MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercedes Benz C230

▲ Better than typical
2004 Mercedes Benz C230
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:53:50.561Z

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
31
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

23% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 54 complaints 2003: 51 complaints 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 85 complaints 2006: 116 complaints 2007: 212 complaints 2007
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 54 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2006 2007: 212 complaints 2007
1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 39 complaints 1998 1999: 29 complaints 1999 2000: 29 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2002: 54 complaints 2002 2003: 51 complaints 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2004 31 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2006 2007: 212 complaints 2007

2004: 31 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.

Electrical system

23% · 7 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz C230. The contact stated he noticed the front driver side head lights was melted. The contact stated he replaced the bulb himself. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-09

I was driving on the i-95 at 60 MPH and turned on my air conditioner when smoke began to come out of the vents. I shut off the air conditioner and the smoke stopped.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-19

Numerous things have happened. The car has 124,000 right now. This is the biggest lemon ever!! -car caught fire at mercedes - a/c blower shorted out, causing fuse box to catch fire and burnt underneath dash.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-15

Also filed under Structure

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and engine.

Seat belts

16% · 5 reports
Show complaint excerpts

My daughter is 18. This was my mercedes that I handed down to her that I thought would be safe. However, the driver and passenger side seat belt buckles are not locking the seat belts properly. This is part of a recall done by mercedes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-24

Engine

13% · 4 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

10% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-07-10Visibility19V918000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2023-02-03Visibility22V954000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2025-01-10Visibility24V874000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mercedes Benz C230 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercedes Benz C230?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercedes Benz C230 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.