2003 Mercedes Benz 230

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Air bags2
2. Electrical system1
3. Fuel system, gasoline1
4. Latches/locks/linkages1
5. Visibility1

Latest complaints

• Feb 18, 2011CT30,000 mi1 injury1 death
  Latches/locks/linkages
  Mercedes 230 c kompressor. lifted hood after 'check engine' lit up. as hood was being lifted the spring loaded passenger side hood latch release flew out with tremendous force - striking nose and eyeglasses - dropped hood instantly - yanking right shoulder causing injury requiring ongoing medical…

  Mercedes 230 c kompressor. lifted hood after 'check engine' lit up. as hood was being lifted the spring loaded passenger side hood latch release flew out with tremendous force - striking nose and eyeglasses - dropped hood instantly - yanking right shoulder causing injury requiring ongoing medical treatment along with permanent scar on nose. mercedes inspected part but never provided ;technical report regarding defective part which utilized plastic insert. *ln

• Dec 29, 2009MD
  Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

  My 2003 mercedes C230 moonroof broke completely by summer 2009. I experienced problems with the moonroof squeaking/rattling from the first day I purchased the vehicle and it was serviced a number of times and other times the mechanic would say they couldn't recreate the noise and then it finally wouldn't open anymore. Mercedes wants an incredible amount to repair it (approx. $4,500). *Tr

• Mar 17, 2009MD83,000 mi
  Air bags › Side/window · Electrical system
  I have a 2003 mercedes C230 with 80K miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. Took it to the dealer, replaced O2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the…

  I have a 2003 mercedes C230 with 80K miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. Took it to the dealer, replaced O2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the 02 sensor and knocked out the cam sensors and crank sensor as well, so they replaced those parts plu the harness and subharness. I understand from 2007-2008 mercedes service blogs that "seems to happening on the M271 motor's (2003-2005 C230); the cam sensors leak oil were the wire goes into the sensor, then the oil travels down to the O2 sensor and kills it; if oil gets in the harness and damages the O2 sensors, not only do you have to replace the O2 sensor but that entire section of wiring harness; prevention IS the key...also, mb has a harness that IS supposed to prevent the oil from getting in the rest of the harness..." so my question IS why hasn't mercedes (mb) been required to recall this part before it causes more serious problems, such as an accident from stalling or an auto fire? *Tr

• Aug 16, 2005CT19,139 mi1 injury
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
  Gas cap cover central system did not release on three separate occasions . The manual provides emergency trunk release but none exists notwithstanding gouging of arm on exposed sharp internal fender-trunk screws . Mercedes complaint office insists trunk release exists. finally new country mb…

  Gas cap cover central system did not release on three separate occasions . The manual provides emergency trunk release but none exists notwithstanding gouging of arm on exposed sharp internal fender-trunk screws . Mercedes complaint office insists trunk release exists. finally new country mb dealer, hartford, ct service mgr and chief mechanic admit to erroneous info in manual as did roadside assistance previously - even after contacting mb engineering I was able to prove this defect exists. causing likelihood of injury to anyone following manual instruction re reaching into trunk panel covering where exposed 1 inch screws exist in precise area of instruction info - which caused my injury. There was no emergency release provided nor did one exist on a replaced actuator - which I retained . even if one existed - the operator must reach in about 2-3 feet entire length of arm before reaching actuator - inherent dangerous manufacture defect. *nm

• Sep 22, 2004FL
  Air bags

  The air bags are deploying. so far no injuries. the air bags have deployed on two service techs. And one tow truck driver. deployment IS do to a defect. *Ak

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10019990Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir.
• 10017492The oval contours of the left and right locks may lead to a noise complaint. Inspect retractable roof locks and replace if necessary.
• 10012246Sensotronic brake control (sbc) noise diagnostic flow charts. Mercedes-benz models 211, 230 model years 2003-2005.
• 10011740Steering wheel twitch during brake application.
• 10011709Parts identification for the sbs hydraulic unit.(mercedes benz, model 230, year 2005)
• 10011705Brake malfunction sbs visit workshop. Displayed within the insturment cluster's multifunction display. (Mercedes benz, model 211 and 230 year 2005).
• 10011693Parktronic triggers without obvious cause at front bumper in mercedes model numbers 171/211/230.
• 10011629Windshield washer nozzles heating inoperative.

Every Mercedes Benz 230 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.