Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On several occasions I have experienced my vehicle going into limp mode due to the same transmission problem that everyone else seems to be having. It has happened when pulling away from an intersection, trying to overtake a slower vehicle, trying to get up to speed entering the interstate, but nothing particular seems to trigger it. Fortunately, I have always been able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road, shift to park, and shut the vehicle off and restart it, which would fix the problem. Until now. After the last time it happened, the vehicle will not reset. It is stuck in what appears to be second gear. I can't believe that Mercedes Benz has not been forced to recall the vehicles equipped with the 722.9 transmission. I have researched this on the internet and it appears to be a problem world wide. …
My vehicle became stuck on one gear as I entered the freeway. I had my kids with me and I had to pull over the shoulder. After turning it off and on again, it reset itself. This has happened 4 times now. Now its happening on stop lights as I try to accelerate, it feels its dragging and cars behind me are honking at me to move out of the way. It is unsafe and I cant afford to fix it or buy another one. I researched and found much more people are having this problem. Why has no one done anything about this issue? My wife drives this car and I am not sure if she will respond in the same fashion as I did when presented with this dangerous event if it occurs. I wanted someone with some clout to know about this just in case a disaster occurs I know who to go after. Please make Mercedes Benz responsible and fix this free of charge. …
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift, and the transmission appeared to be frozen in the 2nd gear. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle and shifted into park (P); when the vehicle was restarted and shifted into drive (D), the vehicle was lunging and jerking. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift from drive (D) to park (P) or reverse (R), because the vehicle would lunge in the direction the transmission was shifted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the transmission control module sensor. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,629.
The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH with the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: LI03.30-P-050027. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the service bulletin. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into reverse and the vehicle decelerated. In an attempt to correct the failure, the key was removed from the ignition and the vehicle was shifted into park. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called Mercedes-Benz of westwood at [phone] and was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v81000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The same dealer confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. …
On the highway car shut down shop said the w shaped fuel tank failed to send fuel from passenger side to the driver side. Also numerous time speed has accelerated independantly bumped in parking lot no air bag deployed seat malfunctions when moving it its stuck and crooked cant reach pedals and loss of power even after fuel repairs before as well. Sunroof motor works when it wants to and constant fuses blowing and lights all the time. Door locks also get stuck. Battery also drains itself all the time and has bad cylinders. I could have been killed but thanks for the Benz its otherwise great what a joke.
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 updated 02/11/16
Hesitation (jerking) upon acceleration, usually during turns or while in heavy traffic. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase of vehicle (new). I have taken it in for repair for this problem no less than seven (7) times, but the problem still remains. There is also a popping noise coming from the exhaust system that occurs when the brake is engaged and the vehicle is idling. Attempts to fix these problems consists of the following: charcoal canister shut off valve replacement, leak in coductor sleeve repaired, performed adaptation of the torque converter, flushed automatic transmission and torque converter, replaced torque converter, and installed restrictor in the purge line. Additionally, the original tires on the vehicle have been very problematic. I had a blow out on the right rear tire @ 14,190 miles. I then replaced both rear tires. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz C230 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (51), 2006 (28), 2000 (9), 2003 (8) and 2005 (8) model years. Transmission complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz C230 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (20 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › park/neutral start interlock switch (3).
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.