Spring perch (mount) for the front spring on driver's side failed due to corrosion causing spring to be ejected under the car and fender to drop onto tire. Corrosion is undetectable by normal inspection because manufacturer uses a heavy, rubberized coating on underbody parts. Car was traveling at low speed so damage was minimal. At higher speeds, consequences could be severe. Investigation reveals that this is becoming a fairly common occurrence on mercedes benz w202 and w210 chassis. Failure has not been repaired, but is believed to require removal of remnants of the old perch, grinding of the frame to remove corrosion, and welding a new perch onto the frame. The spindle assembly and control arms will have to be disassembled to accomplish this and then reassembled and the suspension realigned.
The worst 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Suspension1
Recalls 1
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with hoppecke batteries. The battery maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels.
- Risk
- The low electrolyte levels result in accelerated battery grid growth, increased potential for inter-cell rupture and sparking, and the potential for a battery explosion.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the batteries, including fluid levels. Some batteries may be replaced if necessary, on a case by case basis. In addition to the battery inspection, the addition of labels in the vehicle owner's manual and engine compartment will be included to conspicuously remind owners as well as dealer and service personnel of the need to perform battery maintenance. Owner notification began february 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 01V366000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class
Defect investigations
Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
PE03058
Battery explosion
PE01029
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1999 Mercedes Benz C Class fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 4.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Merc. Benz 1999 c230 compressor, the car rolled over three times but none of the air bags deployed.
I own a 1999 mercedes c43, I like many others have a high failure rate of the crankshaft position sensors on our vehicles. This part when faulty will not allow the car to start when the car is warm. When the car sits for an extended period of time to "cool down" the car will start. I was at the dealer today, and they are aware this is a high failure item on this model. As well as the clk430, and s430. But no recalls have been issued. There isn't any sign that this part is failing, on some instances the car just stalls while driving. This could potentially be a dangerous situation in high traffic areas. I am now awaiting the part to come in, and will have it replaced on thursday the 27th.
Mfr# 2001120004 & the federal safety agency# 01 v 366 000/battery: consumer states dealer (park place motors;houston,tx; phone# 713/986-6400) not honoring recall, no parts available. Feel free to provide any further information.
The consumer took his vehicle in for a recall# 20012004 for his battery. He took the vehicle to brown mercedes benz route 250 east pantops charlottesville virginia (804 817 3380). Mr jackson experience problem with his vehicle shutting down without prior warning. Nlm
The consumer recieved a recall notice from the manufacturer. The recall number is #2001120004. Nlm
Had the vehicle in reverse when brakes failed to function while on an incline. Had little braking power on straight away. Manufacturer knows of brake problem. The dealer/mechanic are aware of problem, but nothing was being done.
Compare the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class
Other model years
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Questions about the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class, fewer than a typical C Class model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 01V366000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes Benz C Class have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes Benz C Class model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (45 complaints) and 1994 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class range from 18 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.
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