Menu

1998 Mercedes-Benz C280Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280, most often about the electrical system. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints152 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 3, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 has problems

15 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 system61
Suspension40
Fuel system, gasoline20
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Equipment10
Tires10
Vehicle speed control11
Visibility10
Wheels10

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

0 recalls

1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other C280 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 C280 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FAILUREPE03058 · closed Apr 22, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What C280 owners report

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

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED, AND EVENTUALLY BATTERY WENT DEAD. VERY NEXT DAY A RECALL NOTIFICATION WAS RECEIVED. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
Complaint 8006091 · Mar 21, 2002
WHILE HUSBAND WAS MOVING OBJECTS IN TRUNK. TOUCHED BATTERY AND EXPLODE AT HIS FACE, INJURING PARTS ON FACE AND BODY.*AK THE CONSUMER SUFFERED EYE DAMAGE, NASAL FRACTURE AND FACIAL LACERATIONS AS THE RESULT OF BATTEY EXPLOSION. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *YH
Complaint 887539 · May 4, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH, CONSUMER HEARD AN EXPLOSION, PULLED OVER AND BATTERY HAD SHATTERED. DEALER SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.*AK CONSUMER STATED HAD PROBLEMS STARTING VEHICLE AT TIMES.*JB
Complaint 884248 · Mar 27, 2001

Own a 1998 C280?

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