Model year record
1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 recalls & problems
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 7 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (4 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C280.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
C280
| City / highway | 18 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical systemWiring | 4 | 85,225 mi |
| VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system | 1 | — |
| StructureBody | 1 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Electrical system
INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS IS FAILING TO WHERE BARE WIRES SHOW AND ARE CONTACTING OTHER BARE WIRES SHORTING OUT THE SYSTEM. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
- Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCEDES BENZ C280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
- Electrical system
MERCEDES 1997 C280 SPORT WIRING HARNESS. *TR
- Structure › Body
1997 MERCEDES BENZ, MODEL C-280: TRUNK FRONT SPRING ANCHOR POINT (DRIVERS SIDE) BROKE FROM METAL FATIGUE WHEN THE TRUNK WAS OPENED. THE WELD POINT DID NOT BREAK. MERCEDES BENZ USA WAS NOTIFIED OF THE METAL FAILURE PROBLEM AND HAS DECLINED TO ACT OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, AS THEY STATED "THIS IS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE". THIS PART IS NOT ONE TO BE REPLACED BY WEAR AND TEAR. WE ARE ADVISING YOU OF THE METAL PART FAILURE, PLEASE RESPOND. THANK YOU. *TR
- Electrical system › Wiring
1997 C-CLASS C280 SPORT MERCEDES-BENZ WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM CAUSING RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *JB
- Electrical system
WIRE HARNESS AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS ARE WELL KNOWN TO FAIL IN ALL W202 BODY STYLE MERCEDES MAF ARE NOT A LARGER PROBLEM DUE TO THEIR LOW REPAIR COST ON THE OTHER HAND ALL W202 HAVE TO HAVE THE WIRE HARNESS REPLACED IN UNDER 10 YEARS WHICH FOR $2000+ IS UNREASONABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A CLEAR PROBLEM IN ALL SUCH VEHICLES. *JB
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
INTERIOR WINDSHIELD FOGS ONCE CONSUMER EXIT THE VEHICLE. *MR THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE VISIBILITY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WOULD GET WORSE IF THE DEFOGGER WAS TURNED ON AND WOULD NOT DEFROST WHEN THE WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP. (MODEL-C 280) *SCC *JB
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.