9.7

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
714 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #7

Apr 052003

C230 4-cyl

  • 5,000 miles
The car stalled on me twice. One time on the highway going 65 M/H. the engine completely shut off and came back on. The second time on a street road going 25M/H. the dealership checked it both times and they said the computer shows no malfunctions and they can't figure out the cause. Horrible experience.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #6

Oct 262002

C230

  • miles
Engine stalled (quit running) while traveling on the interstate at approx. 62 mph. The cruise control had been engaged and I braked moderately to slow the vehicle down when the engine died. I managed to pull the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and attempted approx 4 - 6 times to restart. The engine fired but would not run. Finally, after approx. 30 seconds the engine fired and I was able to drive away. The problem has been reported to the dealer but the dealer has not contacted me yet to schedule a service appointment. This is a very dangerous situation that needs immediate attention by Mercedes to correct.

- Ankeny, IA, USA

problem #5

Aug 182002

C230

  • miles
Initially the engine failed and the car lost power, in traffic, during a turn. The car would not restart immediately, and the electronic message center indicated there was "no malfunction" occurring. Upon arrival at my destination the engine failed after being placed in park, as I considered backing into the driveway. The dealer has inspected the car at least 4 times on 3 different days, and can offer no explanation for this defective performance.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #4

Aug 272002

C230

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at 85 mph vehicle shutdown without any warning, it started back up after 5 seconds, then shut off again. Had vehicle towed. Contacted dealer.cause unkown.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #3

Oct 012001

C230

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle stalls and hesitates at any speed. Vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, dealer replaced fuel pump. But, it did not solve the problem. When the problem first revealed itself it would only stall when pulling out into traffic. It progressed to the engine stopping completely while driving speeds of 25 mph or more. The fuel pump has been replaced twice. The sunroof shade is not opening properly. The trim was repaired.

- Gulf Shores, AL, USA

problem #2

Aug 302001

C230

  • miles
While driving vehicle through a puddle, that was about 3-5 inches high, vehicle suddenly stalled.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #1

Aug 312001

C230

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle home from the dealership, a light on instrument panel came on, stating "unsafe to drive vehicle." Dealership examined vehicle and determined that "automatic body control system" for suspension had malfunctioned, this caused the left rear portion of frame to drop down. The dealer replaced two valves and when the vehicle was returned to consumer the vehicle had an oil leak of over two quarts, consumer returned vehicle to dealership and a replacement vehicle was ordered which is expected to be delivered in late November.

- Pinehurst, NC, USA