2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

My car has a rotten rear subframe and has holes in it and the dealer doesn't want to repair it and Mercedes announced that it had a 20 year extended warranty. I'm from Manchester, New Hampshire. They inspected it and say they can't change it for free. The warranty doesn't cover it. I don't know what's going on. with that

Car worked fine, all the sudden it wouldn't turn over, I would put the key in and turn it and nothing would happen, I was stuck and had to catch a ride, lucky that I was able, a car company that is supposedly reliable shouldn't allow there cars to completely give out on people during the middle of winter storms and not take ownership, when the customer has taken good care of the car. Talked to several mechanics and turned out it was the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module that had malfunctioned probably due to the software and electrical. Due to this only the Benz dealerships can repair, I had to tow it to a dealership and was charged around $2000 after haggling over the price. Terrible experience and should be recalled by MB, I have seen many complaints about this online and was very disappointed there wasn't a cheaper solution. Was both a safety issue, inconvenient and very costly.

All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.

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.