1998 Mercedes Benz C230
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
None on file
None on file
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 39 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
23% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing front and coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
I was sitting stopped in traffic with the engine off, and the front drivers' side of my vehicle just spontaneously dropped as if that part of the vehicle had fallen into a sink hole.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-10
Also filed under Steering
I was driving down the road and noticed the front end drop and the car was not handling right. I drove the car to the repair shop and had asked them to look at the shocks.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-26
Electrical system
18% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
01 v 366 000/battery: when the consumer removed the battery from the trunk and placed it on a crate to check the water level, it all of a sudden exploded in the consumers face. The consumer sustained acid burns, cuts and bruises to his face.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-12-22
Have any other Mercedes Benz experienced battery explosions? I know of at least one case.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-30
Structure
15% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing door and body.
Show complaint excerpts
My left front spring perch rusted off the frame and my front wheel came off the car as I was driving. The right perch was rusted and it had to be repaired also.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-17
Visibility
13% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing exterior and power window devices and controls.
Power train
13% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a 1998 mercedes C230 with a defective transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-08
Odometer.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-08
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
1998 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mercedes Benz C230 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercedes Benz C230?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.