U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes Benz C280 engine problems

17 complaint narratives mention engine terms.

Key facts

174 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

96,957 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1994 to 2007 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 103 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Engine operation evidence

17 of 174 complaints match this topic (9.8%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10487452 · 2012-12-05 (December 5, 2012)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 96,957 miles reported. Look up ODI 10487452 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10701852 · 2015-03-26 (March 26, 2015)

ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A "BUZZSAW" GRINDING SOUND THAT WAS NOT INITIALLY NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON AN 85 MILE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRIP. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING BEGAN TO DIM AND MALFUNCTION, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THEN COMPLETELY FAILED AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL OUT, STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION BECAME SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE (INCLUDING COMPLETE STOPPAGE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING A HEAVY RAIN DOWNPOUR) SAFELY EXITED ROADWAY BY MANEUVERING AROUND TRAFFIC…

Owner-reported narrative. 62,928 miles reported. Look up ODI 10701852 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11282279 · 2019-11-25 (November 25, 2019)

I JUST BOUGHT THIS W202 94' C280 WITH 150K IN THE SPRING TIME WHICH SURPRISINGLY RAN FINE WITH NO ISSUES, CONSIDERING SOME OF THE LOOM ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES GOING TO THE CONNECTORS AND SENSORS IS ENTIRELY DISINTEGRATED AND INSULATION IS BREAKING APART LEAVING BARE COPPER WIRES NEAR EACH OTHER OR NEAR METAL BRACKETS. NOW ENTERING THE WINTER TIME WITH INCREASED MOISTURE AND RAIN IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING THE VEHICLE MORE SUCH AS CAUSING UNWANTED OPERATION OF COMPONENTS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS LIKE THE EGR WHICH IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS ON THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 170,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11282279 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10533382 · 2013-08-03 (August 3, 2013)

CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC CHECK IT, HE SAID IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE THE INSULATION IN THE ORIGINAL HARNESS WAS CRUMBLING AND FLAKING CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. HE SAID IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT COULD STALL AGAIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 125,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10533382 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10985647 · 2017-05-14 (May 14, 2017)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10985647 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

174 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

59.2%Usable mileage103 / 174 records

95.4%Valid incident date166 / 174 records

100.0%Valid filing date174 / 174 records

95.4%Ordered incident and filing dates166 / 174 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	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2006	2007
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… Look up ODI 10748209 at NHTSA ↗	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 … Look up ODI 11580065 at NHTSA ↗
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 Look up ODI 10016095 at NHTSA ↗	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… Look up ODI 10196359 at NHTSA ↗

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
Engine	84,963–150,000 mi	111,000 mi	26	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 ↗ ODI 10701852 · 62,928 mi ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A "BUZZSAW" GRINDING SOUND THAT WAS NOT INITIALLY NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON AN 85 MILE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRIP. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING BEGAN TO DIM AND MALFUNCTION, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THEN COMPLETELY FAILED AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL OUT, STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION BECAME SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE (INCLUDING COMPLETE STOPPAGE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING A HEAVY RAIN DOWNPOUR) SAFELY EXITED ROADWAY BY MANEUVERING AROUND TRAFFIC… Look up ODI 10701852 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10850426 · 165,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCEDES-BENZ C280. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WIRES AND INSTALLATION WERE ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A NEW WIRING HARNESS WAS INSTALLED AND A FEW SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. Look up ODI 10850426 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	99,577–175,621 mi	126,750 mi	28	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 ↗ ODI 10554374 · 190,000 mi ON MY WAY HOME, MY WIFE CAR START TO RUN ROUGHTLY AND SEE SMOKE COMING FROM MOTOR HOOD, LOOK FOR A PLACE TO STOP SAFELY AND OPEN THE HOOD, FIRE WAS ALL OVER, WIRES HARNESS WAS BURNING AND OTHER INSULATE MATERIALS, I GET FROM MY TRUNK THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND SPRAY ON THE FIRE, LUCKELY I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE CAR. I KNOW MANY CARS OF THAT YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND MERCEDES DO NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, MY CAR WAS ALWAYS IN OUR GARAGE. WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I EAR IT WILL COST MORE THAN $ 3,000 REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS. TR Look up ODI 10554374 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10627921 · 113,000 mi THE AIR INTAKE SENSOR WIRE WENT ON FIRE DUE TO CORRODED INSULATION ON WIRES. *TR Look up ODI 10627921 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	55,015–108,500 mi	77,125 mi	14	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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	Too few reports for a range	86,000 mi	4 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 11143352 · 117,121 mi MERCEDES BENZ "MB" WANTS TO CHARGE ME $8,800.00 TO FIX A BALANCE SHAFT REPLACEMENT. THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS KIND OF MALFUNCTION Look up ODI 11143352 at NHTSA ↗ 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	Too few reports for a range	109,000 mi	3 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 11474163 · 100,000 mi The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH and the vehicle in front stopped as a result the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver's side air bags were deployed with excessive force. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger side headrest restraint air bags were deployed. The contact stated that the driver in the vehicle in front was transported to the hospital by ambulance for a back injury. The contact stated that her son sough… Look up ODI 11474163 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	94,000–135,000 mi	96,957 mi	5	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Suspension	103,000–161,500 mi	132,500 mi	8	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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10654856 · 140,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE UPPER SPRING PERCHES BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. Look up ODI 10654856 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	20,990–51,323 mi	36,641 mi	6	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 Look up ODI 10016095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10196086 · 25,282 mi MERCEDES-BENZ 1999 C280. CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FELL APART WHILE AT A STOP SIGN NOT FAR FROM HOME, WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME BEFORE COMPLETE BREAKDOWN. SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, NO FIRE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 25,284 MILES. *AK Look up ODI 10196086 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10371212 · 19,559 mi ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010 OUR 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280 SEDAN ENGINE STALLED/STOPPED RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. FORTUNATELY FOR US WE WERE NOT ON A FAST MOVING SURFACE STREET, A HIGHWAY OR A FREEWAY. THIS SITUATION, WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS/STOPS MAKES IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND STOP IT SINCE THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING ARE DIFFICULT TO USE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. AFTER REFUELING THE CAR WE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 100FT WHEN, WITHOUT ANY DASH BOARD WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS, THE ENGINE STOPPED RU… Look up ODI 10371212 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	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	24V874000	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	1	None	ODI 11647466 Grinding nose after I did the breaks. And when I press the gas it acts like the e brake is on on Look up ODI 11647466 at NHTSA ↗
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	1	None	ODI 11663649 The balance shaft sprocket in this car needs to be recalled. It has has known issues since it came out nearly 20 years ago. It can cause your whole engine to blow if not fixed. The fix is often more than the value of the car, around $7000. It is ridiculous. The part was not properly heat treated during manufacture which causes it to fail prematurely at the expense of the owner. Look up ODI 11663649 at NHTSA ↗
2025-06	2	None	ODI 11667926 SRS light went on. Restraint malfunction message flashed across screen. Code reader pulls up dealer recall for driver airbag possibly exploding due to build up of pressure. My VIN is not included and dealer will not honor. Stuck with unsafe car or HUGE expense out of pocket. Look up ODI 11667926 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11669316 While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the rear subframe of the vehicle suddenly and catastrophically failed. This caused the vehicle to fishtail violently and nearly led to a serious highway accident. I was able to regain control and pull off the road safely, but the vehicle was no longer drivable and had to be towed. An inspection by a certified technician confirmed that the rear subframe rusted from the inside and experienced a complete structural failure. One of the suspension control arms even broke off of the subframe due to… Look up ODI 11669316 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	1	None	ODI 11670712 June 2, 2025 To Mercedes Customer Service: Safety Issue. This weekend I experienced the most frightening encounter that I ever had in a car. As I was driving on a 4-lane bypass highway at 55MPH my car suddenly and erratically turned to the right almost sending me into the cement bridge guards (I was driving over a river bridge). As I tried to correct the car, it then veered sharply left sending me into the passing lane where other traffic needed to avoid hitting me. Then after the car was stabilized “ESP inoperable” light came on. I had nowh… Look up ODI 11670712 at NHTSA ↗
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	2	None	ODI 11705230 My Mercedes has never been recalled for the Takata air bag recall and now I have a warning about the SRS, Supplemental Restraint System. What ever happened to vehicles having replacement air bags?? Look up ODI 11705230 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11705231 I have never been contacted about this recall either. This is the second complaint form I have filed. First one filed 12/28/2019. Look up ODI 11705231 at NHTSA ↗
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	1	None	ODI 11739294 driver seat belt. seat belt did not lock during crash with airbag deployment. problem has not been confirmed. police observed the belt not locked in either extended or retracted position after collision. burn marks on belt would indicate belt was in use Look up ODI 11739294 at NHTSA ↗
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	1	None	ODI 11755114 Broken rear subframe because of rust and corrosion with perforation. Manufacturer refused to cover the repair. Look up ODI 11755114 at NHTSA ↗
2026-09 (partial)	0	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

2006: 0 complaints · 2007: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2006	0	0	0
2007	1	4	5

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2006	28	0	1
2007	55	0	1

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	Engine	Electrical System	Fuel/Propulsion System	Unknown Or Other	Air Bags	Power Train	Suspension	Engine And Engine Cooling
Engine	—	11 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 ↗ ODI 10701852 · 62,928 mi ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A "BUZZSAW" GRINDING SOUND THAT WAS NOT INITIALLY NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON AN 85 MILE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRIP. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING BEGAN TO DIM AND MALFUNCTION, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THEN COMPLETELY FAILED AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL OUT, STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION BECAME SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE (INCLUDING COMPLETE STOPPAGE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING A HEAVY RAIN DOWNPOUR) SAFELY EXITED ROADWAY BY MANEUVERING AROUND TRAFFIC… Look up ODI 10701852 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11282279 · 170,000 mi I JUST BOUGHT THIS W202 94' C280 WITH 150K IN THE SPRING TIME WHICH SURPRISINGLY RAN FINE WITH NO ISSUES, CONSIDERING SOME OF THE LOOM ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES GOING TO THE CONNECTORS AND SENSORS IS ENTIRELY DISINTEGRATED AND INSULATION IS BREAKING APART LEAVING BARE COPPER WIRES NEAR EACH OTHER OR NEAR METAL BRACKETS. NOW ENTERING THE WINTER TIME WITH INCREASED MOISTURE AND RAIN IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING THE VEHICLE MORE SUCH AS CAUSING UNWANTED OPERATION OF COMPONENTS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS LIKE THE EGR WHICH IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS ON THE… Look up ODI 11282279 at NHTSA ↗	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	5 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 ↗ ODI 11559915 Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could no… Look up ODI 11559915 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	0	7 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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10534943 · 85,000 mi ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING WHILE DRIVING. BALANCE SHAFT MALFUNCTION. CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME NON-DRIVABLE. LOCAL DEALER QUOTED 6K TO FIX. CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ WHICH INDICATED IT WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND C-CLASS VEHICLES. OTHER RESEARCH INDICATES A DEFECT IN THE BALANCE SHAFT USED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS. MERCEDES BENZ ISSUED A SERVICE NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2008. PROBLEM OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE RELATIVELY CLOSE TO… Look up ODI 10534943 at NHTSA ↗	1 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 ↗	0
Electrical System	11 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 ↗ ODI 10701852 · 62,928 mi ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A "BUZZSAW" GRINDING SOUND THAT WAS NOT INITIALLY NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON AN 85 MILE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY TRIP. WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING BEGAN TO DIM AND MALFUNCTION, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THEN COMPLETELY FAILED AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL OUT, STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION BECAME SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE (INCLUDING COMPLETE STOPPAGE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING A HEAVY RAIN DOWNPOUR) SAFELY EXITED ROADWAY BY MANEUVERING AROUND TRAFFIC… Look up ODI 10701852 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11282279 · 170,000 mi I JUST BOUGHT THIS W202 94' C280 WITH 150K IN THE SPRING TIME WHICH SURPRISINGLY RAN FINE WITH NO ISSUES, CONSIDERING SOME OF THE LOOM ON THE ELECTRICAL WIRES GOING TO THE CONNECTORS AND SENSORS IS ENTIRELY DISINTEGRATED AND INSULATION IS BREAKING APART LEAVING BARE COPPER WIRES NEAR EACH OTHER OR NEAR METAL BRACKETS. NOW ENTERING THE WINTER TIME WITH INCREASED MOISTURE AND RAIN IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING THE VEHICLE MORE SUCH AS CAUSING UNWANTED OPERATION OF COMPONENTS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS LIKE THE EGR WHICH IS ONE OF THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS ON THE… Look up ODI 11282279 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	1 ODI 11559915 Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could no… Look up ODI 11559915 at NHTSA ↗	0	3 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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 11479370 I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2018. THE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR HAS A RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT HONORING THE RECALL WITHOUT AN EXTENSION FROM THE MERECEDES BENZ COMPANY. AS WELL MY MOON ROOF NEED THE BONDING REPAIR AND IT IS SHOWING A RECALL IN THE SYSTEM Look up ODI 11479370 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	2 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 ↗ 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 ↗	—	0	0	0	1 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 ↗	0
Unknown Or Other	5 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 ↗ ODI 11559915 Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could no… Look up ODI 11559915 at NHTSA ↗ 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 ↗	1 ODI 11559915 Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could no… Look up ODI 11559915 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 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 ↗	1 ODI 11208976 P0022 CAMSHAFT BALANCER DEFECT, SUBJECT TO PRIOR CLASS ACTION, I AM HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM! WISH TO BECOME A PART OF THAT PRIOR SETTLED CLASS ACTION OR PURSUE MY OWN ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS Look up ODI 11208976 at NHTSA ↗	1 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 … Look up ODI 11580065 at NHTSA ↗	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	1 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 ↗	—	0	0	0
Power Train	7 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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 10534943 · 85,000 mi ENGINE BEGAN KNOCKING WHILE DRIVING. BALANCE SHAFT MALFUNCTION. CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME NON-DRIVABLE. LOCAL DEALER QUOTED 6K TO FIX. CONTACTED MERCEDES BENZ WHICH INDICATED IT WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR AND C-CLASS VEHICLES. OTHER RESEARCH INDICATES A DEFECT IN THE BALANCE SHAFT USED BY MERCEDES BENZ IN THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS. MERCEDES BENZ ISSUED A SERVICE NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2008. PROBLEM OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE WHILE RELATIVELY CLOSE TO… Look up ODI 10534943 at NHTSA ↗	3 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 ↗ 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 ↗ ODI 11479370 I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2018. THE BALANCE SHAFT GEAR HAS A RECALL AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT HONORING THE RECALL WITHOUT AN EXTENSION FROM THE MERECEDES BENZ COMPANY. AS WELL MY MOON ROOF NEED THE BONDING REPAIR AND IT IS SHOWING A RECALL IN THE SYSTEM Look up ODI 11479370 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11208976 P0022 CAMSHAFT BALANCER DEFECT, SUBJECT TO PRIOR CLASS ACTION, I AM HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM! WISH TO BECOME A PART OF THAT PRIOR SETTLED CLASS ACTION OR PURSUE MY OWN ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS Look up ODI 11208976 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Suspension	1 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 ↗	0	1 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 ↗	1 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 … Look up ODI 11580065 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

20 mentions · 11.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,000 mi (14 usable records).

ODI 10487452 · 96,957 mi

Look up ODI 10487452 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10701852 · 62,928 mi

Look up ODI 10701852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11282279 · 170,000 mi

Look up ODI 11282279 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

16 mentions · 9.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,000 mi (9 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10689886 · 143,000 mi

THE CAR WAS BARELY USED IN ABOUT 2 YEARS. BEFORE IT HAD NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, NOW IT CAN'T BE TAKEN TO EMISSIONS BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS BECAUSE THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATING. THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ KNOWS ABOUT THIS COMMON PROBLEM VERY WELL EVEN THOUGH THEY BLATANTLY DISREGARD THEIR CUSTOMERS' SAFETY, CLAIMING THEY HAVE NO SUCH KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIRING CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR IT THEMSELVES OR CONTINUE DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO REASON OTHE…

Look up ODI 10689886 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10371212 · 19,559 mi

ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010 OUR 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280 SEDAN ENGINE STALLED/STOPPED RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. FORTUNATELY FOR US WE WERE NOT ON A FAST MOVING SURFACE STREET, A HIGHWAY OR A FREEWAY. THIS SITUATION, WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS/STOPS MAKES IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND STOP IT SINCE THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING ARE DIFFICULT TO USE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. AFTER REFUELING THE CAR WE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 100FT WHEN, WITHOUT ANY DASH BOARD WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER INDICATIONS, THE ENGINE STOPPED RU…

Look up ODI 10371212 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

9 mentions · 5.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 76,000 mi (5 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…

Look up ODI 763346 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

ODI 10508865 · 39,699 mi

AFTER MY CAR WAS SERVICED ON JANUARY 11, 2013, I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERY TIME I FILLED MY GAS TANK. THE SMELL WAS EVIDENT INSIDE MY CAR AND IN THE GARAGE AND EVEN IN MY HOUSE. AFTER THE THIRD FILLING OF MY GAS TANK AND AN EVER-WORSENING SMELL, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TO ASCERTAIN AND FIX THE PROBLEM (MARCH 15, 2013). THEY FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR AND REPLACED IT FOR $1200. I SAW AN ARTICLE IN THE LOS ANGELES TIMES ON MARCH 20, 2013, THAT FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATORS ARE INVESTIGATING TH…

Look up ODI 10508865 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Hard or delayed shifting

4 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 184,550 mi (1 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10763270

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

Look up ODI 10763270 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11423484

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

Look up ODI 11423484 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

4 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 29,780 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10024586

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVEBELT CRACKED AND CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING FAILURE OF POWER STEERING/ ALTERNATOR, AND THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10024586 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144527 · 40,000 mi

HARMONICA BALANCER ON 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280 V6 2.8L ENGINE. I'VE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING AND STARTING THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY PAPERS FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *JB

Look up ODI 10144527 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10371212 · 19,559 mi

Look up ODI 10371212 at NHTSA ↗

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 · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 19,559 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10371212 · 19,559 mi

Look up ODI 10371212 at NHTSA ↗

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