1998 Mercedes-Benz C230 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 15%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 149,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230, 15% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 149,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My left front spring perch rusted off the frame and my front wheel came off the car as I was driving. The right perch was rusted and it had to be repaired also.”
NHTSA complaint #10390484, filed 2011-03, 149,000 miles“The driver's side upper coil-spring mount tore away from the body structure, ejecting the coil spring and bushing, collapsing the front suspension and rendering the car immobile. The car was parked at the time so no collision. If the car was moving at the time of the failure there would be no way to steer it. Due to estimated repair cost of $1500-2000 versus resale value, the car was sold as-is and towed away.”
NHTSA complaint #10285828, filed 2009-09, 149,000 miles“Right and left spring perches are rusting out and coming apart on a 1998 230 c mercedes. Perches have to be rewelded so front wheels don't come off the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10365334, filed 2010-11, 150,000 miles“Consumer states whenever vehicle comes to a stop, the rear trunk would pop open intermittently. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8010397, filed 2002-05Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 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