Mercedes 230 c kompressor. Lifted hood after 'check engine' lit up. As hood was being lifted the spring loaded passenger side hood latch release flew out with tremendous force - striking nose and eyeglasses - dropped hood instantly - yanking right shoulder causing injury requiring ongoing medical treatment along with permanent scar on nose. Mercedes inspected part but never provided ;technical report regarding defective part which utilized plastic insert.
The worst 2003 Mercedes Benz 230 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230 8
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Flow noises from area of power steering pump and/or foaming of power steering oil in reservoir
- The oval contours of the left and right locks may lead to a noise complaint
- Sensotronic brake control (SBC) noise diagnostic flow charts
- Windshield washer nozzles heating inoperative
- Parktronic triggers without obvious cause at front bumper in mercedes model numbers 171/211/230
- Parts identification for the sbs hydraulic unit.(mercedes benz, model 230, year 2005) jb
- Brake malfunction sbs visit workshop
- Steering wheel twitch during brake application
What 2003 Mercedes Benz 230 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2003 mercedes c230 moonroof broke completely by summer 2009. I experienced problems with the moonroof squeaking/rattling from the first day I purchased the vehicle and it was serviced a number of times and other times the mechanic would say they couldn't recreate the noise and then it finally wouldn't open anymore. Mercedes wants an incredible amount to repair it (approx. $4,500).
I have a 2003 mercedes c230 with 80k miles, the car would stop running either while idol or driving down the road. Took it to the dealer, replaced o2 sensor, next week same problem, replaced 02 sensor again, it died again while at the dealer, dealer then explained the oil harness leaked into the 02 sensor and knocked out the cam sensors and crank sensor as well, so they replaced those parts plu the harness and subharness. I understand from 2007-2008 mercedes service blogs that "seems to happening on the m271 motor's (2003-2005 c230); the cam sensors leak oil were the wire goes into the sensor, then the oil travels down to the o2 sensor and kills it; if oil gets in the harness and damages the o2 sensors, not only do you have to replace the o2 sensor but that entire section of wiring harness; prevention is the key...also, mb has a harness that is supposed to prevent the oil from getting in the rest of the harness..." so my question is why hasn't mercedes (mb) been required to recall this part before it causes more serious problems, such as an accident from stalling or an auto fire?
Gas cap cover central system did not release on three separate occasions . The manual provides emergency trunk release but none exists notwithstanding gouging of arm on exposed sharp internal fender-trunk screws . Mercedes complaint office insists trunk release exists. Finally new country mb dealer, hartford, ct service mgr and chief mechanic admit to erroneous info in manual as did roadside assistance previously - even after contacting mb engineering I was able to prove this defect exists. Causing likelihood of injury to anyone following manual instruction re reaching into trunk panel covering where exposed 1 inch screws exist in precise area of instruction info - which caused my injury. There was no emergency release provided nor did one exist on a replaced actuator - which I retained . Even if one existed - the operator must reach in about 2-3 feet entire length of arm before reaching actuator - inherent dangerous manufacture defect.
The air bags are deploying. So far no injuries. The air bags have deployed on two service techs. And one tow truck driver. Deployment is do to a defect.
Compare the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230
Is the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230 reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230, close to a typical 230 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230?
Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercedes Benz 230 have?
No recalls on record.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Mercedes Benz 230?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history