1997 Mercedes Benz C280
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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 34 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2006 | 29 |
| 2007 | 56 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
4 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Insulation on the wiring harness for the headlights is failing to where bare wires show and are contacting other bare wires shorting out the system. After searching online I see this is a common problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-28
Also filed under Exterior lighting
1997 C-Class C280 sport Mercedes-Benz wiring harness problem causing random electrical problems.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-20
Wire harness and mass air flow sensors are well known to fail in all W202 body style mercedes maf are not a larger problem due to their low repair cost on the other hand all W202 have to have the wire harness replaced in under 10 years which for...
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-23
Visibility
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show complaint excerpts
Interior windshield fogs once consumer exit the vehicle. *mr the problem occurred after the vehicle was in the park position with the engine off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-24
Structure
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Exterior lighting
1 of 7 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Air bags
1 of 7 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Mercedes Benz C280. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag in the steering wheel deployed unexpectedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-18
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 C280 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Mercedes Benz C280 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 C280?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Mercedes Benz C280 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.