2006 Mercedes Benz C Class Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 1, 2010 · 9 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other C Class years
Not enough data 6th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Mercedes Benz C Class. That ranks 6th out of 14 C Class model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is tires (2 complaints, 22%), typically at around 11,025 miles. Complaints mention 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

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 2006 Mercedes Benz C Class problems

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

Tires2 · ~11,025 mi
Air Bags1 · ~36,000 mi
Electrical System1 · ~1,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~9,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~5,100 mi
Power Train1 · ~3,500 mi
Seats1 · ~3,800 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~9,000 mi
Structure1 · ~1,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Tires222%11,025——
Air Bags111%36,000——
Electrical System111%1,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling111%9,000——
Exterior Lighting111%———
Fuel System, Gasoline111%5,100——
Power Train111%3,500——
Seats111%3,800——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic111%9,000——
Structure111%1,500——
Wheels111%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2006, with 7 complaints
2006: 7200672007: 1200712010: 120101

n = 9 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2006 Mercedes Benz C Class recalls (2)

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

Electrical systemJul 7, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V303000 · 404 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 c-class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 e-class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, my 2003 g-class, and my 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 sl-class vehicles. A software calibration number (scn) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect scn coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the obd system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.

Fix: Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bagsDec 20, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V560000 · 61,000 vehicles

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in certain low risk air bag deployment tests conducted by nhtsa, using an out-of-position unbelted 5th percentile female crash test dummy, irregularities were demonstrated indicating that occupants may not be properly protected in a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could result in injuries.

Fix: Dealers will install a new air bag inflator module free of charge. The recall began on march 15, 2006. Owners may 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.

Recent owner reports

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

Battery went dead on our 2006 c320 mercedes the air bag warning light came on after the car was restarted and the dealer cllaims the bag can deploy without warnig if not repaired the car only has 36000 miles they refused to fix problem wiyh ouy being paid because the vehicle is 30 days out of…

Air Bags · received Apr 1, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10323345

Highway cruising at steady state speed, aprox 65 mph. Right front tire failure. Control was maintained. Pulled off to shoulder and replaced tire with spare. Tire is being replaced. Damaged tire is available. *jb

Tires · received Oct 18, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10206164

Dt*: the contact stated while wearing sunglasses the instrument panel was not readable. The dealership determined this was how the vehicle was manufactured. Updated 09/15/06. *jb

Structure · received Aug 24, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10166440

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. The brake pedal shakes while depressed. The dealership determined this was normal operating conditions.

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Aug 1, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10164130

The mercedes clk350 vin [xxx]- the passenger seat and driver seat when released to allow a rear passenger out of the car causes the head rest to automatically descend and can trap the rear occupants hand in place as it did with a 10 year child in my car. The control to raise the headrest is…

Seats · received Apr 17, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10155478

Other Mercedes Benz C Class years

← 2005 C Class · 2008 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 2006 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Owners most often report tires, air bags, electrical system problems. The top one, tires, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Mercedes Benz C Class?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2006 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 2006 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.