Owners have filed 272 complaints
about the 2007 Mercedes Benz C230 with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz C230. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2007 compares with every other Mercedes Benz C230
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
63.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
136.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
63.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3216.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4321.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3618.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4623.0%
150,000+ miles
189.0%
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.
May 2007peak 17Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2007 Mercedes Benz C230
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
SUSPENSION
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
ENGINE
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Glen, CACrash
AIR BAGS
Me, [XXX], and my ex-wife went to buy this car from a auto auction, plate where out state, but I figure wouldn't cost me much to register, bought it February 6, 2021 and I am kind of short in money to register car but then couple week after driving check engine pop up so I had free check engine by auto zone parts, so then it wasn't serious needed change oil change and filters, so I drove more so everything was going good ready for smoke check, but i didn't have the money so I ask my ex-wife to let me borrow money around May of month, so I was driving to her home, and out of no where I got hit in the front driver side lower fender from some silver low profile car, I was going 30's mile street but when I got hit by anomies driver the driver side bag pop up and also the passenger side too!! I was stunt and confused, wasn't a hard hit, driver that hit me run off, I pulled over the side of street. Couple light show up in dash board I don't recall what they said. I called my lawyer an he mention there was problems and recalls in a TAKATA air bag deploying. I did a research and sure enough my car had takata air bags. I contact to this number [XXX] Executive Referral Manager Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328-4312 Phone: 800-367-6372 ext. [XXX] Fax: 770-705-0152 On June 11, 2021. I made the report, on June 16, 2921 they sent a email that they will fallow up and investigate, I did sent pictures and mileage 150,000 around there so am still waiting for their action. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11423310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Glen, CACrash
ENGINE
Me, [XXX], and my ex-wife went to buy this car from a auto auction, plate where out state, but I figure wouldn't cost me much to register, bought it February 6, 2021 and I am kind of short in money to register car but then couple week after driving check engine pop up so I had free check engine by auto zone parts, so then it wasn't serious needed change oil change and filters, so I drove more so everything was going good ready for smoke check, but i didn't have the money so I ask my ex-wife to let me borrow money around May of month, so I was driving to her home, and out of no where I got hit in the front driver side lower fender from some silver low profile car, I was going 30's mile street but when I got hit by anomies driver the driver side bag pop up and also the passenger side too!! I was stunt and confused, wasn't a hard hit, driver that hit me run off, I pulled over the side of street. Couple light show up in dash board I don't recall what they said. I called my lawyer an he mention there was problems and recalls in a TAKATA air bag deploying. I did a research and sure enough my car had takata air bags. I contact to this number [XXX] Executive Referral Manager Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328-4312 Phone: 800-367-6372 ext. [XXX] Fax: 770-705-0152 On June 11, 2021. I made the report, on June 16, 2921 they sent a email that they will fallow up and investigate, I did sent pictures and mileage 150,000 around there so am still waiting for their action. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11423310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesCamarillo, CACrash
WHEELS
DURING A NORMAL MORNING DRIVE ON A SIDE STREET (NON RESIDENTAL) I HAD SLOWED THE CAR WITH MY TWO PASSENGER TIRES IN THE DIRT AND DRIVER TIRES ON THE ROAD TO ABOUT 5 TO 10 MPH BEFORE PULLING BACK ON TO THE ROAD AND ACCELERATED BACK UP TO 45 MPH AS POSTED. WHILE DOING SO MY ESP SHUT OFF SO HOW AND I ENDED UP FISH TAILING OVER A CURB THROUGH A FENCE AND ON TO A GOLF COURSE IN WHICH THERE WAS EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO MY STEERING BODY SIDE PANELS EXTERIOR LIGHTING SIDE MIRROR TIRES AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. RESULTING IN OVER 8K IN REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #11316724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 99,000 milesTucker, GA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving in a storm, the windshield cracked. The taillight and indicator lights were inoperable. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no failure with the sunroof. The vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start while the temperature was 20 degrees. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer by AAA. The tow truck driver jump-started the vehicle and closed the sunroof. The dealer informed the contact that the sunroof was leaking, the battery needed to be replaced, and the solenoid was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the remote was inoperable. The passenger’s side mirror light was inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesTucker, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving in a storm, the windshield cracked. The taillight and indicator lights were inoperable. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no failure with the sunroof. The vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start while the temperature was 20 degrees. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer by AAA. The tow truck driver jump-started the vehicle and closed the sunroof. The dealer informed the contact that the sunroof was leaking, the battery needed to be replaced, and the solenoid was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the remote was inoperable. The passenger’s side mirror light was inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesTucker, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving in a storm, the windshield cracked. The taillight and indicator lights were inoperable. There was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no failure with the sunroof. The vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start while the temperature was 20 degrees. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer by AAA. The tow truck driver jump-started the vehicle and closed the sunroof. The dealer informed the contact that the sunroof was leaking, the battery needed to be replaced, and the solenoid was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the remote was inoperable. The passenger’s side mirror light was inoperable. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
SUSPENSION
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CAFire
ENGINE
Hi my name is [XXX] my son's name is [XXX] we bought the car and had no problems tell recently my brother n his associates have been making it a part of there day to day basis to spice the wires to the ecu and the fuel tank and transmission was stolen now they put a stolen one in my car and it's messed up my ability to go over 20 or shift and my esp and abs srs lights are just going off like a Christmas tree . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesLas Vegas, NV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 1997 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact heard fluttering sounds coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that on two occasions, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle each time. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately two months later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11604264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garden Grove, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2007 Mercedes Benz C230. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was notified. The local dealer was not contacted regarding the matter.
NHTSA complaint #11600551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car went into limp mode. Well after I spend 2000. And 2 years trying to figure out what was going on with my car. Come to find out. Water was getting in and it messed up my whole system. I just put every part on this car is brand new. Trying to figure this out. Now for nothing. I read somewhere. That I'm not the only one with this issue. That mercedes. Needs to make it right. What do u think
NHTSA complaint #11587082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanford, CA
ENGINE
Balance shaft and idle gear sprocket failure causing engine to misfire when idle or from warm start and cause idling during acceleration. Safety could be an issue if it causes greater internal damage or if the failure to accelerate fully may impact my ability to avoid an unsafe situation. Problem has been confirmed by a repair shop and has been admitted to be a common issue with M272 engine due to metallurgy defect during manufacture. This issue was part of a class action lawsuit against Mercedes Benz USA, which resulted in limited compensation to few people but a safety investigation was not conducted. MIL lamp does indicate an issue (P0016, P0017).
NHTSA complaint #11583902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eagle Lake, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2007 c230 has a problem with the smell of gasoline when you fill up. I have seen alot of complaints about the gas tank and its system on line. An when I talked to medcedes I was told they have had alot of issues with the mercedes in the past and that issue. They replaced alot of them at one time I dont know which model. I have seen alot of people with my style of mercedes with similiar issues. This type of thing should be taken care of by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11526629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Federal Way, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After filling the gas tank over the three quarters(3/4) mark, there is an extreme of gas. No leaks are seen and a garage found no leaks. The odor is so bad/strong that the car can not be placed in the garage. The odor remain until the fuel level is at or below the three quarters level.
NHTSA complaint #11501648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loveland, CO
ENGINE
On Oct 25, 2022 while returning home from Denver International Airport the check engine light illuminated on the dash of my Mercedes Benz. The car was exhibiting increasing power loss and rough running which increased while driving north on Interstate 25 in heavy morning traffic. I was in doubt that he car would make it home. The car has been diagnosed subsequently the the Mercedes Benz m272 engine nance shaft gear problem with estimated cost to repair of US $6300.00. The car is definitely not dependable to drive with this problem due to the likelihood of failure in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11496890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eagle Lake, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have an issue that when you fill up the car you will smell a strong gas odor outside of the car. as soon as the fuel level drops down the odor gets less and less. looked under rear seat and no fuel leaks. also i see a lot of posts about this same issue with this same type of car. 2007 c230 sport. please look into this. i even changed out gaskets and fuel pumps. just in case.
NHTSA complaint #11473307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the balance shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missouri City, TX
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SUNROOF RECALL. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 60MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE SUNROOF EXPLODING, THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 19V-918. THE CONSUMER STATED AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION, THE GLASS PANEL WAS PARTIALLY OPEN. IT BEGAN TO RATTLE, SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WASIN MOTION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURED.
NHTSA complaint #11439016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
POWER TRAIN
Have a code p0016 p0017 I replace the camshaft balance sensor but it’s not that. I found out it’s balance shaft and I found out a lot of the people have the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11432854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
ENGINE
Have a code p0016 p0017 I replace the camshaft balance sensor but it’s not that. I found out it’s balance shaft and I found out a lot of the people have the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11432854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Have a code p0016 p0017 I replace the camshaft balance sensor but it’s not that. I found out it’s balance shaft and I found out a lot of the people have the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11432854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Glen, CACrash
AIR BAGS
Me, [XXX], and my ex-wife went to buy this car from a auto auction, plate where out state, but I figure wouldn't cost me much to register, bought it February 6, 2021 and I am kind of short in money to register car but then couple week after driving check engine pop up so I had free check engine by auto zone parts, so then it wasn't serious needed change oil change and filters, so I drove more so everything was going good ready for smoke check, but i didn't have the money so I ask my ex-wife to let me borrow money around May of month, so I was driving to her home, and out of no where I got hit in the front driver side lower fender from some silver low profile car, I was going 30's mile street but when I got hit by anomies driver the driver side bag pop up and also the passenger side too!! I was stunt and confused, wasn't a hard hit, driver that hit me run off, I pulled over the side of street. Couple light show up in dash board I don't recall what they said. I called my lawyer an he mention there was problems and recalls in a TAKATA air bag deploying. I did a research and sure enough my car had takata air bags. I contact to this number [XXX] Executive Referral Manager Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328-4312 Phone: 800-367-6372 ext. [XXX] Fax: 770-705-0152 On June 11, 2021. I made the report, on June 16, 2921 they sent a email that they will fallow up and investigate, I did sent pictures and mileage 150,000 around there so am still waiting for their action. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11423310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Glen, CACrash
ENGINE
Me, [XXX], and my ex-wife went to buy this car from a auto auction, plate where out state, but I figure wouldn't cost me much to register, bought it February 6, 2021 and I am kind of short in money to register car but then couple week after driving check engine pop up so I had free check engine by auto zone parts, so then it wasn't serious needed change oil change and filters, so I drove more so everything was going good ready for smoke check, but i didn't have the money so I ask my ex-wife to let me borrow money around May of month, so I was driving to her home, and out of no where I got hit in the front driver side lower fender from some silver low profile car, I was going 30's mile street but when I got hit by anomies driver the driver side bag pop up and also the passenger side too!! I was stunt and confused, wasn't a hard hit, driver that hit me run off, I pulled over the side of street. Couple light show up in dash board I don't recall what they said. I called my lawyer an he mention there was problems and recalls in a TAKATA air bag deploying. I did a research and sure enough my car had takata air bags. I contact to this number [XXX] Executive Referral Manager Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328-4312 Phone: 800-367-6372 ext. [XXX] Fax: 770-705-0152 On June 11, 2021. I made the report, on June 16, 2921 they sent a email that they will fallow up and investigate, I did sent pictures and mileage 150,000 around there so am still waiting for their action. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11423310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
STEERING
CAME TO MY CAR ONE DAY AFTER IT SAT FOR MAYBE AN HR AT MY MECHANICS HOUSE THE DOORS UNLOCKED WITH REMOTE, WENT TO SRART CAR AND IT DID NOT A MAKE UNLOCK VIBRATING SOUND AFTER THAT REALIZED IT WAS NOT WORKING, SPENT 400 DOLLARS EACH ON TWO DIFFERENT KEYS BOTH OF THOSE DID NOT WORK, TECHS HAD ISSUE OROGRAMMING KEY
NHTSA complaint #11397161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAME TO MY CAR ONE DAY AFTER IT SAT FOR MAYBE AN HR AT MY MECHANICS HOUSE THE DOORS UNLOCKED WITH REMOTE, WENT TO SRART CAR AND IT DID NOT A MAKE UNLOCK VIBRATING SOUND AFTER THAT REALIZED IT WAS NOT WORKING, SPENT 400 DOLLARS EACH ON TWO DIFFERENT KEYS BOTH OF THOSE DID NOT WORK, TECHS HAD ISSUE OROGRAMMING KEY
NHTSA complaint #11397161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesBarstow, CA
POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230 SPORT FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. I SOON LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN LIMP MODE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE. AFTER HOURS OF RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED SEVERAL OWNERS OF A MERCEDES WITH THE 772.9 TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I ENDED UP PAYING $2500 FOR A NEW TCU FROM MERCEDES BENZ.
NHTSA complaint #11360040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesBarstow, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I PURCHASED A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230 SPORT FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. I SOON LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN LIMP MODE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE. AFTER HOURS OF RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED SEVERAL OWNERS OF A MERCEDES WITH THE 772.9 TRANSMISSION HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I ENDED UP PAYING $2500 FOR A NEW TCU FROM MERCEDES BENZ.
NHTSA complaint #11360040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.