FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 Mercedes Benz C300 problems

Owners have filed 942 complaints about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025. The largest single group is the airbags.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

942

Complaints

25

Crashes reported

23

Fires reported

24

Injuries reported

78,921 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

8%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What breaks on a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 271 28.8%

12 crashes, 1 fires · median 79,000 mi

Electrical System 229 24.3%

0 crashes, 10 fires · median 78,929 mi

Steering 136 14.4%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Lights 109 11.6%

0 crashes, 10 fires · median 70,500 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 78,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,000 mi

Seat Belts 22 2.3%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Median failure at 108,000 miles

Brakes 17 1.8%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 72,500 mi

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Suspension 12 1.3%

Median failure at 103,839 miles

Body & Structure 9 1.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 66,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 8 0.8%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,915 mi

Seats 5 0.5%

Median failure at 94,549 miles

Tires 5 0.5%

Median failure at 3,800 miles

Equipment & Accessories 4 0.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 84,756 mi

Wheels 3 0.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.2%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 0.2%

Median failure at 84,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 0.2%

Median failure at 66,287 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 11 1.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 0.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 15 2.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 64 10.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 187 29.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 181 29.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 126 20.2%
150,000+ miles 37 5.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 2008 peak 33 Aug 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

EA13008 Opened 20 Dec 2013 Closed 12 May 2014 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Loss of rear lighting assembly

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports, complainants also alleged that the failure was accompanied by a burning smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle.When examined, these vehicles showed evidence of overheating at the ligh...

PE13026 Opened 11 Jul 2013 Closed 30 Dec 2013 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Loss of rear tail light functionality

ODI initially received 21 reports of rear light assembly failure due to a melted electrical connector or housing.Since opening the initial , ODI has received a total of 114 complaints reflecting an ongoing and increasing trend.In each report, one or both rear light assemblies fail completely (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) when the electrical ground connection is compromised as a result of high resistance and subsequent thermal over-heating.According to Mercedes-Benz, the over-heating of the ground wire is caused by...

Recalls on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

22V168000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

Risk: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.

17V177000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

17V017000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minneso

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

16V363000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, MBUSA is recalling certain model year 2008 C300 Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan and C300 4-Matic Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules,

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

16V081000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

15V711000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 C300 Sedan, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles, and 2010 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the air bag control unit may corrode and cause the control unit to malfunction.

Risk: The malfunctioning air bag control unit may cause the air bags to unexpectedly deploy increasing the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Alternatively, the air bag control unit malfunction may cause the air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

14V177000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.

Risk: Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 164,000 miles Chaplin, SC Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, attempting to stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and causing the contact to drive through a stop sign, then merge onto the interstate independently. The driver's side rear tire was leaking brake fluid. The check brake system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake line was corroded. The vehicle was repaired under warranty for the subframe prior to the failure; however, the brake lines were not covered and needed replacement. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the brake lines were pending replacement; however, the mechanic was waiting for parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St Petersburg, FL 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

After repair done on the confirmed recall airbag computer/module my vehicle became immobile, malfuctioned. The vehicle warning lamps alerted the airbag malfunctioned, srs malfunction. I seeked service for repair of this recall by experts. This safety issue is still ongoing and urgency is needed for this to be resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11489746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St Petersburg, FL 1 injured

AIR BAGS

After repair done on the confirmed recall airbag computer/module my vehicle became immobile, malfuctioned. The vehicle warning lamps alerted the airbag malfunctioned, srs malfunction. I seeked service for repair of this recall by experts. This safety issue is still ongoing and urgency is needed for this to be resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11489746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

St Petersburg, FL 1 injured

STEERING

After repair done on the confirmed recall airbag computer/module my vehicle became immobile, malfuctioned. The vehicle warning lamps alerted the airbag malfunctioned, srs malfunction. I seeked service for repair of this recall by experts. This safety issue is still ongoing and urgency is needed for this to be resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11489746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 212,000 miles Clovis, CA Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN "THE REAR PASSENGER BRAKE AND SIGNAL WAS FAILURE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND HAD THE REAR PASSENGER LIGHT PLUGS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED A WEEK LATER THE REAR PASSENGER LIGHT PLUGS WERE MELTED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 212,000.

NHTSA complaint #11390994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,278 miles Houston, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

PLEASE DISASSOCIATE THIS VEHICLE WITH ME. I HAVE BEEN GETTING RECALL NOTICES FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS! IT WAS TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2015 AND THE INSURANCE CLAIM WAS PAID AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK OWNERSHIP/SENT TO ACTION- DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS

NHTSA complaint #11384000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 164,000 miles Chaplin, SC Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, attempting to stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and causing the contact to drive through a stop sign, then merge onto the interstate independently. The driver's side rear tire was leaking brake fluid. The check brake system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake line was corroded. The vehicle was repaired under warranty for the subframe prior to the failure; however, the brake lines were not covered and needed replacement. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the brake lines were pending replacement; however, the mechanic was waiting for parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Portsmouth, VA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while at the car wash and attempting to wash the vehicle, there was popping sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact saw smoke coming from the speakers and called the Fire Department however, no damages were found. The vehicle was taken to the residence and an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle but found no issues with the vehicle. The trunk was opened, and the contact became aware of water inside the taillight housings. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11677862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Portsmouth, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while at the car wash and attempting to wash the vehicle, there was popping sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact saw smoke coming from the speakers and called the Fire Department however, no damages were found. The vehicle was taken to the residence and an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle but found no issues with the vehicle. The trunk was opened, and the contact became aware of water inside the taillight housings. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11677862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cohasset, MA

SERVICE BRAKES

Certified Mercedes dealership confirmed that the subframe of my 2008 C300 is rusted and needs to be replaced which is under warranty. However, they are unwilling and do not acknowledge that the brake lines are also rusted and need to be replaced which is CAUSED by the rusted subframe. I first consulted my local mechanic shop who specializes in Mercedes repairs, and he told me about the issues of the corroding subframe and the rested brake lines. He also mentioned that he has helped and directed many Mercedes owners to call Mercedes customer service to voice my concerns as well as confirm the warranty of the subframe.

NHTSA complaint #11676494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Newton, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts and required a jumpstart. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact disconnected the battery to prevent the battery from draining. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11675548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Parkland, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down independently and lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the intersection while awaiting tow services. The contact stated that her boyfriend and son helped to push the vehicle to the right side of the roadway. The contact smelled a burning odor but was unsure where the odor was coming from. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECU was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #11670203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 128,917 miles Gardena, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,985, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 128,917.

NHTSA complaint #11662794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sunnyvale, CA

STEERING

On [XXX] the car refused to start due to the electronic steering lock failure. The car was towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz Dealer at Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose CA 95129. An inspection was done and Mercedes Benz wanted $3457.66 to replace the Steering Lock. This item is a recall item in other years of the C300 Mercedes Benz. Google shows: Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the Mercedes- Benz C-Class models, including the C300, due to potential steering lock issues. The recall specifically affects 2015- 2016 C300 models, as well as other C-Class variations like the 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio and Coupe. The recall is due to a potential problem with the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module, which is responsible for locking and unlocking the steering wheel. A faulty ESL module can prevent the steering wheel from unlocking, causing the vehicle to be unable to start. We feel that the recall should also apply to the C300 2008 model as it is exactly the same issue and completely incapacitates the car and is a danger to the public as involves the electronic steering. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11661643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lathrop, CA

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle has been loosing power during driving. Acceleration will die, then power will return. In addition exterior lighting will also malfunction or not work. As well ans other items associate with power or the unit that controls the power of those items After taking the vehicle in multiple times we had been told and looked up about the recall. Multiple are in place but the recall regarding the electrical/ power train / lighting r/t units in place and this recall sounds spot on with issues the vehicle is having .

NHTSA complaint #11653985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lathrop, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The vehicle has been loosing power during driving. Acceleration will die, then power will return. In addition exterior lighting will also malfunction or not work. As well ans other items associate with power or the unit that controls the power of those items After taking the vehicle in multiple times we had been told and looked up about the recall. Multiple are in place but the recall regarding the electrical/ power train / lighting r/t units in place and this recall sounds spot on with issues the vehicle is having .

NHTSA complaint #11653985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lathrop, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle has been loosing power during driving. Acceleration will die, then power will return. In addition exterior lighting will also malfunction or not work. As well ans other items associate with power or the unit that controls the power of those items After taking the vehicle in multiple times we had been told and looked up about the recall. Multiple are in place but the recall regarding the electrical/ power train / lighting r/t units in place and this recall sounds spot on with issues the vehicle is having .

NHTSA complaint #11653985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles York, PA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that a message to remove the ignition key was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, the contact stated the steering wheel had seized. The contact inspected the battery and determined there was no failure with the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee and declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11653742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles York, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that a message to remove the ignition key was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, the contact stated the steering wheel had seized. The contact inspected the battery and determined there was no failure with the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee and declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11653742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,151 miles Hampton, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an intake manifold failure. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,151.

NHTSA complaint #11633880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,151 miles Hampton, VA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an intake manifold failure. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,151.

NHTSA complaint #11633880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eagan, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Camshaft adjuster solenoid leaked oil into wiring harness, caused vehicle to go into limp mode and not accelerate/shift gears. This is a known problem with the m272 engine, this vin did not show up on the recall list.

NHTSA complaint #11633268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eagan, MN

ENGINE

Camshaft adjuster solenoid leaked oil into wiring harness, caused vehicle to go into limp mode and not accelerate/shift gears. This is a known problem with the m272 engine, this vin did not show up on the recall list.

NHTSA complaint #11633268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

STEERING

ESL failed suddenly. This appears to be a common problem with C300 MB. As such it should be part and f a recall as the expense to replace is over $2000.

NHTSA complaint #11629937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bethesda, MD

SERVICE BRAKES

I honestly don’t know how Mercedes could have used such a cheap metal mix in their brake lines. Every single c300 made before 2012 is at extreme risk of brake failure every winter, the lines rust very easily and cause ruptures to happen as soon as you need to use your brakes in emergency. If you slam your foot on the brakes for a 2008-2009 Mercedes, you are putting your life at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11626490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Corona, CA

AIR BAGS

The airbag headrests opened up randomly without being involved in an accident!

NHTSA complaint #11605481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Heath, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 16V363000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted.

NHTSA complaint #11584940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newton, AL

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also became aware that the driver’s side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached headlamp wiring harness. The dealer recommended that driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps be replaced. Additionally, the taillights remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11578853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newton, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also became aware that the driver’s side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached headlamp wiring harness. The dealer recommended that driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps be replaced. Additionally, the taillights remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11578853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oceanside, CA

SUSPENSION

My rear suspension, right lower control arm I believe it's called. Snapped out of the subframe do to corrosion . My hole rear subframe is getting worse, eating up by corrosion

NHTSA complaint #11570202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Upper Marlboro, MD

SEAT BELTS

Car has been in and out of the shop. Initially I have been contacting Mercedes about airbag messages and continued message of SRS Malfunction on dashboard. Airbags had been recalled and supposedly replaced on multiple occasions. This SRS continues to remain even after repair or being seen for this issue only for other components to have failed and me having to pay for those in the process. The SRS Malfunction remains an issue until the next issue is affected. Recently an entire Electronic SAM Module Component was replaced as the culprit only to have more issues and the SRS remained. Mercedes has contended that each time they saw the vehicle the the SRS Malfunction was not the problems while other documents were repaired such as battery and SAM. In the meantime since then the car has stalled, components that were working are no longer inoperable. There was a recall that was applied to only specific vehicles of my model year which state the SRS Malfunction was to be replaced and made whole. I never received one of those notices and I will note that my vehicle obviously was affected and should also have this component replaced as it fits the same model year and make of the issues Mercedes has repaired already on affected vehicles. This issue has been on going for several years and Mercedes has failed to rectify this component that makes it dangerous and causes safety concerns for us with the understanding that their note on their website about the SRS Malfunction appeared to me a cop out for them to not be responsible for the fix and recall thsr may have affected more vehicles than its originally accessed number. Instead of fixing this issue they continually find other repairs they indicate as the issue only to end up right back with the same SRS Malfunction and stalling issues with vehicle once again and want to use excuse of car's age as issue and failing to acknowledge and address the SRS Malfunction. Your system would not allow file upload. I can still provide

NHTSA complaint #11563452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.