FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class with NHTSA between 2004 and 2013. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.

D

FaultScore 71/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz C Class.

How this is worked out

The numbers

20

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

24,776 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

63%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 41 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 41
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz C Class. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
40% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Mercedes Benz C Class

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 15.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 3 15.0%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 39,500 mi

Engine & Cooling 3 15.0%
Seats 2 10.0%

Median failure at 1 miles

Tires 2 10.0%

Median failure at 20,276 miles

Airbags 2 10.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 1,750 mi

Electrical System 2 10.0%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 58,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 1 5.0%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 5.0%

Median failure at 123,000 miles

Steering 1 5.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 12.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 12.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 12.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 25.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 12.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2004 peak 4 Oct 2013

Recalls on the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2022740 10,460 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: Vehicles that were inspected under Transport Canada recalls 2019-668 and 2021-478 also require this inspection. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.

Recall 2021478 432 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles inspected under Mercedes-Benz recall 7891003 (Transport Canada recall 2019-668) that require a second inspection. On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: This recall affects 2006 and 2007 models originally equipped with a sunroof. Additionally, some 2001-2011 models may have had an affected sunroof installed during a repair. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.

Recall 2019668 30,219 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the sunroof glass may not be properly attached to the sliding roof frame. Over time, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: This recall affects 2006 and 2007 models originally equipped with a sunroof. Additionally, some 2001-2011 models may have had an affected sunroof installed during a repair. Safety Risk: A sunroof that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the bonding of the sunroof glass. Dealers will replace the sliding roof, if necessary.

Recall 2003338 310 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr may prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances. Correction: Dealer will replace the affected seat belt buckles.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 58,000 miles North Potomac, MD Fire 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

I HAVE BLACK MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORTS SEDAN 2004 MODEL. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE IS NO MODIFICATION MADE TO THIS CAR AND ALL THE SERVICING DONE AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT HAD ONLY 58000 MILES. LAST B SERVICING WHICH CHECKED ANY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND INCLUDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE, WAS DONE AT AUTHORIZED DEALER ON 02/18/2012. NO ISSUE WAS INFORMED ON 02/18/2012 TO US BY MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICING DEPARTMENT. ON 06/21/2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FROM WORK TO HOME, I TURNED ON A/C, A/C SHUTDOWN AND I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE. ON LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THERE IS A/C VENT AND I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE HOOD THROUGH THAT VENT.I PULLED OVER CAR RIGHT AWAY AND ELECTRICITY WENT OUT WITH IN 1 MIN OF MY PULLING OVER AND WITHIN 4 MIN, WHOLE CAR WAS BURNING. MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED. THIS POSES FOLLOWING SECURITY CONCERNS: 1. MERCEDES C230 2004 IS MADE OF HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL AND DRIVER AND USERS OF CAR HAS VERY LESS CHANCE TO SURVIVE IF THERE IS FIRE. 2. MERCEDES C230 2004 MODEL A/C UNIT IS NOT OF HIGHEST QUALITY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. BOTH OF ABOVE ISSUES POSES VERY SERIOUS SECURITY RISKS TO PUBLIC AND IT NEEDS THROUGH INVESTIGATION. I CONTACTED MERCEDES HEAD QUARTER FOR INVESTIGATION AND MERCEDES DECLINED TO INVESTIGATE. GEICO STATED IN REPORT THAT HOOD IS STUCK AND CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AUTHORIZED MERCEDES ENGINEERS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER UPON MY REQUEST AND MERCEDES USA DOES NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I HAVE PICTURES OF BURNT CAR AND CAN SHARE IF IT HELPS IN INVESTIGATION TO RULE OUT ABOVE 2 CONCERNS. WE DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO GO THROUGH SAME ORDEAL AS WE WENT THROUGH. *TR UPDATED 06/13/13*LJ UPDATED 06/17/2013

NHTSA complaint #10464581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles North Potomac, MD Fire 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE BLACK MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORTS SEDAN 2004 MODEL. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE IS NO MODIFICATION MADE TO THIS CAR AND ALL THE SERVICING DONE AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT HAD ONLY 58000 MILES. LAST B SERVICING WHICH CHECKED ANY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND INCLUDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE, WAS DONE AT AUTHORIZED DEALER ON 02/18/2012. NO ISSUE WAS INFORMED ON 02/18/2012 TO US BY MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICING DEPARTMENT. ON 06/21/2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FROM WORK TO HOME, I TURNED ON A/C, A/C SHUTDOWN AND I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE. ON LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THERE IS A/C VENT AND I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE HOOD THROUGH THAT VENT.I PULLED OVER CAR RIGHT AWAY AND ELECTRICITY WENT OUT WITH IN 1 MIN OF MY PULLING OVER AND WITHIN 4 MIN, WHOLE CAR WAS BURNING. MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED. THIS POSES FOLLOWING SECURITY CONCERNS: 1. MERCEDES C230 2004 IS MADE OF HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL AND DRIVER AND USERS OF CAR HAS VERY LESS CHANCE TO SURVIVE IF THERE IS FIRE. 2. MERCEDES C230 2004 MODEL A/C UNIT IS NOT OF HIGHEST QUALITY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. BOTH OF ABOVE ISSUES POSES VERY SERIOUS SECURITY RISKS TO PUBLIC AND IT NEEDS THROUGH INVESTIGATION. I CONTACTED MERCEDES HEAD QUARTER FOR INVESTIGATION AND MERCEDES DECLINED TO INVESTIGATE. GEICO STATED IN REPORT THAT HOOD IS STUCK AND CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AUTHORIZED MERCEDES ENGINEERS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER UPON MY REQUEST AND MERCEDES USA DOES NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I HAVE PICTURES OF BURNT CAR AND CAN SHARE IF IT HELPS IN INVESTIGATION TO RULE OUT ABOVE 2 CONCERNS. WE DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO GO THROUGH SAME ORDEAL AS WE WENT THROUGH. *TR UPDATED 06/13/13*LJ UPDATED 06/17/2013

NHTSA complaint #10464581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami Beach, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE IS A C 320 AND WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, RECEIVING SIGNIFICANT FRONT END COLLISION BY OTHER VEHICLE AND THEREAFTER HITTING A CONCRETE STREET DIVIDER.DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HEAD,UPPER AND LOWER BODY AND LEGS.

NHTSA complaint #10194822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gainesville, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES C230 COMPRESSOR. YESTERDAY, I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND AFTERWARDS LEFT IT PARKED. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. IT ENGULFED THE WHOLE VEHICLE IN SMOKE AND DAMAGED MOST OF THE INTERIOR. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR CAME ,AND STATED THAT IT WAS FROM THE ELECTRICAL WIRES INSIDE THE DASHBOARD.

NHTSA complaint #10187454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,750 miles Dallas, TX Crash

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE, AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #10087132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 123,000 miles Millwood, NY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I SMELLED STRONG VAPORS OF GAS INSIDE MY CAR AND OUTSIDE THE AREA. I LOOKED UNDER CAR GAS WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER FUEL TANK . TOOK IT TO ( TOWED THAT IS) THE SHOP FIND FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE ! FOUND HOLE IN THE TANK ON THE TAB IF THAT MAKES SENSE . THE SHOP CALLED AROUND FOR SAFETY RECALL AND MERCEDES SEE IF ANY OTHER INFORMATION. I AM AWARE MERCEDES HAS HAD PROBLEM IN PAST WITH FUEL TANKS . THE SOP INFORMED ME IF I DROVE THIS CAR WITH HEAT FROM EXHAUST WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE ., I AM TRYING TO CONTACT MERCEDES CORPORATE HEAD QUARTERS WITH NO LUCK . IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN REPORT FILE HAVE RECOURSE .THIS CAME TO 3000.00 OUT OF POCKET ! NOT MENTION IT COULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES !

NHTSA complaint #10548199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles North Potomac, MD Fire 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

I HAVE BLACK MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORTS SEDAN 2004 MODEL. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE IS NO MODIFICATION MADE TO THIS CAR AND ALL THE SERVICING DONE AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT HAD ONLY 58000 MILES. LAST B SERVICING WHICH CHECKED ANY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND INCLUDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE, WAS DONE AT AUTHORIZED DEALER ON 02/18/2012. NO ISSUE WAS INFORMED ON 02/18/2012 TO US BY MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICING DEPARTMENT. ON 06/21/2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FROM WORK TO HOME, I TURNED ON A/C, A/C SHUTDOWN AND I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE. ON LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THERE IS A/C VENT AND I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE HOOD THROUGH THAT VENT.I PULLED OVER CAR RIGHT AWAY AND ELECTRICITY WENT OUT WITH IN 1 MIN OF MY PULLING OVER AND WITHIN 4 MIN, WHOLE CAR WAS BURNING. MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED. THIS POSES FOLLOWING SECURITY CONCERNS: 1. MERCEDES C230 2004 IS MADE OF HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL AND DRIVER AND USERS OF CAR HAS VERY LESS CHANCE TO SURVIVE IF THERE IS FIRE. 2. MERCEDES C230 2004 MODEL A/C UNIT IS NOT OF HIGHEST QUALITY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. BOTH OF ABOVE ISSUES POSES VERY SERIOUS SECURITY RISKS TO PUBLIC AND IT NEEDS THROUGH INVESTIGATION. I CONTACTED MERCEDES HEAD QUARTER FOR INVESTIGATION AND MERCEDES DECLINED TO INVESTIGATE. GEICO STATED IN REPORT THAT HOOD IS STUCK AND CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AUTHORIZED MERCEDES ENGINEERS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER UPON MY REQUEST AND MERCEDES USA DOES NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I HAVE PICTURES OF BURNT CAR AND CAN SHARE IF IT HELPS IN INVESTIGATION TO RULE OUT ABOVE 2 CONCERNS. WE DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO GO THROUGH SAME ORDEAL AS WE WENT THROUGH. *TR UPDATED 06/13/13*LJ UPDATED 06/17/2013

NHTSA complaint #10464581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles North Potomac, MD Fire 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE BLACK MERCEDES C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORTS SEDAN 2004 MODEL. CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE IS NO MODIFICATION MADE TO THIS CAR AND ALL THE SERVICING DONE AT MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. IT HAD ONLY 58000 MILES. LAST B SERVICING WHICH CHECKED ANY SAFETY RELATED ISSUES AND INCLUDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE, WAS DONE AT AUTHORIZED DEALER ON 02/18/2012. NO ISSUE WAS INFORMED ON 02/18/2012 TO US BY MERCEDES AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICING DEPARTMENT. ON 06/21/2012, WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR FROM WORK TO HOME, I TURNED ON A/C, A/C SHUTDOWN AND I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE. ON LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR THERE IS A/C VENT AND I SAW FIRE INSIDE THE HOOD THROUGH THAT VENT.I PULLED OVER CAR RIGHT AWAY AND ELECTRICITY WENT OUT WITH IN 1 MIN OF MY PULLING OVER AND WITHIN 4 MIN, WHOLE CAR WAS BURNING. MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED. THIS POSES FOLLOWING SECURITY CONCERNS: 1. MERCEDES C230 2004 IS MADE OF HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL AND DRIVER AND USERS OF CAR HAS VERY LESS CHANCE TO SURVIVE IF THERE IS FIRE. 2. MERCEDES C230 2004 MODEL A/C UNIT IS NOT OF HIGHEST QUALITY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. BOTH OF ABOVE ISSUES POSES VERY SERIOUS SECURITY RISKS TO PUBLIC AND IT NEEDS THROUGH INVESTIGATION. I CONTACTED MERCEDES HEAD QUARTER FOR INVESTIGATION AND MERCEDES DECLINED TO INVESTIGATE. GEICO STATED IN REPORT THAT HOOD IS STUCK AND CAUSE OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN. GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY AUTHORIZED MERCEDES ENGINEERS TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER UPON MY REQUEST AND MERCEDES USA DOES NOT WANT TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. I HAVE PICTURES OF BURNT CAR AND CAN SHARE IF IT HELPS IN INVESTIGATION TO RULE OUT ABOVE 2 CONCERNS. WE DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO GO THROUGH SAME ORDEAL AS WE WENT THROUGH. *TR UPDATED 06/13/13*LJ UPDATED 06/17/2013

NHTSA complaint #10464581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsboro, NC

POWER TRAIN

2004 MERCEDES BENZ C- CLASS WAGON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER AND RADIATOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS FORCED TO SPEND OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, TO CORRECT A DEFECT MERCEDES BENZ WAS AWARE OF.

NHTSA complaint #10437010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pittsboro, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

2004 MERCEDES BENZ C- CLASS WAGON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER AND RADIATOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS FORCED TO SPEND OVER SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, TO CORRECT A DEFECT MERCEDES BENZ WAS AWARE OF.

NHTSA complaint #10437010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami Beach, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE IS A C 320 AND WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED, RECEIVING SIGNIFICANT FRONT END COLLISION BY OTHER VEHICLE AND THEREAFTER HITTING A CONCRETE STREET DIVIDER.DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HEAD,UPPER AND LOWER BODY AND LEGS.

NHTSA complaint #10194822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gainesville, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

I HAVE A 2004 MERCEDES C230 COMPRESSOR. YESTERDAY, I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND AFTERWARDS LEFT IT PARKED. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. IT ENGULFED THE WHOLE VEHICLE IN SMOKE AND DAMAGED MOST OF THE INTERIOR. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR CAME ,AND STATED THAT IT WAS FROM THE ELECTRICAL WIRES INSIDE THE DASHBOARD.

NHTSA complaint #10187454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 28,553 miles Toms River, NJ

TIRES:SIDEWALL

THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OF THE TIRES MOUNTED ON THE CONSUMER'S 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C320W RIPPED AND CRACKED THE RIM. *NM AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE TIRE AND RIM, THEY DETERMINED DAMAGED TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO ROAD DAMAGE FROM IMPACT.

NHTSA complaint #10157288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Shreveport, LA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM EITHER AN OIL OR TRANSMISSION LEAK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THIS WAS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C230.

NHTSA complaint #10146555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redondo Beach, CA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY (APPROXIMATE SPEED 60 MPH) WHEN I HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2004 MERCEDES C240. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. HOWEVER, ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER AFTER I HAD MADE STOP AND LATER RETURNED TO THE CAR I NOTICED A 12 INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE WINDSHIELDS IN MERCEDES. A CO-WORKER OF MINE HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD IN HER 2004 C320 MERCEDES TWICE WITHIN THE PAST 18 MONTHS. THE SERVICE REPS HAVE TOLD HER THAT THIS HAPPENS ON THE TIME, ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUTERS WHO TRAVEL THE 91 FREEWAY HERE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I WOULD THINK THAT R&D WOULD HAVE DONE SUFFICIENT TESTING TO ENSURE THAT A WINDSHIELD COULD WITHSTAND CONTACT WITH A ROCK OR PEBBLE.

NHTSA complaint #10129944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilton Manors, FL

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVA HAD PROBLEMS WITH IS FEATURES. POWER SEATS THAT MOVE BY THEMSELVES, AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRRORS THAT TURN PITCH BLACK IN MIDDLE OF DAY, POWER TILT STEERING WHEEL THAT HAS UNPREDICITIBLE MOVES. AUTO WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DONT FUCNTION PROPERLY IN HEAVY DOWN POURS. THE SEATS ARE POWER AND THEY WILL MOVE ALL BY THEMSLEVES AND MOVE THE DRIVER EITHER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR PULL THE DRIVER BACK FROM THE WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE RAIN WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, DURNING HEAVY DOWNPOURS THEY JUST STOP WORKING MAKING DRIVING NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. THE AUTO DIMMING REAVIEW MIRROR TURNS ITCH BLACK FOR NO REASON IN MIDDLE OF DAY SO YOU CAN NOT USE MIRROR TO LOOK BEHIND YOU. I HAVE REPORTED ALL THESE PROBLEMS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NORMAL, THEY CHECKED THEM OUT AND SAID THAT IF THEY ARE INTERMITTENT THEY WILL NEVER FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS TO DRIVERS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #10100612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilton Manors, FL

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVA HAD PROBLEMS WITH IS FEATURES. POWER SEATS THAT MOVE BY THEMSELVES, AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRRORS THAT TURN PITCH BLACK IN MIDDLE OF DAY, POWER TILT STEERING WHEEL THAT HAS UNPREDICITIBLE MOVES. AUTO WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DONT FUCNTION PROPERLY IN HEAVY DOWN POURS. THE SEATS ARE POWER AND THEY WILL MOVE ALL BY THEMSLEVES AND MOVE THE DRIVER EITHER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR PULL THE DRIVER BACK FROM THE WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE RAIN WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, DURNING HEAVY DOWNPOURS THEY JUST STOP WORKING MAKING DRIVING NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. THE AUTO DIMMING REAVIEW MIRROR TURNS ITCH BLACK FOR NO REASON IN MIDDLE OF DAY SO YOU CAN NOT USE MIRROR TO LOOK BEHIND YOU. I HAVE REPORTED ALL THESE PROBLEMS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NORMAL, THEY CHECKED THEM OUT AND SAID THAT IF THEY ARE INTERMITTENT THEY WILL NEVER FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS TO DRIVERS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #10100612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilton Manors, FL

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVA HAD PROBLEMS WITH IS FEATURES. POWER SEATS THAT MOVE BY THEMSELVES, AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRRORS THAT TURN PITCH BLACK IN MIDDLE OF DAY, POWER TILT STEERING WHEEL THAT HAS UNPREDICITIBLE MOVES. AUTO WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DONT FUCNTION PROPERLY IN HEAVY DOWN POURS. THE SEATS ARE POWER AND THEY WILL MOVE ALL BY THEMSLEVES AND MOVE THE DRIVER EITHER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR PULL THE DRIVER BACK FROM THE WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE RAIN WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, DURNING HEAVY DOWNPOURS THEY JUST STOP WORKING MAKING DRIVING NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. THE AUTO DIMMING REAVIEW MIRROR TURNS ITCH BLACK FOR NO REASON IN MIDDLE OF DAY SO YOU CAN NOT USE MIRROR TO LOOK BEHIND YOU. I HAVE REPORTED ALL THESE PROBLEMS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NORMAL, THEY CHECKED THEM OUT AND SAID THAT IF THEY ARE INTERMITTENT THEY WILL NEVER FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS TO DRIVERS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #10100612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilton Manors, FL

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVA HAD PROBLEMS WITH IS FEATURES. POWER SEATS THAT MOVE BY THEMSELVES, AUTOMATIC DIMMING MIRRORS THAT TURN PITCH BLACK IN MIDDLE OF DAY, POWER TILT STEERING WHEEL THAT HAS UNPREDICITIBLE MOVES. AUTO WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT DONT FUCNTION PROPERLY IN HEAVY DOWN POURS. THE SEATS ARE POWER AND THEY WILL MOVE ALL BY THEMSLEVES AND MOVE THE DRIVER EITHER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL OR PULL THE DRIVER BACK FROM THE WHEEL AND PEDALS. THE RAIN WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, DURNING HEAVY DOWNPOURS THEY JUST STOP WORKING MAKING DRIVING NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. THE AUTO DIMMING REAVIEW MIRROR TURNS ITCH BLACK FOR NO REASON IN MIDDLE OF DAY SO YOU CAN NOT USE MIRROR TO LOOK BEHIND YOU. I HAVE REPORTED ALL THESE PROBLEMS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NORMAL, THEY CHECKED THEM OUT AND SAID THAT IF THEY ARE INTERMITTENT THEY WILL NEVER FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND THEY REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. THESE ARE MAJOR SAFETY HAZARDS TO DRIVERS AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

NHTSA complaint #10100612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER, LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE ENGINE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA complaint #10089776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

NHTSA complaint #10087821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,750 miles Dallas, TX Crash

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE, AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #10087132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1 miles Dunwoody, GA

SEATS

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

NHTSA complaint #10073225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,000 miles Birmingham, MI

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS A SPLIT ABOUT 1.5 INCHES LONG PROCEEDING DIAGONALLY THROUGH THE TREAD TO NEAR THE SIDEWALL. THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE NEAR THE SPLIT OR EVIDENCE OF CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. I DRIVE LONG DISTANCES OFTEN AND WONDER IF THIS IS SOME TYPE OF DANGEROUS DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10065713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Northfield, MN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS DEFECT/CONCERN IS A GENERAL SAFETY COMPLAINT WITH RESPECT TO ALL VEHICLES WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY ENACTMENT OF STANDARDS TO BE USED BY ALL MANUFACTURERS. MAINLY THE STANDARDIZATION OF THE LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF KEY CONTROLS AND SWITCHES ON ALL AUTOMOBILES. IN TODAYS DRIVING, DRIVERS ARE PLACED BEHIND THE WHEEL OF UNFAMILIAR VEHICLES ALL THE TIME AS TRAVEL AND BUSINESS PUTS THEM IN RENTAL CARS. WITH EACH VEHICLE HAVING DIFFERENT LOCATIONS FOR LIGHT SWITCHES, FLASHERS, WINDSHEILD WIPERS/WASHERS, DIMMERS AND CRUISE CONTROLS. DRIVERS CAN END UP HAVING ACCIDENTS, ESPECIALLY IN HURRIED SITUATIONS, WHEN TRYING TO FIND THE LOCATION OF THE CONTROLS IN AN UNFAMILIAR CAR. ONE MIGHT ARGUE THAT IF YOU ARE DRIVING A NEW VEHICLE YOU SHOULD FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL THE CONTROLS BEFORE STARTING TO DRIVE... BUT OFTEN TIMES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, (WINDSHIELD SPLASHED WITH MUD), YOU INSTINCTIVELY RESPOND TO WHERE YOUR EVERYDAY VEHICLES CONTROLS ARE. THIS NOT ONLY DELAYS RESOLUTION OF THE SITUATION BUT TAKES YOUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM DRIVING. SETTING A STANDARD WOULD MAKE AUTO MANUFACTURES PUT ALL THESE CONTROLS IN A STANDARD POSITION SO WHEN YOU GO FROM ONE CAR TO THE NEXT THEY ARE ALWAYS WHERE YOU WOULD EXPECT THEM!

NHTSA complaint #10056660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.