MYRModel Year Report

2006 Mercedes Benz C230

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2006 Mercedes Benz C230
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:05.911Z

This year had more than double the complaints of 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
116
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2006

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

26% 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 2003 2004: 31 complaints 2005: 85 complaints 2006: 116 complaints 2006 116 2007: 212 complaints
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 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2006 116 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 2005: 85 complaints 2005 2006: 116 complaints 2006 116 2007: 212 complaints 2007

2006: 116 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.

Engine

26% · 30 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-12

The car randomly misfires and goes into limp mode with a flashing check engine light. This has occurred on roadways and the vehicle loses all engine power.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-25

Power train

24% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was making a right turn stop at a light, when I attempted to accelerate the car took off as it was at a higher gear. Would not pick speed and high RPM.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-13

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH with the traction control warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-09

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230. While driving 25 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate and noticed that the vehicle had shifted into neutral even though the gear indicator displayed that the vehicle was in drive.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-11

Air bags

22% · 26 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall I was rear ended and headrest airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-03

Also filed under Seat belts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owned a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a side impact collision with a firetruck. The air bags deployed. There were three injuries that required medical attention.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-09

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230. While merging onto an intersection at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed directly into the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle sustained severe damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-10-23

Also filed under Seat belts

Engine and engine cooling

20% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

CRASH

Vehicle speed control

6% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2006Complaint volume 116 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2016-10-18Air bags16V081000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

    Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. 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 →

  4. R
    2021-05-07Visibility21V196000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon...

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  6. 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 →

  7. 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

2006 Mercedes Benz C230 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V081000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V918000 · Visibility
  • Recall 21V196000 · Visibility
  • Recall 22V954000 · Visibility
  • Recall 24V874000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Mercedes Benz C230 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Mercedes Benz C230 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mercedes Benz C230?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mercedes Benz C230 have?
5 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.