2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230, most often about engine. There are 5 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
19
Recalls
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
138,814 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 9 of 19 complaints (47%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (3) and electrical system (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 138,814 mi.
  • The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 has 5 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 3rd of 3 Mercedes-Benz C230 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 problems by category

  • Engine
    9 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Electrical System
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Brakes
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine9
Unknown or other4
Electrical system3
Power train3
Steering2
Service brakes1
Structure:body1
Fuel/propulsion system1

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k60k–100k2100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 complaints that list mileage.

2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 recalls (5)

  • Recall 24V874000Nov 19, 202433,456 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

  • Recall 22V954000Dec 23, 2022131,653 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

    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.

    Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

  • Recall 21V196000Mar 19, 202111,356 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

    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 AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

    Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

  • Recall 19V918000Dec 20, 2019747,928 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

    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. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

    Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

  • Recall 16V081000Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    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. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

Recent 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 30, 202645,000 miTXSteering
    The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose and landed in the contact's lap. The steering wheel failed to lock securely in place. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11734789 · source
  2. Filed Jun 12, 2025FLEngine
    Engine misfires while driving. OBD 2 codes P0016 and P0017 indicates bad balance shaft. Common defect in these cars. Very expensive repair needed.
    NHTSA complaint #11666455 · source
  3. Filed Mar 6, 2025ILBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    We received a recall notice on our Mercedes stating that over time the bonding in the glass panel and sunroof frame might deteriorate over time and cause the glass to separate from the vehicle. On 02/06/25, my son brought his car into the Mercedes dealership in Lafayette, Indiana to take care of the recall. The service tech signed off on the recall and told him everything was ok. On [XXX], he was driving down the highway and the entire glass part of the sunroof flew off…
    NHTSA complaint #11646660 · source
  4. Filed Dec 9, 2024200,000 miCATransmission & Drivetrain
    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. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic linked the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: LI03.30-P-050027. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11629747 · source
  5. Filed Jul 12, 2024172,000 miCAEngine
    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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
    NHTSA complaint #11601571 · source
  6. Filed May 25, 2024AREngine
    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. My engine code, 272920 30 183997272.920, falls into a known range of balance shaft gear problems with this motor. There was previously a settlement by the manufacturer to repair the motor but I was unaware of this settlement before purchasing this vehicle as there was no official recall. I am being told the repair…
    NHTSA complaint #11590772 · source
  7. Filed May 2, 2023131,629 miCATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift, and the transmission appeared to be frozen in the 2nd gear. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle and shifted into park (P); when the vehicle was restarted and shifted into drive (D), the vehicle was lunging and jerking. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift from drive (D) to park (P) or reverse (R), because the vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11520135 · source
  8. Filed Jan 13, 2023VAEngineOther / UnknownSteering
    To whom this may,I been having problems with check engine light keep coming on,I'm paying alot of money on this car,it could be that recall hose on back order causing that check engine light to come on,please HELP!!!!!!
    NHTSA complaint #11501709 · source

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Other 2006 Mercedes-Benz models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology