2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 recalls and problems

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 has 4 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 recalls

Recall 24V-874: Visibility

Reported Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.

Recall 22V-954: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Risk: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.

Recall 21V-196: Visibility

Reported Mar 19, 2021 · 11,356 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.

Recall 19V-918: Visibility

Reported Dec 20, 2019 · 747,928 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf

Risk: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.

2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine13
Power Train6
Unknown or Other5
Air Bags5
Electrical System3
Visibility2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Tires1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Suspension1
Seat Belts1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 94,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jun 25, 2025
While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the rear subframe of the vehicle suddenly and catastrophically failed. This caused the vehicle to fishtail violently and nearly led to a serious highway accident. I was able to regain control and pull off the road safely, but the vehicle was no longer drivable and had to be towed. An inspection by a certified technician confirmed that the rear subframe rusted from the inside and experienced a complete structural failure. One of the suspension control arms even broke off of the subframe due to rust. The vehicle showed no warning lights or…
Air Bags · reported Jun 19, 2025
SRS light went on. Restraint malfunction message flashed across screen. Code reader pulls up dealer recall for driver airbag possibly exploding due to build up of pressure. My VIN is not included and dealer will not honor. Stuck with unsafe car or HUGE expense out of pocket.
Engine · reported May 29, 2025
The balance shaft sprocket in this car needs to be recalled. It has has known issues since it came out nearly 20 years ago. It can cause your whole engine to blow if not fixed. The fix is often more than the value of the car, around $7000. It is ridiculous. The part was not properly heat treated during manufacture which causes it to fail prematurely at the expense of the owner.
Electrical System · reported Dec 13, 2023
Our car was recalled on 07/03/2008, recall #08V303000, for problems relating to a number of types of mechanical and electrical malfunctions. One was the "(3) OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND (4) THE SPEEDODOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE" This vehicle has had a malfunctioning "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT", that needs to be corrected. It prevents the car from being properly registered, and the warning being on is a distraction to drivers. It has been unresolved by Mercedes and by other mechanics who could not make the proper repair of the "Check Engine Light"…
Power Train · reported Aug 15, 2022
I purchased my car in 2018. The balance shaft gear has a recall and the manufacturer is not honoring the recall without an extension from the merecedes benz company. As well my moon roof need the bonding repair and it is showing a recall in the system

Other Mercedes-Benz C280 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C280 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280: 24V-874 (visibility), 22V-954 (visibility), 21V-196 (visibility), 19V-918 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280?

Owners report engine problems most often (13 reports), followed by power train (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 94,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.