2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230. The part named most often is air bags, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by electrical system (1) and fuel system (1). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 8 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags2 40%
- Electrical system1 20%
- Fuel system1 20%
Example complaints
Air bags: “I have a 2003 mercedes c230 with 80k miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. Took it to the dealer, replaced o2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the 02 sensor and knocked out the cam sensors and crank sensor as well, so they replaced those parts plu the harness and subharness. …”
NHTSA complaint #10262164, filed 2009-03, 83,000 milesFuel system: “Gas cap cover central system did not release on three separate occasions . The manual provides emergency trunk release but none exists notwithstanding gouging of arm on exposed sharp internal fender-trunk screws . Mercedes complaint office insists trunk release exists. Finally new country mb dealer, hartford, ct service mgr and chief mechanic admit to erroneous info in manual as did roadside assistance previously - even after contacting mb engineering I was able to prove this defect exists. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133002, filed 2005-08, 19,139 milesMileage when problems were reported
67% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,139 and 83,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 8 on record; the latest 8 are shown.
- 10019990Apr 26, 2006Steering. Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir.
- 10017492Oct 1, 2005Latches, locks and linkages. The oval contours of the left and right locks may lead to a noise complaint. Inspect retractable roof locks and replace if necessary.
- 10012246Jan 3, 2005Brakes. Sensotronic brake control (sbc) noise diagnostic flow charts. Mercedes-benz models 211, 230 model years 2003-2005.
- 10011693Dec 30, 2004Electrical system. Parktronic triggers without obvious cause at front bumper in mercedes model numbers 171/211/230.
- 10011629Dec 30, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Windshield washer nozzles heating inoperative.
- 10011709Dec 22, 2004Brakes. Parts identification for the sbs hydraulic unit.(mercedes benz, model 230, year 2005)
- 10011705Dec 16, 2004Brakes. Brake malfunction sbs visit workshop. Displayed within the insturment cluster's multifunction display. (mercedes benz, model 211 and 230 year 2005).
- 10011740Nov 11, 2004Steering. Steering wheel twitch during brake application.
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz 230
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 6 | 56,434 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 5 | 30,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 8 | 74,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz 230 model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by electrical system with 1.
Has the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Mercedes-Benz 230 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 19,139 and 83,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.