There are 8 owner-reported brakes complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
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.
Brake Booster vacuum leak causing it to not brake properly. Requires more pedal pressure to come to a stop. Extremely dangerous
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
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.
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.
THE TAXI CAB STOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND AND THE MOTOR DID NOT DIE, IT JUST KEPT GOING UNTIL I HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE AT 20 OR 25 MILES AN HOUR. I BELIEVE THERE WAS A STRANGE SOUND WITH THE BRAKES THAT I HAD SEVERAL TIMES REPORTED TO THE DEALER SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. *TR
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026