1999 Mercedes Benz C Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 1, 2009 · 7 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other C Class years
Not enough data 9th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class. That ranks 9th out of 14 C Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints, 43%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Mercedes Benz C Class
Mercedes-AMG C 43 (W206) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System3
Air Bags1 · ~52,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~123,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Suspension1 · ~159,400 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System343%———
Air Bags114%52,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling114%123,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic114%———
Suspension114%159,400——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2002, with 3 complaints
1999: 1199912002: 3200232006: 2200622009: 120091

n = 7 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1999 Mercedes Benz C Class recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v batteryDec 4, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V366000 · 65,731 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Engine crankshaft pulley failure (PE03058) — opened Dec 17, 2003, closed Apr 22, 2004.
  • Battery explosion (PE01029) — opened Jul 31, 2001, closed Dec 13, 2001, led to recall 01V366000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Suspension · received Mar 1, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10260354

Merc. Benz 1999 c230 compressor, the car rolled over three times but none of the air bags deployed. *nm

Air Bags · received Dec 31, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10177411

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…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Jul 25, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10163463

MFR# [redacted] & NHTSA# 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.*JB

Electrical System · received May 2, 2002 · NHTSA complaint 8009010

THE CONSUMER RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE RECALL NUMBER IS #[redacted]. NLM

Electrical System · received Mar 26, 2002 · NHTSA complaint 8006436

Other Mercedes Benz C Class years

← 1998 C Class · 2000 C Class →

See all Mercedes Benz C Class problems by year, every Mercedes Benz model, or the Mercedes Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Owners most often report electrical system, air bags, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1999 Mercedes Benz C Class a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C Class model years, the 1999 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.