1998 Mercedes-Benz C280 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 40%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280, 40% of the 15 complaints for this model year.
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.
“While husband was moving objects in trunk. Touched battery and explode at his face, injuring parts on face and body. The consumer suffered eye damage, nasal fracture and facial lacerations as the result of battey explosion. The vehicle had been repaired at the consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #887539, filed 2001-05“While driving headlights illuminated and flashed, and eventually battery went dead. Very next day a recall notification was received. Battery was replaced at consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #8006091, filed 2002-03“While driving about 15 MPH, consumer heard an explosion, pulled over and battery had shattered. Dealer said it was an electrical short. Consumer stated had problems starting vehicle at times.”
NHTSA complaint #884248, filed 2001-03Related 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…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercedes-Benz C280
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