My 2006 Mercedes C230 has a defective balance shaft. I did some research and multiple people are having the same problem. There is a class action suit in the works. I believe this is a defective part that needs to be recalled.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

Having problem with the gear shifting, believe this is caused by the shaft balancer, etc. The car grabs and jerks from time to time making me unsure of the safety of my car. My car only has 84,000 miles on it. The car is like new, but as I read the class act against Mercedes I noticed that my car has several of the same issues as others listed in the complaint. The interior and exterior of my car is in excellent condition, and I can't believe that the Mercedes company would allow an error like this to continue. I would like for this to be corrected by Mercedes or to be placed on the class act suit as well.

- Clarksville, TN, USA

Check engine light keeps coming on saying something in engine is bad with a price tag of over $6000 to fix.

- Lemars, IA, USA

Periodically the car would lose acceleration and rpms would be high and the vehicle would jerk when I tried changing gears. As I change gears from park, reverse or drive, the gear shift jerks and I am unable to accelerate past 20 mph no matter how much pressure I place on the gas. : extreme loss of acceleration up hill and the steptronic (+/- shifting) did not work... (I could only go 35mph when every one else was going 70mph up hill) when I traveled on a flat surface with no inclination my car worked fine, I then decided to put it on neutral while traveling at 65mph...when I put it back in drive it did not pick up the gears it just continued as if it was in neautral. I had to pull over and shift it into park...as I shifted form "D" to neutral it shifted fine, but then from neutral to "R" the car jerked...from reverse to "P" it jerked again and shifted hard. I then shifted again to reverse, neutral, and drive thus the car jerked and did a hard shift with knocking noise and would not drive. I shifted to neutral again and shut the car off. When I turned it back on it shifted smooth and I drove off without any problem. Took it to a repair shop and received P0717/P0718 fault codes and something about the valve body. I was also told that it was an transmission internal speed sensor issue. There is something faulty with the design and operation of this model year transmission and losing power and being able to only go 35 mph no matter how much you press the gas on the interstate or heavy fast moving traffic is extremely dangerous. Mercedes Benz is aware of this problem as many owners have complained but they will not institute a recall.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

After having the check engine light come on, we took the car to the dealership we purchased it from to perform a diagnostic after receiving codes P0170 and P0173 (mb codes 2092/2096) which mb classifies as "mixture in right / left cylinder bank is too rich when idling" and were told we would need to replace the intake manifold for $2110. The explanation we received (verbal only as they refused to describe the problem in writing after asking multiple times) was that a bushing that controls the air flow valves was worn. They could not provide a reason as to what would cause this wear considering the bushing is internal to the control valves. They also could not tell me which specific side this leak was coming from. Since the intake manifold is one large component we would need to replace the entire thing. The car is five years old so roughly just over 12K miles per year and already major components are failing. This is from the same dealer (mb georgetown, Texas) who once told us our brakes (rotors and pads) were all bad and needed to be replaced. We took it to a trusted mechanic and only needed to replace the front pads as they were getting close to being worn out. We now need a second opinion since I simply do not trust them. The information they provided was "provide estimate to replace intake manifold for vacuum leak at $2110. Air leak coming from intake tumble flap assembly."

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

The vehicle was being driven on interstate 95 in pompano beach Florida, the car started to run rough and the check engine light became illuminated. Took the car to the repair shop and it came up with 2 codes 1200 and 1208 intake and exhaust camshaft sensor right cylinder, the mechanics replaced the 2 sensors and a couple weeks later it appeared again. The original mechanic recommended another shop that specialized in Mercedes. I took it there a few weeks later and we were informed it is a common problem with the Mercedes and that they were being sued for it, and Mercedes has put out over 10 tsb on the issue and it has been happening to cars with this new engine. The problem is the sprocket on the balance shaft was not hardened metal, like it was suppose to be.

- Oakland Park , FL, USA

My complaint is against Mercedes-Benz, usa for their failure to inform me of the substantive defects and recalls at the time of my purchase of the 2006 Mercedes C280; VIN [xxx]. on April 24, 2009, I engaged in a contract with Mercedes Benz financial services for the purchase of the above 2006 C-280. I was never informed of the serious defects on the vehicle. I was never given an opportunity to make an informed decision. Hence, the business practice of Mercedes Benz and or it's dealership was deceptive. It is hard to imagine that anyone, let alone myself, whose medical impairment of fear, anxiety and panic disorder (ada act) would purchase a vehicle with full knowledge of the risk factors involved; during and prior to the purchase, pursuant to: A). report date:December 3, 2011 at 07:19 am mfr's report date: Dec 15, 2005...NHTSA campaign id number: 05V560000..component: (air bags)... consequence: In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could (result in injuries).. dealers will install a new air bag inflater module free of charge Mercedes-Benz recall no. 2006020005. The recall began on March 15, 2006. B). December 3, 2011 (NHTSA campaign id number): 08V303000...(component): Electrical system.... Mercedes-Benz recall no. 2008 070001 thank you for conducting an investigation on my complaint.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

To whom it may concern. I have the mb C230 2006. I've been losing power while driving. While the car idles it's running as if it's missing like out of timing. I've been to the parts dept because I was told the vehicle was missing. I had the coils changed. Spark plugs changed, yet still the car has no power and when idling the engine runs so violent it's causing the belt to wear. So far I had to buy 5 belts and they won't last more than 4 days. This past week I was also told that the 4 magets would have to be changed. Well I had them changed and still I have a car that has no power. I was finally told by a md mechanic my problem with the car is there's a balance shaft that's inoperable. When I inquire about this item I was told that Mercedes Benz does not have this as a recall item when in fact this issue has been an issue since 2004. I would like to have any information in regards to repair. There is no way a customer of this auto maker should have to bear the burden of paying for an item when in fact it's been a problem with mercerdes Benz from the start.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

I was driving my vehicle on the highway during morning rush hour when I noticed that the car would not accelerate over 35 mph. I moved the car off the highway and stopped at a red light. Once I stopped the car it would not accelerate at all when I stepped on the gas. I had to put the car in park and then move it back to drive to get the car to move. The car would jump and lurch forward when I shifted gears. I drove the car directly to the dealer. The Mercedes dealer told me that there was a problem with the software and that the software would need to be updated. I went to pick up my car after the "software " was updated ($1,700 cost) and drove the car about 10 miles when I noticed that the check engine light had come on. I took the car back to the Mercedes dealer to let them know the check engine light was now on. The Mercedes dealer told me I have a defective balance shaft that needs to be repaired. The Mercedes dealer ask me if I had kept up the oil changes on the car. I told the them that I had. The Mercedes dealer told me that I have to pay $2,500 just for them to take the engine apart and that the total repair will cost around $6,000. I just purchased the car in July 2010 ( 14 months ownership) with about 19,500 miles on it.

- Austin, TX, USA

On March 12, 2011, during an "a" service, I was informed by my mechanic, the check engine light was illuminated due to the left intake cam sensor was defective but it was not a big concern. On September 17, 2011, during a "B" service, my mechanic stated the check engine light was illuminated again for the left intake cam and the right exhuast cam adjuster magnets were defective or the balance shaft was worn. At this point the car was running ok but he said if he runs a diagnostic test on the engine again in the near future and it reads a second problem on the right side cam side, there is a strong possibility teeth on the cam spocket due to the usage of an inferior product. He explained it would be approximately $4,000 to repair, he was repairing a vehicle with the same problem and showed me the wear on the teeth which cause the inbalance of the shaft and the cams come off line. In my mechanics opinion, Mercedes Benz knows about their defective part byt they do not want to have a "campaign" to resolve the issue and my type/year engine was made with this inferior part. I travel 80 miles to and from work and cannot afford to spend this money for a repair on a vehicle that is suppose to last me forever.

- La Verne, CA, USA

Bought this car with 38000 on it. The get up and go seemed sluggish but mechanic said it checked out. Had some major issues. Car would barely go, went directly to Mercedes dealership. Dealer said fuel pump was out $793. Also said I needed to service the transmission, $350. They also said I had a much greater problem. A balance shaft inside the motor and quoted me $4600. The car now has 55,000 miles on it. The warranty was for 4 years or 50,000. The car is one year or 5,000 miles out of warranty. It is hard understand why this type of catastrophic failure is occurring so soon after the warranty is up. I checked this out online and it seems like I'm far from the first owner to have this problem. I saw a lawsuit, too bad I don't know how to participate. I'm really disappointed that Mercedes isn't doing the right thing on its own. Please help!

- Augusta, GA, USA

Engine light illuminated: Two diagnostics suggested two separate problems, worn out balance shaft and issues with the intake and exhaust camshaft. Car is sluggish on acceleration and occasionally will not shift out of first gear. Car must be pulled over and turned off, and then the computer resets. This is a periodic problem and is a particular hazardous problem entering high speed highways, which I must do on a daily basis.

- Washington, DC, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C230. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall while driving various speeds. After the failure occurred, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the balance shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 64,037.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

2006 Mercedes C230 has a defective balance shaft gear inside engine which drives the timing chain. Mercedes Benz knows that the materials used were insufficiently hardened, causing premature wear and possible sudden loss of power resulting in no power steering or power brakes without warning, thereby presenting a danger to vehicle occupants. Mercedes has modified the gear on late 2006 models but never took responsibility to the defective parts already sold in the early 2006 production. This issue has been noted through out a large number of vehicles in the Mercedes line. Silent recall has been noted to the technicians but nothing is being done to repair the defect. Maybe save some lives in the process. Also note they are charging owners approx $5000 and dealers state it is happening often between 30,000-100,000 miles. No warning or symptoms until it "just happens".

- Somerset, NJ, USA

At the end of Jan 2011, my engine light came on in my 2006 C230 Mercedes ' Benz. I took my vehicle into the dealership to get a diagnostic inspection on Feb 1, 2011. The inspection determined the vehicle needed a balance shaft. My vehicle only has 58,705 miles on it and warranty expired on it at 50,000 miles. If driven longer with the engine light on, the vehicle would of malfunction. This safety issue may of cause the vehicle to misfire and stop driving. Mercedes ' Benz usa has received several complaints pertaining to this issue for the past few years and nothing is being done about it. Also, several class action lawsuits have been filed about this issue. A recall should be put on engine M272 & M273 balance shaft gear / idle gear. This defect in the engine is a safety issue and may cause a major accident or fatality. The pricing on the service is really ridiculous. Parts $ $478.15 and labor $1946.26. This price was a goodwill gesture.

- Houston , TX, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercedes Benz C class 230. The contact was driving 15 mph when the red engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who ran a diagnostic test and discovered that the cam shaft was spinning free and would need replacing. There were no recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 57,000.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

Our vehicle has had numerous problems despite maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's warranty. Specifically we've had a number of warranty defects including: - windshield fluid clogging - sunroof motor repair - door locking mechanism failure - battery/engine failure while driving - cracked keys - radio failure - seat adjustment knob falling off (2X) - center console breakage - rear view mirror dimming problems the most disturbing issue to date was the car recently shutting down power while my husband was driving home on a major freeway. He lost power steering and power brakes and had to maneuver the vehicle off the road on the freeway.

- San Jose, CA, USA

: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. The brake pedal shakes while depressed. The dealership determined this was normal operating conditions.

- Freehold, NJ, USA