repaired · 2026 Q3
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2004 Mercedes-Benz C230Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-874 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
6Engine and engine cooling
5Seat belts
4Engine
3Fuel system, gasoline
3Fuel/propulsion system
3Power train
2Structure
2Service brakes, hydraulic
66 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 4 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 6 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 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.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk. A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2004 vs. every other C230 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 C230 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What C230 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHTS WAS MELTED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REPLACED THE BULB HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF…
I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-95 AT 60 MPH AND TURNED ON MY AIR CONDITIONER WHEN SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE VENTS. I SHUT OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE SMOKE STOPPED. I VISITED WITH MY PARENTS AND AS I STARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS IDLING, I TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM…
NUMEROUS THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. THE CAR HAS 124,000 RIGHT NOW. THIS IS THE BIGGEST LEMON EVER!! -CAR CAUGHT FIRE AT MERCEDES - A/C BLOWER SHORTED OUT, CAUSING FUSE BOX TO CATCH FIRE AND BURNT UNDERNEATH DASH. THEY INFORMED ME THE TECHNICIAN RECEIVED MINOR BURNS WHEN TRYING TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. -NEW…
Own a 2004 C230?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.