21 of the
846 complaints about the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 are about the
braking system — 2% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
53,000 miles.
C
21
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Service Brakes
1990.5%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
29.5%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
Grand Forks, ND
SERVICE BRAKES
Went to the Mercedes dealership service department to replace the rear subframe that suddenly broke while I was driving due to extreme rust/corrosion. The dealership stated that it was being covered under the extended warranty due to the recall related to the rust/corrosion issue with the subframe. I was advised by the mechanic that the brake lines will need to be replaced due to extreme rust/corrosion in the rear at the same exact location of the rear subframe, making the vehicle very dangerous to drive because the brake lines could break at any moment and cause sudden brake failure. I was quoted a very significant amount to replace the rusted brake lines and per the dealership, it will not be covered under any extended warranty and/or recall.
NHTSA complaint #11631965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeville, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving and activating the turn signals, the taillights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the brake lights were significantly dimmed except for the third brake light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11610858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dublin, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake lines and subframe were completely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Dealer confirmed at regular service appointment. I have documentation and competed all regular maintenance. Dealer would not cover costs for what appears to be a major defect. I had another shop replace the brake lines and subframe.
NHTSA complaint #11500341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Des Moines, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
Suspension Cross-Member - Mercedes-Benz (204-350-01-41) Driving regularly suddenly fill like the rear passenger side tire moved unevenly, then went to the tire shop, and when they take out the tire see how the rear frame was rusted and broken in a straight line exactly in the middle of the tire hole area. Then start to check used cars to donate that part and All of them have the same trouble in that piece, so I decided to review the frame and discover that the rust begins to damage the opposite side too, so I'm pretty sure is a component failure in metal and materials more than simple rust.
NHTSA complaint #11479521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Deptford, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
2009 MERCEDES BENZ C300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOISTURE CAUSED CORROSION IN THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 22V315. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE STATING THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REIMBUREMENTS THE PAYMENT DESPITE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11474434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chadds Ford, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I took my vehicle to the Mercedes dealer for inspection on 7/13/22. It passed inspection, but I was told that the brake lines were very corroded and they recommended replacement before driving. Their cost to repair was $2825. I only have 54,000 miles on the vehicle. I checked on the internet to see if there were any other reported brake line issues with a 2009 Mercedes C300 and was shocked to see how many people had the same issue, some reporting that they lost brake power and had a very terrifying experience. Of course I am now afraid to drive the vehicle and not sure what my course of action will be. With the number of reported incidents, I feel that Mercedes used inferior materials that corrode readily and should have some accountability in remedying the situation. I am including some photos of the corrosion that were provided to me by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11473886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nazareth, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
K frame and sub frame deteriorates. There is a recall in Canada.
NHTSA complaint #11468116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,012 milesWashington, DC
SERVICE BRAKES
PARKED CAR, WENT INTO STORE, CAME BACK OUT, STARTED CAR, EBR, ABS AND ESP INOPERATIVE MESSAGE CAME ON ALONG WITH POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION
NHTSA complaint #10995568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesTimnath, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS VEHICLE HAD A FAILURE UPON START THAT ELIMINATED A NUMBER OF SAFETY FEATURES. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, I RECEIVED THREE ERRORS THAT THE FOLLOWING WERE DISABLED: ELECTRICAL BRAKE (ABS, EMERGENCY BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL), CRUISE CONTROL, AND POWER STEERING. LOSS OF THESE MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10971066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesDorchester, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 02/21/17*LJ UPDATED 9/5/18
NHTSA complaint #10919073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,033 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO TURN ON AND THE STEERING LOCK ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING LOCK AND THE CONTROL UNIT. THERE WAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING, THE BRAKE EBR, ABS, ESP AND POWER STEERING FAILURE MESSAGES APPEARED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,033.
NHTSA complaint #10705432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ceres, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TAIL LIGHT PROBLEMS. I STARTED RECEIVING WARNING MESSAGES REGARDING THE TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION. WE CHECKED THE LIGHTS BUT THEY WERE FINE. IN JANUARY THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BULBS WERE NOT ONLY OUT BUT THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A CIRCUIT ISSUE. AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR, THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL WARNING FOR MY SIDEMARK LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10558919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesAstoria, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WARNING INDICATOR CAME UP ON INSTRUMENT PANEL TO "CHECK REAR TAIL AND BRAKE LAMPS" THE REAR TAIL, TURN, AND BRAKE LAMPS HAVE FAILED IN MY CAR. THE WIRING HARNESS HAS BURNED AND EMITS EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE TOUCH. I'M UNSURE OF HOW LONG I WAS DRIVING WITH MY TAILLIGHTS OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10558498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,800 milesFrisco, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TAIL LIGHT PASSENGER SIDE - GROUND WIRE ISSUES - PLATE MELTED - TAIL LIGHT ERRORS - NOT WORKING - NO TURN SIGNAL OR BRAKE SIGNAL DUE TO FAULTY TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (HEATING ISSUES) 1 204-820-09-77 LAMP CARRIER 1 211-545-03-28 PLUG 1 014-545-82-26 PIN BUSHING.
NHTSA complaint #10557590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,300 milesSumner, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
FOURTH OCCURRENCE OF ALL RIGHT REAR INDICATOR LIGHTS GOING OUT ALL TOGETHER IN THE PAST 2-3 MONTHS. JUST DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THIS. I AM TAKING THIS IN TO THE DEALER TOMORROW HOWEVER, SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE 2009 C CLASS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A BAD CONNECTION TO THE REAR LIGHT UNIT WHICH IS CAUSING SHORTAGES AND FIRES. IT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10548646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesHuntingtown, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 8/8/2013 MY INFORMATION DISPLAY INDICATED MY RIGHT TAILLIGHT, BLINKER AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. WHEN I OPENED THE COMPARTMENT TO SEE WHAT TYPE OF BULBS TO REPLACE I FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE MUCH BIGGER THAN EXPECTED. THE PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLD THE WIRING PIN, THE WIRING PIN AND THE BROWN GROUND WIRE WERE ALL BURNT UP CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO FAIL. I THAN OPENED THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT COMPARTMENT AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING, THERE IS ALREADY SIGNS OF THE HOUSING BURNING. I REMEMBER SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING IN THE CAR A FEW WEEKS AGO. I NOW KNOW WHAT IT WAS. I AM SURPRISED IT DID NOT CATCH FIRE. I CONTACTED MERCEDES SERVICE ONLY TO FIND I AM RESPONSIBLE PAYING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED. I ONLY HOPE THE LEFT SIDE DOES NOT CAUSE A FIRE BEFORE I AM ABLE TO GET IT FIXED. THIS IS CLEARLY AN UNSAFE ELECTRICAL ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10534430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,713 milesGlendale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
FRONT BRAKES CHECKED BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THAT FRONT PADS HAVE UNEVEN WEAR, INSIDE PADS WAS 2 MM, OUTSIDE PAD AT 8MM BECAUSE THE CALIBER IS NOT SQUEEZED IN EVENLY. BRING THE CAR BACK TO DEALER UNDER THE 50K MILES OR 4 YEAR WARRANTY FOR BRAKE CHECKED: DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS BUT NOT THE CALIBER WITH REASON THE HARDNESS OF THE PADS ARE SO SOFT AND CAUSE THE ISSUE. MB DEALER IS NOT STANDING WITH WARRANTY ON THE ENGINEERING MECHANICAL DEFECT: TRY TO MAKE A QUICK FIX AND NOT EXPENSIVE ONLY ON A MAJOR PROBLEM. AFTER 5K OR 10K, THE UNEVEN WILL OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE SERVICE BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ON BECAUSE OF THE UNEVEN WEAR, WILL COST MORE MONEY FOR ME ON THE ROTOR, BRAKE PAD AND CALIBER AGAIN. AN INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL FROM MB NEEDS TO PERFORM FOR ALL THE MB C300 YEAR 2009 FOR A CALIBER CHECK.
NHTSA complaint #10533466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCuyahoga Falls, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
CALIPER ON THE BRAKES WERE STICKING CAUSE THE ROTORS TO WARP- REPLACED ALL PARTS AFTER 3,000 MILES SAME THING HAPPENED-- TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEAL SHIP - REPLACED NEW CALIPERS ROTORS-3500 MILES LATER SAME THING HAPPENED TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN - REPLACED ALL THE PARTS 5000 MILES LATER SAME THING IT IS NOW JUNE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10521022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,451 milesBellevue, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
WARNING ON DASH SHOWS RR BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS IS OUT. WENT TO LOOK AT THE BACK OF THE CAR TO SEE IF THE LIGHTS WHERE ON AND THE RR LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS DIM. OPEN THE PANEL WHERE THE BULBS ARE AND THE WIRE HARNESS WAS FRIED. THIS MIGHT BE A FIRE HAZARD. *TR UPDATED 03/27/13*LJ UPDATED 04/02/2013
NHTSA complaint #10489338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,010 milesLA Crescenta, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AT 5:00PM, I WAS DRIVING THE MERCEDES BENZ C300, YEAR 2009, 9010 MILES IN THE PARKING LOT OF YMCA IN LA CANADA, CA AT 3 MILES/HR. I PREPARED TO STOP THE CAR AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE REV UP AND ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED OVER THE STOP BUMPER BUT I PRESSED VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE AND FINALLY THE CAR STOPPED AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ABOUT 2 FEET FROM THE WALL AT THE PARKING LOT. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WENT TO THE GYM AND AT 6:30PM I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME, IT IS ABOUT 6 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. I REALLY FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY ALMOST BRAND NEW MB. I'LL TAKE OFF FOR WORK NEXT MONDAY AND WILL TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR CHECKING. I WAS LUCKY THIS TIME WITH NO DAMAGE OR INJURY BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY IN THE PARKING LOT AND READY TO STOP. HOWEVER I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE NEXT TIME, IT'S SO DANGEROUS, I CAN GET KILL OR SOMEBODY CAN GET HURT IF MY CAR JUMPS AGAIN. I DO THE RESEARCH AND SEE THE COMPLAINT # 10330370 ON 05/23/2010. THE CASE WAS ALMOST THE SAME: WHEN THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE MB UNINTENDED ACCELERATED. PLEASE DO THE INVESTIGATION BY NOW AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME.
NHTSA complaint #10331807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesGreat Neck, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AT ~40 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN BUT ACCELERATED. AND STRUCK THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. EVERY TIME I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED SO THAT THE CAR STRUCK THE CAR IN FRONT TWICE. I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND WAS UNABLE TO. FINALLY, I PUSHED HARD ON THE BRAKE ENOUGH TO SLOW IT DOWN AND I WAS TEN ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE RACED BUT I WAS THEN ABLE TO TURN IT OFF. DESPITE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10330370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.