Table 1 shows one common unknown or other related problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz C Class.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
I have black mercedes c230 kompressor sports sedan 2004 model. Car was purchased brand new at mercedes authorized dealer. There is no modification made to this car and all the servicing done at mercedes authorized dealer since I bought this car. It had only 58000 miles. Last b servicing which checked any safety related issues and includes regular maintenance, was done at authorized dealer on 02/18/2012. No issue was informed on 02/18/2012 to us by mercedes authorized dealer servicing department. On 06/21/2012, when I was driving this car from work to home, I turned on a/c, a/c shutdown and I started smelling smoke. On left side of my car there is a/c vent and I saw fire inside the hood through that vent. I pulled over car right away and electricity went out with in 1 min of my pulling over and within 4 min, whole car was burning. My car is now totaled. This poses following security concerns: 1. Mercedes c230 2004 is made of highly inflammable material and driver and users of car has very less chance to survive if there is fire. 2. Mercedes c230 2004 model a/c unit is not of highest quality and electrical system is faulty. Both of above issues poses very serious security risks to public and it needs through investigation. I contacted mercedes head quarter for investigation and mercedes declined to investigate. Geico stated in report that hood is stuck and cause of fire is unknown. Geico insurance company authorized mercedes engineers to investigate further upon my request and mercedes USA does not want to investigate further. I have pictures of burnt car and can share if it helps in investigation to rule out above 2 concerns. We do not want others to go through same ordeal as we went through.
This defect/concern is a general safety complaint with respect to all vehicles which should be addressed by enactment of standards to be used by all manufacturers. Mainly the standardization of the location and function of key controls and switches on all automobiles. In todays driving, drivers are placed behind the wheel of unfamiliar vehicles all the time as travel and business puts them in rental cars. With each vehicle having different locations for light switches, flashers, windsheild wipers/washers, dimmers and cruise controls. Drivers can end up having accidents, especially in hurried situations, when trying to find the location of the controls in an unfamiliar car. One might argue that if you are driving a new vehicle you should familiarize yourself with all the controls before starting to drive. . . But often times in an emergency situation, (windshield splashed with mud), you instinctively respond to where your everyday vehicles controls are. This not only delays resolution of the situation but takes your attention away from driving. Setting a standard would make auto manufactures put all these controls in a standard position so when you go from one car to the next they are always where you would expect them!.