Page 2 of 12 · complaints 51–100 of 576

2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2009 record →

Suspension
Filed Jan 13, 2022NJ

I am 80 years old, and disabled. Gave this car to my son, (age 53). Within a month, he experienced a potential LIFE THREATENING incident with the car. While driving, the car became very unstable and steering was almost impossible. The car was towed to A-1 Auto Repair in Pitman, New Jersey for analysis. This establishment has an excellent reputation for Mercedes-Benz repairs. Upon extensive review the shop advised "customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven"The Invoice states " ...During road test vehicle is unstable and steering and braking are out of specification and feels very unstable to operate. Checked vehicle suspension and undercarriage to diagnose rear subframe rusted off body mounts. and is hanging off left rear of body and subframe. Needs extensive repairs to undercarriage and subframe needs replacing with new body mounts.Advised customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven! ... There was no warning of this problem. The car has been garaged since purchased. Car regularly maintained by dealership. No mention ever made of RUSTING ! Mercedes states not there problem since warranty has expired.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 2021CA

Front Right SRS Malfunction Service Required

Steering
Filed Nov 17, 2021NV

2009 C300 at 120k miles car won’t start. Dashboard indicates “remove key from ignition” key was not in ignition, had car towed to the dealership, they said car needs a new steering lock and ignition switch due to malfunction. Total cost $1923. Thankfully car was not in motion when this happened. Please do a recall on steering lock and ignition switch for the safety of everyone!!!!

Steering
Filed Nov 10, 2021NV

Steering lock malfunction and unable to start car. Vehicle has completely shut down.

Suspension
Filed Nov 8, 2021MN

Brought in vehicle for problem when braking, car would pull to one side. Repair shop said rear sub assembly was rusted and they were aware of others like my vehicle with the same problem. Looked up some Mercedes Benz forums online and discovered many of the same problems with the C300 model (2008 and newer) my vehicle is a 2009 Mercedes C300 4Matic. I do live in Minnesota

Suspension
Filed Sep 28, 2021130,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side rear tire inverted into the wheel well due to excessive corrosion. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he confirmed the failure and informed him that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 26, 2021OK

I think I’m a victim of odometer fraud

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 2021CA

Electrical ignition switch and electronic steering lock the component malfunctioned with no symptoms. i got stranded for 5 hours past midnight car has been inspected by a shop and Mb dealer no warning lights and no symptoms

Suspension
Filed Jul 27, 2021120,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as she disengaged the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted and had fractured into two pieces on both sides of the vehicle, and the lower control arms were hitting the gas tank. The check engine warning light and TPMS warning light were illuminated at the time of the diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 17, 2021139,200 milesMI

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR FELT UN-STABLE/UN-SAFE. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT THOSE SPEEDS CAR FELT EVEN MORE UN-STABLE/UN-SAFE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP AND FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKEN OFF. 2 WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM IS ALSO BROKEN OFF. IT APPEARS THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME. RESEARCHING THIS ON WWW.MBWORLD.ORG THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 7, 2021PA

Rear Sub-frame corrosion required a complete replacement of component to pass PA Inspection - car had about 63,000 miles and has been garage kept (and barely driven in Winter) since I purchased it as a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealer (6 months old with less than 6,000 miles on it). MB Mechanics state that they are seeing this a lot with these cars, replacement sub-frame design is modified to prevent corrosion and I personally think this should be a recall safety issue as the corrosion was classified by the dealership as "Aggressive" and can cause control arms to detach (yikes !). I contacted Mercedes-Benz corporate to see if they would provide some cost assistance, they agreed to pay $1000 towards the cost of the replacement, still leaving me with a bill of $2500. I have a 20 year old Ford Taurus that lives outside and is driven all year round that doesn't have a corroded subframe - why can't Mercedes make one that doesn't fall apart ?

Steering
Filed Jun 20, 2021NE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? One day my car did not crank or start. Had it towed to dealer and they seemed to be familiar with everything they needed to order to fix it without blinking. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? As much as not being able to drive your car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, See attached invoice Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 2021NE

Rear passenger tail light housing melted together the connector/ harness to the housing. Limiting the power to the light bulbs and or blowing them before they should be burnt out or not working at all periodically. Effectively limiting the safety of having the brake light or parking lights or even the blinker work like they're supposed too

Suspension
Filed Jun 16, 2021NY

Passenger right rear subframe broke and full of rust

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 26, 2021120,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she became aware that the vehicle was leaking fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Seats
Filed May 13, 2021184,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AT A LITTLE OVER 50 MPH, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADREST NECK RESTRAINT SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. I FELT LIKE I WAS PUNCHED IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I DROVE IT TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS COMMON AND THAT EVEN DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS CAUSES THE HEADREST NECK RESTRAINTS TO DEPLOY. I DIDN'T DRIVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR EVEN A POTHOLE SO IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT IT TO SEE THAT MOST OF THE INSIDE IS PLASTIC. I THINK MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THE INCIDENT HURT ME AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.

Steering
Filed May 2, 2021115,000 milesOH

REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY RUSTING, CREATING SAFETY ISSUE. DISCOVERED 04-22=2021

Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 202195,000 milesCA

MY VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY GIVES ME WARNING/ALERT MESSAGES OF HEADLIGHT/SIGNAL/PARKING LAMP ISSUES. UPON INSPECTION AND TAKEN TO CERTIFIED, RELIABLE MERCEDES REPAIR SHOPS, LIGHTS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONING, YET ALERTS CONTINUE ON MY DISPLAY/DASH. MORE IMPORTANTLY THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) HAS FAILED ON MORE THAN ONCE COSTING VERY CONSIDRABLE AMOUNTS OF REPAIR BILLS, AND IT HAS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING, I PARKED THE CAR WHICH HAS BEEN PERFECTLY MAINTAINED AND WITH LOW MILEAGE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN HAVE IT TOWED TO BE REPAIRED.

Suspension
Filed Apr 16, 2021128,430 milesVA

IM THE OWNER OF A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC SPORT, WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2019. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 128,000 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND AFTER HEARING SOME CLUNKING NOISES, ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING, THEY DISCOVERED RUST, CORROSION, AND CRACKING TO THE REAR SUBFRAME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF MERCEDES. THERE ARE MANY OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $2500 TO REPAIR AT LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMON PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BECOME A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WITH SO MANY KNOWN CASES AND OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, MB SHOULD RESOLVE THIS DEFECT AND PLACE IT UNDER RECALL. MANY OWNERS MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I’VE BEEN ADVISED TO REQUEST A GOODWILL REPAIR, SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. MB SHOULD BE FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. I’M CONTACTING NHTSA TO FILE AN OFFICIAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT THE RECALL PROCESS IS STARTED AND AN ORDER IS PLACED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL.

Suspension
Filed Apr 15, 2021119,500 milesPA

REAR SUB FRAME CRACKED - CAUSING VEHICLE SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED.

Suspension
Filed Apr 14, 2021MA

I BOUGHT MY CAR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, WITH 95K MILES, AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A FEW MONTHS I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A NOISE AT THE REAR PART, AND A LOSS OF BALANCE DURING THE ACCELERATION. AFTER DIAGNOSING IT WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC, HE TOLD ME THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE CHANGED AS IT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED, AND DRIVING MY CAR IN THIS CONDITION CAN PUT ME IN DANGER.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 17, 202177,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME BRACKET WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND INSPECTED WHICH THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF EASTON (4300 MORSE XING, COLUMBUS, OH 43219, (888) 530-5742) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2009 ##

Steering
Filed Mar 14, 2021103,000 milesFL

THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS THE CAR DOES NOT START AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD DOES NOT COME ON, IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS UNTIL IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE, IT WONT START AT ALL HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO MERCEDES

Suspension
Filed Dec 2, 202060,422 milesPA

I'M THE OWNER OF A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC SPORT, WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2012 FROM A MERCEDES DEALER. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 60,400 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND AFTER HEARING SOME CLUNKING NOISES, ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING, THEY DISCOVERED RUST, CORROSION, AND CRACKING TO THE REAR SUBFRAME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF MERCEDES. THERE ARE MANY OTHER OWNERS POSTING COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $3-4K TO REPAIR. THE LOCAL MB DEALER REVEALED THEY ARE ACTUALLY REPAIRING A CAR WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, AS WE SPEAK. ANOTHER CALL TO MB FOR PART PRICING INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON, KNOWN PROBLEM. THE CAR DOES NOT PASS INSPECTION AND HAS BECOME A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WITH SO MANY KNOWN CASES AND OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, MB SHOULD RESOLVE THIS DEFECT AND PLACE IT UNDER RECALL. MANY OWNERS MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I'VE BEEN ADVISED TO REQUEST A GOODWILL REPAIR, SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY MB THAT I NEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR ESTIMATE AT MY LOCAL MB DEALER ($179) BEFORE I CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH THE REQUEST FOR THE GOODWILL REPAIR. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE RECEIVED DENIALS TO THEIR REQUESTS, WHIC

Electrical System
Filed Oct 30, 202055,000 milesCA

CAR WAS PARKED BY SIDE WALK NEXT TO MY HOUSE. INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED IT. THE CAR DID NOT START, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. NO LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED ON TRUCK BED SINCE IT'S REAR-WHEEL DRIVE. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER. COST $1500 TO FIX. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. NOT FAIR.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 2020104,000 milesMN

MY EIS/ESL WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. IT'S A COMMON ISSUE FOR MERCEDES AND IT PLAGUES EVERY MERCEDES. IT'S A SAFETY HARZARD AND HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. MERCEDES ALSO CHARGES $1500 OUT OF WARRANTY TO GET IT FIXED WHEN IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2020140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO NOT BE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MARIETTA (810 COBB PARKWAY, MARIETTA GA 30060, (770) 783-5171) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2020191,000 milesPA

MY REAR SUBFRAME IS DROPPED MY AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON MY SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE BECAUSE OF MY SUSPENSION MY REAR SUBFRAME HAD DROPPED AND MY LIGHT WARNING FOR MY LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 7, 202090,000 milesNJ

BOUGHT C300 2009 4 MATIC SEP. 2017 USED FROM A DEALER. CARFAX INDICATES GETTING SCHEDULED SERVICE FROM DEALER AND IT DOES NOT SHOW PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT HAS NOW 90K MILEAGE. LATELY, I STARTED HEARING SOME NOISE AT THE BACK WHENEVER I HIT A SMALL BUMP, SO I DECIDED TO BRING IT TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER AND HAVE IT CHECKED LAST JULY 21, 2020. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME IS BROKEN BECAUSE OF RUST. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS $6,000. THEY ALSO SAID FRONT END LINKS TORN AND LEAKING, BOTH FRONT AXLES BOOTS TORN AND LEAKING, CENTRIFUGE AND VACUUM PUMP O-RING LEAKING OIL, TRASNFER CASE LEAKING OIL. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AN ADDITIONAL $4,000. I COMPLAINED TO THE THE TECHNICIAN THAT I JUST HAD A SCHEDULED SERVICE ON IT LAST YEAR, HOW COME IT HAS THIS SERIES OF PROBLEMS NOW. TECHNICIAN ADVISED ME TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SEE IF THEY CAN GOODWILL THE REPAIR COST. AFTER A SERIES OF EMAIL AND TEL. EXCHANGES WITH C.S., I FINALLY GOT THE RESULT TODAY AUG. 7, 2020 FROM THE C.S MANAGER AND SAID NO DISCOUNT OR GOODWILL ON THE REPAIR. THEY CAN ONLY GIVE A DISCOUNT OF $1,000 IF I BUY A NEW ONE FROM THEM OR $500 IF I BUY A CPO. IS THIS THEIR TACTIC ON SELLING THEIR CARS IN THE INVENTORY? THIS CAR IS SO EXPENSIVE THAT THEY BRAG THEMSELVES TO HAVE A VERY DURABLE CAR BUT YET, HAS THIS KIND OF ISSUES. I FOUND OUT LATELY THAT A LOT OF MERCEDES -BENZ OWNER HAS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. MERCEDES-BENZ DID NOT DO THEIR JOB TO AVOID THIS KIND OF ISSUE OCCURING, SO I FOUND THEM TO BE AT FAULT

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 4, 202098,000 milesIN

MY REAR SUB FRAME IS BROKEN DUE TO RUST ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300. IT WAS CAUSING MAJOR WIGGLE WHILE BREAKING AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROTORS. THE CAR HAS 98,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED DRY IN MY GARAGE. UPON LOOKING ONLINE, IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH NUMBERS MERCEDES C CLASSES UPON 90,000 - 100,000 MILES. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE ROTORS, THEY WERE SURPRISED IT DIDN'T COMPLETELY BREAK AND CAUSE A WRECK. THEY ARE HAVING ME TOW IT TO A BODY SHOP.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 202070,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 19, 2020NJ

EIS STEERING LOCK BATTERY FAIL. $12 BATTERY DIES AND EIS STAYS IN LOCK POSITION KEY DOESN'T RESPOND TO IGNITION SWITCH OR CAR UNLOCKING DOORS.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 29, 202085,000 milesFL

MY CAR EVERY SO OFTEN WON?T START BATTERY IS GOOD STARTER IS GOOD JUST DOES NOTHING HAPPENED OVER 10X HAD IT TOWED TO 5 MECHANICS SHOPS AND MERCEDES CAN?T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM BECAUSE AFTER A DAY MAYBE TWO SOMETIMES 4 OR 5 THE CAR WILL JUST START UP ON ITS OWN AND THEN A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS WE GO THROUGH IT ALL OVER AGAIN RESEARCHED AND OTHER MERCEDES C300 DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM FOR MONTHS AND ITS THE STEERING LOCK MODULE. *TR

Seats
Filed May 16, 20203,800 milesGA

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2009 AND OVER THE YEARS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, LEFT AND RIGHT AT THE COST OF $800.00 EACH. I WAS TOLD THAT A BULB BLEW FUSING THE WIRES TOGETHER RESULTING IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. THE DRIVER SEAT HEAD REST SIMPLY FELL APART.

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 202082,000 milesVT

TURNED IGNITION KEY TO START VEHICLE. NOTHING HAPPENED. NO CRANKING OR CLICKING. COMPLETE SILENCE. STEERING WHEEL AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WERE BOTH LOCKED INTO POSITION AND COULD NOT BE MOVED EVEN THOUGH IGNITION WAS IN THE 'ON' POSITION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH A DEFECT IN THE 'ELECTRICAL IGNITION SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (EIS/ESL)' AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS CONDITION OCCURRED ON ONE PREVIOUS OCCASION WITHIN THE LAST 45 DAYS. ON BOTH OCCASIONS VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY HOWEVER IF IT WERE OCCUR WHILE MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED AND WIDELY KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT FOR WHICH THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF CORRECTING (AT THE CURRENT TIME VEHICLE OWNERS ARE CHARGED BETWEEN $1200-$1700 TO PERFORM THE DEFECT CORRECTION OUTLINED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 202080,000 milesPA

PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN AFTER BEING INSPECTED. IT SAID TO BE A INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM I'LL HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BECAUSE IT WILL NOT TURN ON IT IS SHUT DOWN .

Air Bags
Filed Feb 9, 202082,585 milesNC

HEAD REST BOTH ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER FRONT SEATS IMPLODED WITHOUT WARNING, WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS NOT STRUCK BY A VEHICLE AND I DID NOT BACK INTO ANY OBJECT.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Jan 16, 202078,000 milesFL

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR NOT WORKING WHEN SOMEONE SITS ON THE SEAT ALSO PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING AND CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTS TO STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF AND MERCEDES DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT AND SAYS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I NEED TO PAY TO HAVE THE WHOLE SYSTEM REPLACED

Suspension
Filed Jan 10, 202078,780 milesNY

ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300, THE VEHICLE PULLED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE REPAIR SHOP I USE CHECKED THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND FOUND NO ISSUES. THEY THEN DISCOVERED A REAR SUB-FRAME ISSUE. THE ENTIRE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED OUT ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300.THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 79K MILES ON IT, DID NOT GOT OUT IN BAD WEATHER AND WAS GARAGED. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY SHOWED NO INTEREST IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM UNDER ANY TYPE OF DEFECT RESOLUTION ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP I USE ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME FROM MERCEDES, WHICH NOW HAS A DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH I ASSUME IS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON THE ORIGINAL SUB-FRAME. WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP BEGAN TO REMOVE THE DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAME, A PART OF THE SUB-FRAME TORE AND BROKE APART DUE TO THE ROTTED METAL. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN IN MOTION WHEN THE METAL TORE APART I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE CHECKED VARIOUS MERCEDES OWNER FORUM BOARDS AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH IS MODEL YEAR. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL BUT CAN NOT ATTACH A COPY DUE TO THE FILE SIZE.

Suspension
Filed Dec 4, 2019PA

THE REAR SUB FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND DEALER SAID IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER SERVICED VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. VERY SURPRISED SUB FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS IS NOT A RECALL. MY WIFE AND GRANDKIDS ARE THE MAIN USERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THANK GOD IT WAS IN FOR ITS MAINTENANCE WHEN ISSUE WAS FOUND AND NOT TRAVELING 65 MILES PER HOUR DOWN THE TURNPIKE. ONLY 10 YEARS OLD AND THEY WANT $3700 TO REPLACE RUSTED SUB FRAME!

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 201985,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000(AIR BAGS). AFTER HE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTHLAKE (10725 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269, 704-321-4833) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED FOR THE AIR BAG INDICATORS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A FAULTY CHILD WEIGHT OCCUPANCY SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Steering › Column Locking › Anti-theft Device
Filed Sep 16, 2019120,169 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION OR THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL LOCK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HOY FAMILY AUTO (1122 AIRWAY BLVD, EL PASO, TX 79925, (915) 706-2200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,169. *PM CONSUMER STATED OIL CHANGE WAS DONE 1,000 MILES PRIOR TO FAILURE.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2019126,000 milesAZ

MY C300 STRANDED ME IN DEMING, NM. WE HAD LEFT EL PASO HEADING HOME TO PHOENIX. QUICK BIO BREAK IN DEMENT, AND THAT'S WHERE MY C300 WOULDN'T START. THE SHOP IN DEMING SAID THAT THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER IN EL PASO. TURNED OUT MY STEERING COLUMN CONTROL LOCK MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART AND TWO DAY AND $1,400 LATER I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK TO PHOENIX. BETWEEN TOWING, LODGING IN DEMING AND EL PASO, MEALS, ETC I WAS OUT OVER 2K. THIS IS SO I CAN START MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL MB DEALER MY SERVICE ADVISOR SAID HE SEES ONE OR TWO A MONTH WITH THIS PROBLEM. I PICKED UP THE CAR IN 2012 WITH 50K MILES. THIS ISSUE CAME 70K TROUBLE FREE MILES LATER. AMAZED THAT ONE LITTLE PART COULD STRAND ME WITH NO WARNING.

Air BagsFire
Filed Jul 24, 2019144,065 milesCT

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN I WAS DRIVING AFTER A OIL CHANGE, I HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE HIT MY CAR. I WAS SCARED AND SHAKY SO I PULLED OVER COULD SEE ANYTHING BUT I HEARD A TICKING NOISE. THEN I REALIZED THE HEAD REST MINI AIR BAG BLEW UP AND THE WIRING INSIDE THE HEAD REST WAS BURNING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I COULD HAVE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAD TO PULL OVER RIGHT WHERE ALL THE TRAFFIC WAS BECAUSE MY HANDS WERE SHAKING AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE BURNING SMELL. I HAD MY HAZARDS ON AND PEOPLE WENT AROUND ME. THEN ALL KINDS OF ALERTS WENT OFF ON MY CAR. I ONLY HAD IT FOR A YEAR AND A HALF IT SHOULDN'T DO THAT. SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG AND THIS IS DANGEROUS WHILE SOMEONE IS DRIVING. MY TIRES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE MUFFLER IS MAKING NOISES NOW TOO WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR. IT'S TREATED WELL I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT NOW. I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT. IT'S WAS FOR ME FAIRLY NEW AND STILL GOOD, DO I THOUGHT. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED AND NEED SOME ANSWERS. I WAS TOLD THAT MAYBE IT'S THE EPS CONTROL UNIT BUT HAVEN'T WENT TO MERCEDES DEALER YET BECAUSE I'M DISCOURAGED ABOUT THIS CAR AND I HAVEN'T BEEN FEELING GOOD.

Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2019140,000 milesCA

STEERING WHEEL STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. CAR WILL NOT START. LOTS OF RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE HAS SHOWN MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS ISSUES HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY. MANY TIMES AT NIGHT WHEN I AM GETTING OFF WORK.

Steering
Filed Jul 15, 201989,000 milesKY

SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING FAILURE OF REAR SUBFRAME. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2009 C300 4MATIC SPORT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT ITS ENTIRE LIFE AND IS NOT IN A HIGH SALT OR SNOW ENVIRONMENT. MY WIFE WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR DUE TO THE REAR SUBFRAME RUSTING THROUGH AND SEPARATING. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND PAID A PREMIUM FOR MERCEDES QUALITY BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE SAFEST VEHICLE MADE. I AM EXTREMELY DISMAYED TO LEARN THAT WHEN MY WIFE CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS DRIVING WEIRD, THAT IN FACT SHE WAS DRIVING A CAR THAT WAS FALLING APART WITH MY 7 YR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE BACK AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE ALIGNMENT SHOP THE MANAGER THERE INFORMED HER THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OF THE FRAME BEFORE. MY WIFE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CERTAINLY SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR USE OF POOR MATERIALS AND MERCEDES SHOULD COVER THE REPAIRS

Suspension
Filed May 9, 201992,000 milesMN

REAR SUB-FRAME CORROSION ISSUE. STARTING HEARING CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM REAR RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO NOTICED THE CAR SEEMED TO PULL OR TWIST TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING. I INSPECTED THE BRAKES, ALL 4 DISC BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKES LOOKED FINE, NOTICED SUB-FRAME RUST THROUGH. THIS LEVEL OF CORROSION ON A KEY STRUCTURAL COMPONENT IS DANGEROUS. IT SEEMED OBVIOUS TO ME THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION NO OTHER CORROSION ISSUES, AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND KEEP IN A HEATED GARAGE SINCE WE PURCHASED IT 6 YRS AGO. WE TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, HAD THEM CONFIRM THE ISSUE, AND REGISTERED A REQUEST TO MERCEDES CORPORATE TO HELP FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY DENIED THAT REQUEST. THE LOCAL SERVICE DEPT. INDICATED HOW DANGEROUS THIS ISSUE IS AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE COST TO FIX THIS =$2600.

Steering
Filed Apr 12, 201972,311 milesFL

PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE AND LOCKED CAR. 'THE CAR WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION IN A PARKING LOT.' DID SHOPPING 1/2 HOUR. WHEN I CAME BACK THE CAR DID UNLOCK, BUT WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START IT, THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN TO START THE CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT, UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, NO RADIO, THE CAR WAS TOTALLY LOCKED AND SHUT DOWN. I CONTACTED MY MERCEDES CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE HAD A TOW COMPANY COME TO RETRIEVE MY CAR. WHEN THE TOW GOT THERE, THE WHEELS WERE TURNED TO THE LEFT AS I HAD PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND THEY WERE STILL TURNED FROM PULLING INTO THE SPACE TO THE LEFT. IT TOOK THEM OVER AN HOUR TO LOAD THE CAR ON THEIR TRUCK BECAUSE THE WHEELS WERE LOCKED IN A TURN POSITION. THEY TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE REALIZED THE CAR WAS IN A STEERING LOCK. HE "REMOVED AND REPLACED -ALL." THE INVOICE STATES REPLACED "STEERING LOCK" [XXX] I WILL HAVE A COPY OF THE INVOICE FAXED TO YOU BY UPS. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FAX. THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO REASON FOR THE CAR TO LOCK AS IT DID. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF AN ISSUE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL I ATTEMPTED TO START IT AND IT WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I AM CERTAIN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 4, 2019101,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND SHRAPNEL FROM THE AIR BAGS CAUSED CUTS TO THE CONTACT'S ARM AND FACE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING FACILITY AND THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. A DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 201990,000 milesGA

'TAKATA RECALL ' DRIVE MY 2009 C300 TO STORE EVERYTHING WORKED PERFECTLY . CAME OUT OF STORE CAR DEAD , NOTHING . MERCEDES TECH JUMPED CAR (NOTHING) CHECKED ALL FUSES THEY ARE GREAT . LONG SHORT EIS NEEDS REPLACING . I HAVE READ BLOG AFTER BLOG ABOUT THIS VERY SAME ISSUE YET NO RECALL . I AM A FIFTY YO WOMAN STRANDED OUTSIDE PUBLIX BY MYSELF . EXTREMELY DANGEROUS !!! COST TO REPAIR 1200 . SERIOUSLY??

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 → · Every C300 year → · How the figures are calculated →