Saturday, August 8, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Mercedes-Benz C280 vs Saturn Ion

Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Mercedes-Benz C280

Total complaints
119
Avg per model year
19
Recall campaigns (all years)
4
Most complained year
2007 (56)
Top problems: Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Saturn Ion

Total complaints
4,338
Avg per model year
724
Recall campaigns (all years)
10
Most complained year
2006 (1,235)
Top problems: Steering, Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.