MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercedes Benz C230

▲ Better than typical
1998 Mercedes Benz C230
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:51:16.453Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz C230 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 54 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2007: 212 complaints 2007
1998: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19977
199839
199929
200029
20014
200254
200351
200431
200585
2006116
2007212

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SUSPENSION 23%

23% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20140610

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, 20121226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

INJURY
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, 20041222

HAVE ANY OTHER MERCEDES BENZ EXPERIENCED BATTERY EXPLOSIONS? I KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE CASE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010530

STRUCTURE 15%

15% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.

CRASH
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20110317

VISIBILITY 13%

13% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exterior and power window devices and controls.

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20030508

ODOMETER.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990908

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2004 ● 2003 ● 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2006 ◆ 2005

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.