2004 Mercedes-Benz C230Mercedes-benz C230 2004

Complaint Information: Recalls, Consumer Complaints, Service Bulletins, OBD II Codes

NHTSA Mandated Recalls
  • Recall 247629 [USA]: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2001-2011 c-class, clk, e-class, and cls vehicles. Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
    dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 3, 2023. Owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands nhtsa recall number 19v-918. Mbusa's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
    owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Nhtsa.Gov.

  • Recall 154257 [USA]: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Mercedes-benz usa, llc. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.Nhtsa.Gov/odi/rcl/2019/rmisc-19v918-4126.Pdf
    mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began july 10, 2020. Owners may contact mbusa customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mbusa's number for this recall is 2020040011.
    owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • NCU - 24240304 - STRUCTURE:BODY: As previously reported, to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to alleg
  • LI91.18-P-077075 - SEATS: Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage ??A?A? Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). ??A?A? Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.G. Seat bel
  • LI8270P055572 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE: Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
  • LI54.30-P-072145 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ntg5.5: incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, comand display, and analog clock
  • LI42.47-P-067502 - ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC): If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without abs intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the esp hydraulic unit
  • LI27.50-P-071658 - POWER TRAIN: Harsh engagement when changing gear range from p to d or r
  • LI82.85-P-055695 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The comand unit does not start or the comand display remains dark. The comand unit cannot be operated. Note: the problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after interrupting the power supply (circuit 30).
  • LI05.10-P-058758 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: Noise: a rattling noise may be heard from the area of the chain drive for approx. 2-5 seconds after engine start. And/or: fault code entries in engine control unit: sim271de20: P001177 the position of the intake camshaft (cylinder bank
  • LI35.30-P-058566 - POWER TRAIN: Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
  • C1A140101 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL: This customer 1 action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the verizon
  • LI91.25-P-059380 - SEATS: Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
  • LI91.10-P-059391 - SEATS: Noise from the front seats during load change.
  • LI91.10-P-049799 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: The presence of a quiescent current can have several causes. These are not always recognized and lead to an increased number of ok components being removed. Possible hall sensor faults or normalization faults can exist which can be elimin
  • LI91.10-P-048503 - SEATS: Grunting noise or ripping noise at seat-back lining
  • LI91.10-P-048498 - SEATS: Noises from area of seat adjuster or cushion frame.
  • LI91.10-P-048497 - STRUCTURE: Noise complaints when load on backrest frame changes. Affects the driver and front passenger seats. Also perform the remedial action if you are performing work on: - backrest frame - backrest cover or - guide rail of head restraint. I
  • LI35 30-P-058566 - POWER TRAIN: Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
  • LI33 30-P-056665 - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY: Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
  • LI91 45-P-066075 - SEAT BELTS: Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
  • LI32.25-P-061137 - SUSPENSION:FRONT: Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
  • LI-43-10 - SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC: Mercedes benz (daimler): unsatisfactory brake servo assistance after a cold start, primarily when maneuvering. Low vacuum in the intake manifold due to wide open throttle valve. Retrofit electric brake booster vacuum pump (m56). Model 20
  • SB-2009100001 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Mercedes: replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install adapter harness(es). Due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid specification, oil may enter the engine wiring harness(es) through the e
  • PB-42-30-103 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK: Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code C1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return flow pump relay. Models 202 and 208. Model years unknown.
  • PB-91-60-53A - AIR BAGS: Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code B1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. Models 203 and model 209. Model years unknown. *pe
  • PB-82-10-376F - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Mercedes vehicles: the xenon or bi-xenon headlamp not functioning. A function description can be found in wis document gf8s.10-p-20010 (203), gf82.10-p-0003q (209); gf82.10-p-3002r (230). Model years uknown. *pe
  • 2008020002 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS: Mercedes-benz: daimler ag has determined that the engine vent hose on subject vehicles may not conform to specifications. Cracks may develop in the vent hose over time and in the worst case result in a rough running engine. *pe
  • 2008020002 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS: Model c230, model years 2003-2005 - replace engine vent hoses. *nj
  • 2008010001 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR: Mercedes-benz - check catalytic converters and replace if necessary - models 203, 209, 211, 215, 230 - model years 2004-2005. *nj update 8/7/2008. *pe
  • 033008 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Check engine light on / fault codes fC1200 / fC1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls550, s600, and sl550. Equipped with m272 engine or m273 engine. *nj
  • 462046 - STEERING:RACK AND PINION: Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09. *pe
  • 470036 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM: Mercedes: the fuel level indicated in the instrument cluster does not match the actual fill level. This may be caused by a fault in the fuel level sensor function chain: hydraulic and electrical lines and their connections, rear sam or in

OBD-II Error Codes

Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

  • P0011 [1] "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
  • C1401 [1] Traction Control Valve RF Circuit Open
  • B1058 [1] B1058
  • C1200 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery
  • C1208 [1] ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20200201

Sunroof defective and mercedes is not honoring this recall. C class was announced as part of recall, however they would not honor 2004 c230 defective sunroof. Please help. I am sure that mercedes is doing their best not to repair as many as possible.

NoNoN NoneNone20200131

Sunroof defective and mercedes is not honoring this recall. C class was announced as part of recall, however they would not honor 2004 c230 defective sunroof. Please help. I am sure that mercedes is doing their best not to repair as many as possible.

NoNoN NoneNone20190901

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz c 230. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the parts for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the sunroof was inoperable. The contact reached out to mercedes-benz of palm springs located at (4095 e. Palm canyon dr, palm springs, ca 92264, (760) 328-6525) and was informed that the part for the recall repair was unavailable and was not able to provide a time frame for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NoNoN NoneNone20190831

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes-benz c 230. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v918000 (visibility) however, the parts for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the sunroof was inoperable. The contact reached out to mercedes-benz of palm springs located at (4095 e. Palm canyon dr, palm springs, ca 92264, (760) 328-6525) and was informed that the part for the recall repair was unavailable and was not able to provide a time frame for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NoNoN NoneNone20181021

I have a mercedes benz c230 the light is on but the srs is on give message that said drive to a work shop

NoNoN NoneNone20180421

My daughter is 18. This was my mercedes that i handed down to her that i thought would be safe. However, the driver and passenger side seat belt buckles are not locking the seat belts properly. This is part of a recall done by mercedes. However, when i called the mercedes dealership and asked them if my car was recalled, they said that my vin number wasn't one of the cars. I don't understand if my car is doing same thing that the recall says. There will be a heck of a lawsuit if my daughter was to get in a wreck and her seat belt malfunctioned. This is what the recall says and my daughter's vehicle is doing the same thing. ......Some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. This could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the affected seat belts. This recall is expected to begin on december 22, 2003. The mercedes-benz recall number is 2003 120006. You would think mercedes would take caution and fix this if the owner is telling them the seat belt is doing the same thing on the car that the recall says. I would like for mercedes to take full responsible and fix my vehicle at no charge. If not and something happens to my daughter, i will file a lawsuit. Period. Thanks

NoNoN NoneNone20180213

Fuel system is leaking getting check engine lights can't pass smog and egr hoses that run down by the super charger are leaking cause the rubber they used knowing this would happen all have to do with the check engine light on

NoFireN NoneNone20170922

I was driving on the i-95 at 60 mph and turned on my air conditioner when smoke began to come out of the vents. I shut off the air conditioner and the smoke stopped. I visited with my parents and as i started the car and it was idling, i turned on the air conditioner and smoke began to come from the vents again and flames appeared under the dashboard. I was able to put out the fire and pulled the fuse box cover off and found the fuse box was where the fire had started. There was a paper with fuse sizes and locations put (by mercedes) in between the fuses which had been singed, and part of the fuse box and some of the fuses had melted. I did an internet search and found a complaint on a mercedes forum where this had happened to another 2004 mercedes c230.

NoNoN NoneNone20170420

I have my car in the auto repair shop and the mechanic tells me i need a pvc hose and a oxygen sensor and both those items are on a recall list. He asked me to call the dealer i was told by the dealer that those are recall items but not for my car. My complaint is why if this is a recall item it should be for all cars. Those are the only 2 things wrong with my car. I need help.

NoNoN NoneNone20160420

Vehicle has 136,000 miles and has been well maintained by all owners. Drivers buckle or latch no longer operating. Prior to this it was becoming hard to release buckle after use. Now stuck in closed position. It indicates that the belt is buckled but it will not catch. Verified nothing is stuck in mechanism.

NoNoN NoneNone20150130

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. While starting the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that if the sound became progressively worse, the intake and exhaust cam shaft adjuster, the center bolts for the cam shaft, and the chain tensioner would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20140714

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. While driving between 25-30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 02/05/16*lj updated 02/11/16 *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20140110

Engine stalled while waiting for a left turn. Have a quarter tank of gas. Check engine light was on. Fault light did not come on. Car was pushed while in neutral but breaks did not function. Almost hit a parked car. This is the second time of occurrence. Repair is more than $1000. Mechanic found motor oil leaking on engine parts. In 2003 engine stalled while i was driving on a fwy. Repair was a few thousand dollars. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20130603

The fuel tank will only fill to 3/4 and the vehicle has an odor of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle when attempting to fill the tank. The vehicle was brought to mercedes benz for service for this issue and they state they do not know how to fix it and having spent approximately $1.000 for mercedes to try and diagnose the problem they advised they don't know how to fix. I have noted a recall for fuel leak probe on mercedes 2003-2008 e class models that has now been closed after mercedes has agreed to fix the issue. I contacted mercedes north america and they state the issue on my c class is not related to that recall and there is nothing they can do for me. The mileage on my vehicle is very low and this seems to be the same problem that occurred in my c-class that they refuse to fix. *tr

NoFireN NoneNone20130414

Numerous things have happened. The car has 124,000 right now. This is the biggest lemon ever!! -car caught fire at mercedes - a/c blower shorted out, causing fuse box to catch fire and burnt underneath dash. They informed me the technician received minor burns when trying to put out the fire. -new alarm siren (it would go off randomly) -2 alternators (voltage regulator goes bad) -new door lock on driver and passenger side doors -new rf sensor on driver door for the key-less remote -2 new thermostats -1 driver side door handle -2 passenger side door handles and now broke for 3rd time -rear glass was replaced because when rear defroster was turned on it would make fm radio static. It does it again now. -front fog light glass cracked in half - bought new one and did it again -check engine light on now and o2 sensor bad. -rear screen shade it stuck up. Wont go down. -key-less remote antenna is broke -3 brake systems in front -1 brake in rear -sunroof works but the arm that pops up broke -middle console buttons get stuck sometimes. Mb has to pop them back out. -strut stabilizer bar broke -transmission mount and front arm bushings were all replaced. -lcd on dash has a blur line going through it. -bose speakers were replaced and now all busted again. Exterior - very sexy car and that's all it has. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20120813

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz class. The contact stated that as she attempted to reach for something in the vehicle, the front driver's side seat belt snapped at the buckle assembly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 39,402.

NoFireN NoneNone20120601

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. The contact stated he noticed the front driver side head lights was melted. The contact stated he replaced the bulb himself. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NoFireN NoneNone20120531

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. The contact stated he noticed the front driver side head lights was melted. The contact stated he replaced the bulb himself. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NoFireN NoneNone20110831

Letter from congressman ackerman on behalf of constituent regarding an issue with his 2004 mercedes benz c230 *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle caught on fire while driving, due to a catastrophic electrical failure and destroyed the vehicle. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20110518

Fuel sending sensor defective causing vehicle to shut down out of fuel, but fuel gauge reads a little less than half full. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100824

1. Fuel smell coming from car. 2004 mercedes benz c 230 kompressor 2. Fuel sending unit cracked causing the fuel smell. Similar to mb voluntary emissions recall campaign #2008-020001. Fuel smell is constant and could be a safety hazard if passenger lights a cigarette and fumes could combust. If vehicle is involved in an accident the chances of a fire is greater. 3. I had no choice and had to have problem repaired. The replacement part did not fit existing parts which increased the cost of the repair considerably. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100822

Mercedes c230 kompressor. The bolt that holds the alternator belt has broke 3 times! When the belt slipped it affected the power steering and i was unable to steer! Very scary, luckily i was driving under 25 mph at the time. There must be a default in the design for this to keep happening! *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100705

This car is a money pit! I bought 2004 c230 kompressor used in 2007. To date i have spent well over $8500 in repairs and the car is sitting in my driveway with its latest affliction..A completely blown engine. It is a useless piece of junk and i am out the $25,000 i originally paid for it, plus the additional $8500 i have put into it. This is how mercedes benz takes care of business? Something has drastically changed. My dad has had 2 mercedes over the last 30 years...They ran perfectly until he sold them. He just bought a brand new s-series (2012) and it has already been in the shop numerous times. The cars are made cheap and everything in the interior is plastic, not wood as it should be. Mercedes, you should be ashamed of how far you have let your standards fall, it is a disgrace. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100514

The motor of the moon roof of my 2004 mercedes c230 has burned out. The is the 2nd c230 i have owned and i had the same problem with the 2002. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100425

The cam sensors on the mercedes m271 engine leak oil which spreads to other components via the wire harnesses connected to cam sensors. Oil contamination will damage other electrical components (namely the ecu and exhaust oxygen sensors) if the cam sensors and wire harnesses are not replaced. A new cam sensor and wire harness has been designed as the corrective action. The defective cam sensor and wire harness were used on the previous engine design (m111). There is a technical service bulletin for m111 engine but not the m271 engine. Mercedes refuses to recall this defective design on the m271 engine causing owners to pay for the $900 preventative maintenance. Without this repair the ecu (part cost $2000) and oxygen sensors (qty 2 @ $250 ea) will be eventually damaged and will need to be removed and replaced. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20100214

This is a 2004 mercedes c230. Check engine light went on. I went to dealer within 15 miles of warning light coming on. I was told that there was an oil leak and that it had dripped over the wiring harness. It would cost $3,500 to repair. I have never missed a maintenance on this car. They said the this happens because of where the o2 sensor is located. This is a defect and design flow created by mb. They should do a recall to protect the wiring harness

NoNoN NoneNone20090714

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. The contact stated that the engine oil was leaking onto the o2 sensor. The o2 sensors were placed august 2009 by the dealer; the problem was not corrected. The engine oil began leaking on the sensors again so the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the camshaft, wiring harness and o2 sensors needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,600 and the current mileage was approximately 71,000.

NoNoN NoneNone20090428

This is a 2004 mercedes c230. Check engine light went on. I went to dealer within 5 miles of warning light coming on. I was told that there was an oil leak and that it had dripped over several components and the wiring harness. I would cost $3,500 to repair but they absorbed the labor cost and it should cost about $2,000. I have never missed a maintenance on this car. They said the this happens because of where the o2 sensor that leaked is. It seems odd to have minor issue cause such enormous damage. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20081204

Mercedes benz c230 kompressor sport sedan began to leak oil into the cam magnet sensor which lead to the failure of the engine wiring harness, costing hundreds of dollars to replace. Mb has known of this problem in the 111 and 271 series of engine for many years. Costing the consumer huge amounts of money for a problem they have known about. No problems with the car flaking or showing signs of leaking oil until its too late. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080723

I have a 2004 mercedes benz c230. The alarm sounds continuously while driving down the road. When this happens, the key will not disable it. The dealership says there is not a problem with mercedes but i seem to find lots of complaints on internet blogs regarding other customers having the same problem. What is our right as a consumer? Should there be a recall to get this corrected? *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080209

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service when the contact was informed that the seat belt computer chip was not functioning. The failure has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 61,000. Updated 5/5/08 *cn updated 05/05/08. *jb

NoNoN NoneNone20061023

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz c230. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. This failure occurred on four occasions. After the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to find any failure. After the second failure, the dealer changed the brakes. During the third failure, the contact was almost involved in a crash. The vehicle skid in the middle of the street and would not stop. The dealer was taken back to the dealer and some parts were replaced. During the fourth failure, the vehicle began to shake while in motion. The vehicle then began to decelerate and the contact pulled to the side of the road and called aaa. The tow truck driver parked in front of the vehicle and a highway patrol officer pushed her vehicle towards the tow truck, causing the vehicle to bump into the rear of the truck. The current mileage is 19,000 and failure mileage was 17,000.

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