MYRModel Year Report

1999 Mercedes Benz C280

○ Not enough data
1999 Mercedes Benz C280
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:42:10.970Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercedes Benz C280 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1999 highlighted. 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 16 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 7 complaints 1998: 15 complaints 1998 1999: 34 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2006: 29 complaints 2007: 56 complaints 2007
1999: 34 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19949
199516
19964
19977
199815
199934
20004
200629
200756

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 32%

32% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.

SUSPENSION 18%

18% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and coil springs.

Show complaint excerpts

ON JULY 30, 2015 AROUND 1900 HRS. I WAS LEAVING HOME GOING TO PICK UP MY KIDS FROM AROUND THE CORNER. I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT (RED). BEGIN TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN A LOUD BANG HAPPENED THEN SCRAPING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150731

Also filed under STRUCTURE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE UPPER SPRING PERCHES BECAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20141113

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15%

15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights and concealment devices.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES C280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BURN OUT AND HAD BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST TWENTY TIMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110808

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCEDES BENZ C280. THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND PLASTIC HOLDER MELTED SEVEN TIMES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE PLASTIC HOLDER AND BULB UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081023

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AND SWITCH TO DIM THE HEAD LIGHTS CUTS OFF. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and anti-theft device.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20031217 — PE (closed 20040422)

ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1999 Mercedes Benz C280 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1999 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 1999 Mercedes Benz C280?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz C280 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.