1998 Mercedes-Benz C230 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 18%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230, 18% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“01 v 366 000/battery: when the consumer removed the battery from the trunk and placed it on a crate to check the water level, it all of a sudden exploded in the consumers face. The consumer sustained acid burns, cuts and bruises to his face. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The consumer stated that he was not touching the battery at the time of explosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10105202, filed 2005-01, 70,000 miles“One morning car started normal but rpms were hi while in park and ever since the car drove rough, stalling at lights, dying when acceleration was presses. Check engine light came on - obd reader code says mass flow air sensor failure. Replaced the sensor, problem fixed, at a cost of $500 for part!”
NHTSA complaint #10141243, filed 2005-10, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10186141Dec 10, 2020NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10167563Jul 8, 2013The COMAND unit does not start or the COMAND display remains dark. The COMAND unit cannot be operated. Note: The problem disappears after a lengthy idle period (>6h) or after…
- 10028586Feb 27, 2009Mercedes vehicle: the srs indicator lamp is illuminated and code b1058 and b2dbo are stored, replace the srs control unit. Models 203 and model 209. Model years unknown.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 14 | 7% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 12 | 14% |
| 2004 | 7 | 23% |
| 2003 | 6 | 12% |
| 2002 | 12 | 22% |
| 2000 | 11 | 38% |
| 1999 | 4 | 14% |
| 1998 | 7 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230
9 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology