MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercedes Benz C280

○ Not enough data
1997 Mercedes Benz C280
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:09:19.923Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz C280 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 16 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 15 complaints 1998 1999: 34 complaints 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2006: 28 complaints 2007: 56 complaints 2007
1997: 7 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19949
199516
19964
19977
199815
199934
20004
200628
200756

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system.

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150228

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, 20060823

VISIBILITY

1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.

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, 20030924

STRUCTURE

1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150228

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

1997 C-CLASS C280 SPORT MERCEDES-BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM CAUSING RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20070920

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercedes Benz C280 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 43% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.