1997 Mercedes Benz C230
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 39 |
| 1999 | 29 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 85 |
| 2006 | 116 |
| 2007 | 212 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
2 of 7 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the vehicle at 45 MPH, without warning the consumer lost control of the vehicle and hit a guardrail head on. The consumer stated that both frontal air bags did not deploy upon impact. The driver sustained injuries as a result.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-15
Front crash at 35 MPH, neither airbag deployed. Consumer suffered neck and arm injuries, damage to vehicle was $ 17000.00.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-25
Visibility
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving in the rain the vehicles windshield wipers stopped working and as a result the consumer had to pull off the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-02
Vehicle speed control
1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
The first time we noticed a problem was in mt. Pleasent, sc. We were dropping the children off to visit their dad. As soon as we returned to the car it would not start. We bought a new battery but that did not do it either.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-02
Tires
1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Conti pro contact tires put on rims and balanced for summer driving. 195/65 R15 91H DOT#65PCAXH61610 2 miles away from garage tire suddenly deflated. Inspection showed bubble caused by manufacturing defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-15
Suspension
1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, a loud clanging noise was heard. Upon initial inspection, it was determined the left front side of the vehicle had fallen downward onto the left front tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-11-13
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercedes Benz C230?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz C230 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.