38 of the
1,788 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz C300
are about the braking system —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2009.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was driving and the brake pedal went to the floor I managed to get the car in the garage and brake fluid leaked all over the floor Had the car towed to the dealer inspection show both stainless steel brake lines corroded in the same place Leaked out brake fluid end result was 5000 dollar repair bill
NHTSA complaint #11466002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At only 59,000 miles, the brake lines of my Mercedes C300 suddenly developed a significant leak of brake fluid which caused the brake pedal to go all the way to the floor with minimum function. The car was immediately taken to the dealership where the service dept confirmed that all of the brake lines had become corroded and needed to be replaced. They also communicated that this was a common issue on these vehicles which I have further confirmed by identical complaints raised on the www.mbworld.org forum page. The manufacturer used faulty materials prone to premature corrosion and sudden failure for the brake lines on these vehicles which places drivers at a significant danger and safety risk. There should be an immediate recall of all of these vehicles to replace these defective brake lines subject to sudden failure at the expense of the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11446626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS ISSUE SURFACED WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKES WHERE APPLIED. LOST BREAKING DUE TO CORROSION PERFORATING REAR BRAKE LINES CAUSING BREAK FLUID TO LEAK AND TOTAL LOSS OF BREAKING. THIS IS A 2008 C CLASS 4MATIC SPORT WHERE BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES FEEDING FROM THE ABS MODULE TO THE REAR CALIPERS WERE TOTALLY RUSTED AND CAUSED THE CAR TO LOOSE ALL BRAKING. BRAKE LINES RUSTED MOSTLY WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME UNDER THE CAR DUE TO SUB PAR QUALITY OF THE METAL USED AND MOISTURE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE BRAKE LINE. I OWN TWO OTHER CARS THAT ARE 22 YEARS OLD WITH NO RUST ON THE BRAKE LINES AND DRIVEN IN THE SAME EXACT ENVIRONMENT AS THIS MB C300. REPAIR COST AT AN INDEPENDENT SHOP RAN $1600.
NHTSA complaint #11074956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMOTE KEY FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO COME OUT OF PARK. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10822668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY CAR DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I TRIED TO START AND THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND I COULD NOT FIRE THE IGNITION. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST MERCEDES SHOWROOM AND THEY SAID THAT THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WHICH WILL COST ME $1100. I HAVE READ COUPLE OF POSTS ONLINE AND I SEE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT IS REALLY BAD THAT MERCEDES DID NOT FIX THIS AND NOT EVEN TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLES WHICH ARE EFFECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10750394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.