2000 Mercedes Benz C230
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › C230 › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercedes Benz C230. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
29 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230 n/a. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spring coil had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230 n/a. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spring coil had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000. Updated 06/30/16 *bf updated 08/17/16*lj *cn
- Electrical system
I've been unable to read my mileage for many years now. I have a 2000 C230. Took the car to the dealer and was told the cluster had to be replaced @ around $1000.00. Found this to be unacceptable since the car at the time was only 5 years old. It's a shame mercedes benz doesn't recall this problem. *tr
- Suspension
Driving to work at 3:45 a.m. (Eastern time) my car felt like it hit something in the road I pulled over to examin the vehicle. I couldn't see anything until I got to work when it was more light out. I removed the wheel and found the coil spring tower had ripped almost completely off???? I noticed…
Driving to work at 3:45 a.m. (Eastern time) my car felt like it hit something in the road I pulled over to examin the vehicle. I couldn't see anything until I got to work when it was more light out. I removed the wheel and found the coil spring tower had ripped almost completely off???? I noticed rust and no other damage to the undercarriage less the shock that go hit by the spring. This has to be a recall or some manufacture tsb. The car IS super clean has 157,000 on the clock. I inspected the other wheels they appear ok it's the passenger side front. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes C230. The contact stated the passenger side air bag deployed without the vehicle being involved in a crash and injured the passenger in the vehicle. The contact stated the air bag light was not illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the failure. The vin was not available. The vehicle was not inspected. The failure and current mileage was 210,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz C230. The contact stated that the odometer failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they advised him that he would need to replace a cluster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz C230. The contact stated that the odometer failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they advised him that he would need to replace a cluster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. updated 04/15/11*lj the dealer informed the consumer it would cost $800 to repair/replace the odometer. updated 10/07/11
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes C230. The contact stated the odometer failed and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the gauge cluster would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Power train › Automatic transmission
2000 c230k mercedes. Consumer states problem with transmission and expresses dissatisfaction with dealer *tgw the consumer stated there was smoke emitting from the exhaust. The transmission pan was distorted and bent. also, the low beam light was out on the dashboard.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230. The contact stated the instrument panel cluster failed. The vehicle was taken for state inspection and did not pass due to the odometer being inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure. In addition, the contact stated the transmission…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230. The contact stated the instrument panel cluster failed. The vehicle was taken for state inspection and did not pass due to the odometer being inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure. In addition, the contact stated the transmission was replaced three times since purchase. The manufacturer advised there was not a recall the failure and would not assist with repairs. The failure and current mileages were 80,663.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230. While driving at 20 mph, the contact noticed that liquid had spilled into the gear shift. Seconds later, the window control buttons no longer functioned. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the window switch component was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The current mileage was approximately 97,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
While driving on the highway or on any other street my mercedes benz C230 engages the left front brake by itself causing the car to veer sharply to the left for about 2 seconds. Multiple occasions of this very dangerous situation. Dealer states that the issue IS a faulty yaw rate sensor and…
While driving on the highway or on any other street my mercedes benz C230 engages the left front brake by itself causing the car to veer sharply to the left for about 2 seconds. Multiple occasions of this very dangerous situation. Dealer states that the issue IS a faulty yaw rate sensor and charges over $1,000 to repair but this should be a recall due to the potential for this type of malfunction to seriously injure someone or even worse. After researching this event in more detail, I understand that this IS a occurence with mb occuring in serval vehichles over the years. This must be recall em
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch · Power train
2000 mercedes C230 defective brake light switch. the brake light switch has failed 4 times on this car, and there IS no indication that the brake lights are not working. this could lead to a serious collision, as drivers behind are not aware that I'm slowing down/stopping. On previous occasions…
2000 mercedes C230 defective brake light switch. the brake light switch has failed 4 times on this car, and there IS no indication that the brake lights are not working. this could lead to a serious collision, as drivers behind are not aware that I'm slowing down/stopping. On previous occasions when the brake switch failed, it was also not possible to switch the transmission out of the "park" position. During the last failure, the transmission worked ok. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230. the contact stated that the trunk lid springs failed in the closed trunk lid position. if the trunk lid IS manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could injure someone. the dealer replaced the hinge spring bracket and associated…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz C230. the contact stated that the trunk lid springs failed in the closed trunk lid position. if the trunk lid IS manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could injure someone. the dealer replaced the hinge spring bracket and associated springs. five years later, the failure recurred. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the repair would cost $829.17. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 04v285000 (latches/locks/linkages:trunk:lid:lock). the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer stated that they would not assume financial responsibility for the repairs because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. the failure mileage was 35,000 and current mileage was 101,000.
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster pixels went out on odometer for my car which seems to happen with all mercedes. 1. Pixels started to go out over the months. 2. 3 years after I bought it. 3. Replaced instrument cluster $1,000. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL -the contact called regarding a 2000 mercedes C230. the contact stated the instrument cluster works intermittently. the failure mileage was 112,000. the contact has taken the vehicle in and the vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new instrument cluster. Kb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
2000 kompressor C230 would not accelerate. Upon inspection mechanic changed the shifter. *Kb
- Electrical system
Failure of the turn signals, wipers and power windows and the lock system the failure was caused by the eis system or the key system. This caused a safety hazard of which no control of above systems. The car was in the dealership 7 days to the tune of over $800.00 . *Jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
1.) no accident though car was considered too unsafe to drive when rear coil spring was discovered as broken when my wife took the car to new country motors; hartford, ct to investigate a very intermittent "thunk" from the rear underside of the car which was initally was thought to be something in…
1.) no accident though car was considered too unsafe to drive when rear coil spring was discovered as broken when my wife took the car to new country motors; hartford, ct to investigate a very intermittent "thunk" from the rear underside of the car which was initally was thought to be something in the trunk. 2.) we were planning to take the car on a 800 mile trip that evening and had no idea that the noise indicated an extremely hazardous condition (spring could dislodge and go through tire resulting in a major loss of control). 3.) we had to rent a car at a cost of $170 plus pay for the labor and alignment $632 despite the dealer/mercedes paying for the 2 replacement rear coil springs. (approx $100 value) I asked for thje old parts, but the manager said that they were being sent to mercedes for evaluation and then he would give them to me.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission on the vehicle was defective. the vehicle has been serviced several times. when the defective occurred, the vehicle would not go over 10 mph. the gear box has been changed three times. *Jb
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Fuel gauge sensors failure. *ak
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
Engine light flashes on and off while driving. rings on the transmission had to be replaced. consumer was unable to identify the type of rings. *ak the dealer did not honor the vehicle's warranty. the speakers would intermittently change the radio sound, center console did not open…
Engine light flashes on and off while driving. rings on the transmission had to be replaced. consumer was unable to identify the type of rings. *ak the dealer did not honor the vehicle's warranty. the speakers would intermittently change the radio sound, center console did not open properly, volume did not work, there was a wind noise coming from behind the driver while in motion, driver's seat heater was extremely hot, blower motor was inoperative and the fan speed control switch illumination was inoperative at times. *sc *jb
- Air bags › Side/window
Srs light came on just about the time a service schedule was due. Mercedes dealer inspected the item and found that there was "high pressure" from drivers side door airbag. Their resolution IS to replace the entire airbag to get the light to turn-off, but cannot state that airbag will work properly or continue to malfunction.
- Air bags › Side/window
The driver's side impact air bag deployed. the powder substance cause red spots on the consumer's arm and face. The incident was twelve months ago but the spots are still present. *ak *nm
- Air bags
Front end collision including vehicle becoming airborne over curb resulting in all tires being flattened and rims bent. Total failure of air bags with no deployment of air bags. *Ak *jb *****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over artemis*****772268.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
The vehicle's exhaust system rattled, there were numerous electrical problems, the check engine light had come on intermittently and was reset because there was no problem found, there had been a possibility of problems with the seal on the fuel injection and air injection valves, the climate control unit was faulty, the heated driver side seat did not work properly, and the middle console did not close. scc *jb
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have had a number of electrical system failures with my 2000 model year c230k mercedes. These have mostly effected the cars safety systems which IS a major concern to me. The first failure was a complete drain of the battery charge for no apparent reason and the battery was replaced. Shortly…
I have had a number of electrical system failures with my 2000 model year c230k mercedes. These have mostly effected the cars safety systems which IS a major concern to me. The first failure was a complete drain of the battery charge for no apparent reason and the battery was replaced. Shortly afterwards the sensors of the ABS system failed and the transmission was then automatically locked in parking position after the next stop as a safety feature. More recently failures in the srs system have resulted in mercedes replacing sections of my steering column and the whole wiring harness in the car. I have just moved from the USA to belgium for a 2-3 year work assignment and the car IS now in transit to belgium. I purchased the car new in the USA. I was very upset with the way mercedes handled my case and I started researching on the web to see if others had similar experiences. I believe there are a significant number of issues with these cars electrical system being posted by owners in various web sites. I have read reports of other owners having their battery explode. Another owner had a taillight assembly totally melt due to an electrical short. However the most significant and most recurring issues being posted are failures of the srs system similar to the failure my car suffered and these failures do not seem to be limited to a specific model. The most numerous failure being reported IS a failure of an electric contact in the steering column which IS part of the srs circuit. They are referred to as "contact rings". On my car these were replaced first as based on the technicians experience that IS where they believed the problem existed. That didn't fix the issue for my specific car and after a lot messing 4 weeks later the total harness was replaced. For background the srs light came on continuously right before I had planned to ship the car to belgium. I was in belgium and dealt with both a dealership in baltimore and mercedes USA to get the issue fixed.*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.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If 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
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10167563The 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).
- 10166099Pneumatic comfort systems with insufficient performance, entirely inoperative or leaky.
- 10164810Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10135599Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
- 10028624Mercedes 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.
- 10028586Mercedes 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.
- 10028585Mercedes 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.
- 10022893Check 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. Updated 8/28/08.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
Every Mercedes Benz C230 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.