The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230. The contact stated that the engine misfired and the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the intake manifold and cam sensor, but the failure recurred. The contact was waiting for a representative from the manufacturer to process a complaint. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.

- Red Oak, TX, USA

Received a check engine light notice. Took C-230 (2006) to dealer and was told that the code indicated a worn timing gear problem and would require major engine repair. The cost estimate was $4000 to $5000 to take the engine apart and determine if the gear was worn and needed replacement. Performed a internet search and found that this is a common problem with these engines. Car has 85,000 miles and was purchased in 2008 with 40,000. Have not had the repair performed yet.

- Centerville, GA, USA

I was involved in an auto accident (rear-ended) on Dec 21st 2010. The collision resulted in my vehicle being pushed in to another vehicle (truck) in font of me. The resulting crash produced damages to the front and rear of the car totaling 15K. I noticed that my dashboard was lit up with warning signals and check engine light at the seen of the collision. The rear light was explainable as the light was knocked out in the crash. The engine light however was a bit of a mystery. I took the car in for repairs three days later after consulting with the driver at faults' insurance company. The repair company noted the light also. I could arrive at no other conclusion but that the collision was responsible for my engine light suddenly coming on. The insurance company argues that the collision had nothing to do with that particular light coming on. The matter is being dealt with in court. In the meantime, I did some research and ran across hundreds of complaints on line, by Mercedes Benz drivers, complaining of a cam shaft problem that is identified by an engine light initially. It appears that a part was defective yet no recall has been issued by Mercedes. I've reached out to Mercedes Benz of America. After several calls responding to my inquiry, they stopped informing me of any further findings. This after promising to apprise me of the status of my complaint. My issue is two fold. How much evidence is necessary before it is clear that this product and the series of cars that are impacted by it, warrants a recall" something needs to be done about this wide-spread issue" I must tell you that as a consumer, it is no mystery what most have lost trust in governments ability to serve and protect it's citizens in these matters. I for one am disappointed in the effectiveness of the process. I initially contacted this office eight months ago and have heard nothing. Regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Sugar Land , TX, USA

The engine light went on in my 2006 C230 Mercedes (current mileage 57,000) since Sept 2010. I later confirmed it's the problem in the balance shaft, which directly impact on the acceleration and failure of the engine. The engine sudden stopped running few times in my commute to work in a freeway. Luckily, it was during the rush hour and the traffic was moving slowly. Many times when I entered to the freeway in a merge lane, the acceleration didn't work at all and I almost got hit by the other cars in the merge lane. The mechanic advised if continue driving the vehicle without replacing balance shaft will lead to a big danger to the driver and passenger since the engine can be stopped anywhere and anytime. Replacing the balance shaft cost $6,000 (from the dealer) and Mercedes usa refuse to cover any portion of the repair since my car exceeds 50,000 miles/4 yrs warranty. I talked to the dealer and the service adviser. They said this is a common known problem for many of the Mercedes models. In fact, it was in their service bulletin since 2007. Unfortunately Mercedes wouldn't cover any repair unless there?S a recall or someone die from it. I wonder if Mercedes will wait until more injuries before they consider stop using the same balance shaft in their cars. This balance shaft is a very small piece located right in the middle of the engine. The cost of the material is very inexpensive. However, it requires intensive labor because the engine must be taken apart in order to replace the balance shaft.

- Santa Clara, CA, USA

Check engine light came on at about 51K miles, just out of warranty on C230 Mercedes. The balance shaft is broken. No help with Mercedes on this $3000 repair.

- Danville, CA, USA

2006 C230 Mercedes Benz. Consumer states problem with transmission the consumer stated the transmission was slipping between lower gears and it would also shift hard. Also, the oil pan was leaking oil.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA