2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230, 10% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,000 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.
“This car is a money pit! I bought 2004 C230 kompressor used in 2007. To date I have spent well over $8500 in repairs and the car is sitting in my driveway with its latest affliction..a completely blown engine. It is a useless piece of junk and I am out the $25,000 I originally paid for it, plus the additional $8500 I have put into it. This is how mercedes benz takes care of business? Something has drastically changed. My dad has had 2 mercedes over the last 30 years...they ran perfectly until he sold them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454370, filed 2012-04“The contact owns a 2004 mercedes benz C230. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. This failure occurred on four occasions. After the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to find any failure. After the second failure, the dealer changed the brakes. During the third failure, the contact was almost involved in a crash. The vehicle skid in the middle of the street and would not stop. The dealer was taken back to the dealer and some parts were replaced. During the fourth failure, the vehicle began to shake while in motion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10191314, filed 2007-05, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily…
- 10186135Dec 9, 2020If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10034988Aug 3, 2010Mercedes benz (daimler): unsatisfactory brake servo assistance after a cold start, primarily when maneuvering. Low vacuum in the intake manifold due to wide open throttle valve…
- 10028624Jan 13, 2009Mercedes vehicle: the anti-lock brake system (abs) return flow pump running without control with corresponding fault code c1401, clean and insulated the connector for the return…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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