Mercedes Benz / C230 / 2006
2006 Mercedes Benz C230 problems
Owners have filed 154 complaints about the 2006 Mercedes Benz C230 with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 19.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 18.2%.
Complaints154
Crashes8
Fires0
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 19.5% · 30
Power train 18.2% · 28
Air bags 16.9% · 26
Engine and engine cooling 14.9% · 23
Unknown or other 4.5% · 7
Vehicle speed control 4.5% · 7
Electrical system 3.9% · 6
Steering 3.9% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Mercedes Benz C230 in this data, 2006 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,012 miles.
In owners' own words
The check engine light came on my C230 2006 mercedes-benz therefore I'd taken the vehicle to the repair shop. The mb mechanic stated I have a bad balance shaft that needs to be replace. The mb repair shop quoted me over $6000 to repair a defective balance shaft. The engine will not start with this defective part, and/or the car will stop because of the failed part while driving. Engine · reported at 128,479 miles
The intake manifold has a plastic tumble flap mechanism. This commonly breaks in most of these Mercedes Benz vehicles. The main problem is the high cost of repair due to it's location in the engine under a complex wiring harness. Mercedes has never issued a recall, but this problem can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This problem is very well documented on many websites. Engine
Engine light comes on. There is a manufacturing issue with the intake manifold. The plastic actuating rods broke causing the internal flappers to stick out. This can suck into the engine and cause major damage to valves and engine head. Mercedes Benz should not have used plastic rods that break. Mercedes should replace the intake manifold as no cost to the customer. Engine · reported at 103,835 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…