Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
Hi my name is [redacted] my son's name is [redacted] 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 .
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230. The contact stated that he attempted to use the remote keyfob which failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to fletcher jones motorcars of fremont (5760 cushing parkway, fremont, ca 94538, [phone]) and the contact was informed that there was no electrical reception between the antennae located in the roof of the vehicle and the keyfob. The contact stated that the keyfob worked when placed close to the driver's side door lock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 146,000.
My car has a computer system problem. It has to be reset to where it wont erase what is already on the computer system. I can't drive it because its stalling or it shakes to much when u are stoped at a red light it girks alot and I can't drive it cuz it doesn't have a lot of power to get speed when using it on the highway I have had a second opinion on what is wrong with and its the computer system so please help I need assistance my husband and I are disabled also the speedometers is not working.
The SAM system failed and car would not start !It took months to be diagnosed by 3 different mechanics! The message said quite often that the Air bags have been deployed !The dealer could not determine the issue! There have been various recalls on the Takata air bags stating my C230 2005 Kompressor is included in the recall over the last few years and when I put in the vin it says my car is not included! My mechanic said I should take it to the dealer before someone is killed. All I want now is to have these airbags replaced! Thank you [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230. While the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wiper motor failed and caused the wire harness to burn. The vehicle was not repaired. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz C230 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (14), 2002 (12), 2005 (12), 2000 (11) and 1998 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz C230 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Mercedes-Benz C230 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz C230 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (8 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (5).
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.