Most common 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C230 complaints by model year
Best C230 years: 1997, 2004, 2000. Years to avoid: 2007, 2006, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
What 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
Fuel gauge failure:reads more than there is at times; has resulted in running out of fuel;erratic reading even after filling tank with fuel;will show full and a few minutes later shows empty. Also, brake light bulbs buring out at 1 to 2 month intervals. Sometimes dash indicator light shows burned out bulb when all are working, other times light has burned out and indicator light is not on.
The fuel gauges does not register the correct amount of fuel, which caused driver to run out of fuel, sending unit(s) were replaced, consumer experienced the same problem six months later, feb of 2000 fuel level sensors replaced, problem resurfaced December 2000, instrument cluster found faulty.
Brakes
Nar 04/28/2003 mr non comformity and major defects with preowned car purchased. Defects include, air condtioner unit, brakes, and faulty electrical wiring causing light bulbs to be replaced.
When travling a t any speed will not come to a stop when there is rain or snow. Contacted dealer, and the dealer can not find anything wrong.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
While driving on 11/21/2020 at about 930 am on northbound I-75 doing about 70mph as the rest of traffic in georgia when my sunroof (not opened) suddenly detached and blew off the vehicle. I initially heard a loud noise and wasn't at first what happened. I looked up and sunroof panel with the glass was gone. Fortunately there were no vehicles around me so as far as I know no one was hit or injured. I eventually pulled over and looked at the top of the vehicle and the sunroof panel was gone. I finished by business that morning and retuned home safely to our home in ocala, fl.
The windshield wipers had become inoperative, obstructing the driver's view. The dealer stated that the wiper motor needed to be replaced, and would cost $1000.
1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl supercharged | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 C230 rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C230 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230?
The fuel & propulsion system — 6 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › fuel gauge system. Next are the brakes (4) and windows, wipers & sunroof (4).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C230?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997, 2004 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007, 2006, 2002 and 2003. See the full Mercedes-Benz C230 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.