2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,222miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230, 10% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,222 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.
“Hesitation (jerking) upon acceleration, usually during turns or while in heavy traffic. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase of vehicle (new). I have taken it in for repair for this problem no less than seven (7) times, but the problem still remains. There is also a popping noise coming from the exhaust system that occurs when the brake is engaged and the vehicle is idling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212438, filed 2007-12, 12,444 miles“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 between 25-30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 02/05/16 updated 02/11/16”
NHTSA complaint #10809508, filed 2015-12, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 51 | 24% |
| 2006 | 28 | 24% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 3 | 10% |
| 2003 | 8 | 16% |
| 2002 | 3 | 6% |
| 2000 | 9 | 31% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
| 1998 | 5 | 13% |
| 1997 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBrakes
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