Mercedes-Benz 230 years to avoid

Across 1968–2004, no single 230 year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 2002 drew the most complaints; 1987 the fewest.

Total complaints

Recall campaigns

1968–2004

Years covered

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Mercedes-Benz 230 NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Investigations
2004	7	0	0
2003	6	0	0
2002	9	0	0
2001	6	0	0
1999	8	0	0
1988	2	0	1
1987	0	0	1
1986	0	0	1
1985	0	0	1
1984	0	0	1
1978	0	1	0
1977	0	1	0
1974	1	0	0
1968	0	2	0

By complaint volume, 1987 has the cleanest NHTSA record among 230 years with enough data to compare.

Across all model years, the 230 has 3 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 39 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.