2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 21%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280, 21% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 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.
“While trying to merge on the highway the car response slowly when trying to accelerate to highway speed the engine over rev's but no power the same happens when changing lanes. While reversing out of a driveway the car locked up both the engine and steering wheel would not I had to turn in on and off several times and the put it back in drive before I was able to finally reverse this incident placed my life in danger because when the car locked up half of it was on the driveway and the other half in the street impeding traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405096, filed 2021-03, 135,000 miles“The car has a balance shaft issue like many w272 engines...we need to find a way to get mercedes into another class action lawsuit...this issue will cost me about 5000 dollars to fix...otherwise.”
NHTSA complaint #10532092, filed 2013-07, 94,000 miles“Engine began knocking while driving. Balance shaft malfunction. Caused vehicle to become non-drivable. Local dealer quoted 6k to fix. Contacted mercedes benz which indicated it would offer no assistance in repair of this problem. Internet research shows a consistent problem with the year and c-class vehicles. Other research indicates a defect in the balance shaft used by mercedes benz in this model and other models. Mercedes benz issued a service notification about this problem in 2008. Problem occurred on this vehicle while relatively close to home prior to being driven out of town. …”
NHTSA complaint #10534943, filed 2013-08, 85,000 miles“I purchased my car in 2018. The balance shaft gear has a recall and the manufacturer is not honoring the recall without an extension from the merecedes benz company. As well my moon roof need the bonding repair and it is showing a recall in the system”
NHTSA complaint #11479370, filed 2022-08“I have a 2006 Mercedes C280 which I purchased almost a year ago with 57,000 miles. It currently has 73,000 miles and is having major mechanical problems which have been life threatening due to when and where they occur. 1. Loss of transmission upon acceleration. If I pull over, turn it off and restart, it will shift fine until it decides it wants to do it again and I either lose the ability to shift, or it goes into limp mode without a Check engine light. This has happened on the freeway, heavy traffic, and have been several close calls. …”
NHTSA complaint #11439581, filed 2021-11Related 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
- 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)
- 10029504Feb 1, 2009Mercedes: replace transfer case on affected vehicles optimized transfer cases will reduce vibrations when cornering or when parking. Models 203, 211, 220.
- 10023776Jan 1, 2009Models e320, e500, e55, e350, e550, e63 and s430 4matic, s500 4matic. My 2005-2006 -- replace transfer case. *nj updated 5/13/09. Models c280, c350, c320 and c240. My 2005-2007.
- 10030904Dec 1, 2008Mercedes benz: models 203, 209, 211, 219,230, and 463; model years 2005-2007. Replace pilot bushing at electrohydraulic unit. Daimler ag has determined that on affected vehicles…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280
13 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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