AI Damage1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class: common problems
Owners of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 43% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 14% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 14% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (43% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (14% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (14% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (14% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.3 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 4.3 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 7 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Merc. Benz 1999 c230 compressor, the car rolled over three times but none of the air bags deployed.
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.
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# [phone] & 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.
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 [phone]). 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 #[phone]. 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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 12,538 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the C Class has 11 complaints (17 years in the data). This year has 7, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: brake failure (14%), knocking, grinding or other noise (14%), rust, corrosion (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1999 Mercedes-Benz C Class from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1999 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.