 at NHTSA ↗

35.4%
ODI 11375853

I AM STILL WAITING FOR A RECALL TO BE COMPLETED.

Look up ODI 11375853 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
111.1%
ODI 10487452 · 96,957 mi

CAR STARTED STALLING AND TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO UPSHIFT. WHEN CAR SLOWED IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AGAIN. TURNS OUT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILED DUE TO A BIODEGRADABLE TYPE OF INSULATION USED AND IS SHORTING OUT IN MULTIPLE PLACES. CAR STARTED TO SMOKE AT ONE POINT. THIS CAUSED DANGEROUS ENGINE MALFUNCTION--AND A FIRE-COULD HAVE BEEN STARTED INSIDE MY ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

Look up ODI 10487452 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 10519506 · 184,550 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY AT 75MPH THE CAR LOST POWER AND THEN CAME RIGHT BACK WHILE THIS HAPPENED THE TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED JERKED VERY BADLY AND CAR ALSO SLOWED DOWN RAPIDLY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH 90'S+ MERCEDES BENZ'S WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS? MULTIPLE CASUALTIES ON THE HWY SHOULD NOT BE A REASON TO INSPECT A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MILLIONS OF CARS!! AS LONG AS THESE CARS ARE STILL ON THE ROAD SAFETY SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST! WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR A PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR MA…

Look up ODI 10519506 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.

517.2%
ODI 10532092 · 94,000 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

Look up ODI 10532092 at NHTSA ↗

47.1%
ODI 10781640

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE RPMS RACED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT RESPONDING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF, AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION SHAFT, SPRINGS, INTERNAL SPEED SENSOR, AND …

Look up ODI 10781640 at NHTSA ↗

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.

213.3%
ODI 10558970 · 221,746 mi

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE SPRING PERCH SUPPORTING THE LEFT, FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. INSTANTLY, THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION TOTALLY COLLAPSED LEAVING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY SUSPENSION OR WHEEL CLEARANCE INSIDE THE FENDER. THIS IN TURN CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER TO NEARLY DRAG ON THE PAVEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN MERCEDES AUTOMOBILES THAT USE THIS SAME OR SIMILAR SPRING PERCH. THIS TYPE OF PART IS ONE THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL UNLESS DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER IN THIS CASE KEPT H…

Look up ODI 10558970 at NHTSA ↗

38.8%
ODI 10398676 · 196,000 mi

AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP IN OUR APARTMENT COMPLEX AT A SLOW SPEED, WE HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THEN, AS WE WERE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, WE HEARD A GRINDING OR DRAGGING NOISE. WHILE LOOKING UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE TO SEE IF SOMETHING HAD COME LOOSE, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR DROPPED SUDDENLY AFTER ANOTHER LOUD POPPING NOISE. AFTER LOOKING UNDER THE CAR SOME MORE I SAW THE SPRING WAS LAYING ON IT'S SIDE BEHIND THE WHEEL. I JACKED THE CAR UP AND REMOVED THE SPRING WHICH WAS JUST LYING THERE LOOSE AND SAW THE UPPER…

Look up ODI 10398676 at NHTSA ↗

375.0%
ODI 10782260 · 112,000 mi

SUSPENSION DROPPED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. BEARING BROKE OFF COULD ONLY GO STRAIGHT AS WHEELS COULD NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. COIL SPRING PERCH BROKE..WHEEL HITTING WHEEL WELL. LEFT SIDE OF CAR FRONT DROPPED TOWARDS GROUND. SOMEONE WILL BE KILLED OR ALREADY PROBABLY HAVE BEEN. MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WONT CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF THERE RUSTY CARS.. THESE MODELS GO FROM YEARS BEFORE 1990 AND PAST 2010 AND LATER WITH ALL MODELS THEY'VE PRODUCED.. CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE GM HAS WITH IGNITION SWITCH.. LET MERCEDES …

Look up ODI 10782260 at NHTSA ↗

13.4%
ODI 10748209 · 76,000 mi

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 CHE…

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11.8%
ODI 11580065

I first noticed an issue with the alignment. The vehicle would always pull to the left. After 3 different alignment procedures, it remind the same. I started noticing a clunking sound when I would brake. While driving I hit a moderate pothole and the car lurched side to side, causing me to lose control. It was fortunate that I was on a surface street, and that I was only traveling about 35 mph. I almost struck the vehicle next to me, but my quick reflex prevented it. I limped the car, going 15-20 mph with hazards on, to my mechanic. He …

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Engine And Engine Cooling
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.

38.8%
ODI 10016095 · 48,000 mi

THE VEHICLES FUEL TANK FILLER FAILED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO FILL THE TANK WITH GAS. THE GAS CAME BACK OUT THE FILLER CAP ALTHOUGH THE TANK DIDN'T HAVE A HALF A TANK OF GAS. *NLM SOMETIMES THE ENGINE DIDN'T TURN OVER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS POOR ON GAS. *SCC

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

47.1%
ODI 10196359 · 100 mi

I TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C280 4MATIC VEHICLE THE 1ST WEEK OF JANUARY,2007 & ON JANUARY 14, 2007 I WAS RETURNING HOME ON A US HIGHWAY IN SEMINOLE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA WHEN I APPROACHED A SMALL (8 INCHES TALL) HOUSE CAT OR POSSUM & WAS UNABLE TO AVOID RUNNING OVER THE ANIMAL. RATHER THAN THE ANIMAL MAKING CONTACT WITH THE "SKID (PROTECTIVE) PLATE" & FALLING TO THE PAVEMENT, THE ANIMAL BUSTED THROUGH THE PLATE & ENTERED INTO THE RADIATOR FAN UNIT DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE (APPROXIMATELY $3000). UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT…

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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
SuspensionToo few reports for a range221,746 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10558970 · 221,746 mi

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE SPRING PERCH SUPPORTING THE LEFT, FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. INSTANTLY, THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION TOTALLY COLLAPSED LEAVING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY SUSPENSION OR WHEEL CLEARANCE INSIDE THE FENDER. THIS IN TURN CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER TO NEARLY DRAG ON THE PAVEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN MERCEDES AUTOMOBILES THAT USE THIS SAME OR SIMILAR SPRING PERCH. THIS TYPE OF PART IS ONE THAT SHOULD NEVER FAIL UNLESS DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER IN THIS CASE KEPT H…

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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 25 reports

2006: 0 complaints · 2007: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2006000
2007145
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20062801
20075501

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 System:12v/24v/48v BatterySuspensionElectrical System:HornElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit BreakersElectrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashEquipment:Appliance:Air ConditionerFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery—000
1
ODI 8006091

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED, AND EVENTUALLY BATTERY WENT DEAD. VERY NEXT DAY A RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

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000
Suspension0—000000
Electrical System:Horn00—00000
Electrical System:Ignition000—0000
Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers
1
ODI 8006091

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED, AND EVENTUALLY BATTERY WENT DEAD. VERY NEXT DAY A RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

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000—000
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash00000—00
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner000000—0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings0000000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 763346

FUEL HOSE (PART NO.A2084761526) ABRUPTLY BURST WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, RESULTING IN HUGE FUEL LEAK (LIKE A SPIGOT), WITH FUEL IMMEDIATELY POOLING UNDER THE CAR AND STREAKING AWAY. IF THERE HAD BEEN A LIT CIGARETTE BUTT ON THE PARKING LOT PAVEMENT WE WOULD HAVE EXPLODED, KILLING ALL 4 OCCUPANTS AS WE WERE GETTING INTO THE CAR. IT WOULD HAVE WIPED OUT THREE GENERATIONS: TWO PARENTS, ONE CHILD AND ONE SURVIVING GRANDPARENT. THIS PART HAS TO BE FAILSAFE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF LIFE. I HAVE A 13-YR-OLD CAR THAT HAS NEVER HAD BREA…

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b