There are 7 owner-reported brakes complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Classin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Car was Off and parked when brake line failed. Further inspection was able to identify that brake pipes was slowly corroded thought entire lower part of the brake system causing critical failure of brakes. Extreme safety issue due to the material of metal/coating and position of brake pipping. If operator was not observant, operator/driver would not have any braking and could cause harm.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and almost went all the way to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to stop as needed, requiring an increased effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Rear brake line rusted through land leaked all the break fluid rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive due to the complete failure of the breaking system. The location of the break line corrosion is above the rear differential and next to a retainer clip.
The brake lines have corroded in multiple places causing brake fluid to leak, potentially creating a safety risk had the problem not been immediately observed and corrected. An independent service center confirmed the problem and replaced all the brake lines and hoses. There were no warning lamps or signals. A puddle of brake fluid under the car was the first indication of a problem.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly. The contact had to pump the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The cruise control, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with the electronic stabilizing program control unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CURB AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF A BUILDING. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT SUCH A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE BUT CONTINUED ROLLING AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,100.
BRAKE PEDAL IS NOTCHY OR STICKS DURING THE INITIAL PORTION OF PEDAL TRAVEL. INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AT EACH STOP LEADS TO OVER OR UNDER BRAKING, DEPENDING ON WHETHER OR NOT THE PEDAL STICKS. IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY MERCEDES AS AN INTERNALLY LEAKING BRAKE BOOSTER, BUT THEY WON'T REPLACE IT, SAYING THE PART FALLS WITHIN SPECS. THIS CAR IS A 2011 C300W4. THIS MODEL IS NOT LISTED IN YOUR PULL DOWN MENU (I ENTERED E CLASS TO COMPLETE THE FORM). *KB
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 26, 2026