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1999 Mercedes-Benz C ClassProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints72 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 1, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system30
Air bags11
Engine and engine cooling10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

Recall 01V-366 · Dec 4, 2001 · 65,731 vehicles

Risk. THE LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVELS RESULT IN ACCELERATED BATTERY GRID GROWTH, INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR INTER-CELL RUPTURE AND SPARKING, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A BATTERY…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other C Class year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C Class median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BATTERY EXPLOSIONPE01029 · closed Dec 13, 2001
    Led to recall 01V-366
  2. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What C Class owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

MFR# [PHONE] & NHTSA# 01 V 366 000/BATTERY: CONSUMER STATES DEALER (PARK PLACE MOTORS;HOUSTON,TX; PHONE# 713/986-6400) NOT HONORING RECALL, NO PARTS AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
Complaint 8009010 · May 2, 2002
THE CONSUMER TOOK HIS VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL# 20012004 FOR HIS BATTERY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BROWN MERCEDES BENZ ROUTE 250 EAST PANTOPS CHARLOTTESVILLE VIRGINIA [PHONE]). MR JACKSON EXPERIENCE PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NLM
Complaint 8006448 · Mar 26, 2002

Own a 1999 C Class?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.