2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 670 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 17 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
27 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Dec 21, 2024
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.
Service brakes, Sep 5, 2024
Rear brake lines corroded leading to loss of brake fluid while on the road. My at the time 4 year old son and I were in the car (I was the driver). This was in December of 2022 so almost two years ago. Earlier that year, MB dealership warned me about rear sub frame being corroded, too, but the cost of repairs ($7,000) were out of reach. There were no warning signs the day brake line started leaking other than a dashboard message to check the brake fluid and I felt I could not really stop my car. Car was taken to a local shop and the rear brake lines were repaired for $1,158. on 12/12/2022. Then this spring 2024 rear sub frame fell apart while switching my winter wheels to all year wheels/tires. MB USA honored this repair through the extended warranty.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2024
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.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 10, 2023
Total shutdown of complete system…brakes, steering and engine at around 25-to 30 MPH. No warning. Happened two times…once before M-B service and once after service for problem. It checked out OK from dealership months before only to have it happen again. Was lucky to avoid a crash both times. Sold to dealership. Wrote my safety concerns for a new owner to local dealership and corporate.
Structure, Service brakes, Jan 5, 2023
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.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Aug 16, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Jul 18, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Jun 8, 2022
K frame and sub frame deteriorates. There is a recall in Canada.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 16, 2017
PARKED CAR, WENT INTO STORE, CAME BACK OUT, STARTED CAR, EBR, ABS AND ESP INOPERATIVE MESSAGE CAME ON ALONG WITH POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 7, 2017
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.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 26, 2016, crash
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*JB
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 13, 2015
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 7, 2014
TAIL LIGHT PROBLEMS. I STARTED RECEIVING WARNING MESSAGES REGARDING THE TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION. WE CHECKED THE LIGHTS BUT THEY WERE FINE. IN JANUARY THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BULBS WERE NOT ONLY OUT BUT THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO A CIRCUIT ISSUE. AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR, THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL WARNING FOR MY SIDEMARK LIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 4, 2014
WARNING INDICATOR CAME UP ON INSTRUMENT PANEL TO "CHECK REAR TAIL AND BRAKE LAMPS" THE REAR TAIL, TURN, AND BRAKE LAMPS HAVE FAILED IN MY CAR. THE WIRING HARNESS HAS BURNED AND EMITS EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE TOUCH. I'M UNSURE OF HOW LONG I WAS DRIVING WITH MY TAILLIGHTS OUT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2013
TAIL LIGHT PASSENGER SIDE - GROUND WIRE ISSUES - PLATE MELTED - TAIL LIGHT ERRORS - NOT WORKING - NO TURN SIGNAL OR BRAKE SIGNAL DUE TO FAULTY TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (HEATING ISSUES) 1 204-820-09-77 LAMP CARRIER 1 211-545-03-28 PLUG 1 014-545-82-26 PIN BUSHING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 12, 2013, fire
REAR TAIL LIGHT WIRING HAS BURNT UP CAUSING FAILURE OF THE TAILLIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT SIDE ACTUALLY BEGAN PUTTING OUT SMOKE WHEN THE BURNT CONNECTOR FAILED. THIS FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2013
DIM LEFT STOP LIGHT. MELTED PLUG. MERCEDES BENZ C300 2009 W204. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 20, 2013
FOURTH OCCURRENCE OF ALL RIGHT REAR INDICATOR LIGHTS GOING OUT ALL TOGETHER IN THE PAST 2-3 MONTHS. JUST DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING THIS. I AM TAKING THIS IN TO THE DEALER TOMORROW HOWEVER, SEVERAL OWNERS OF THE 2009 C CLASS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A BAD CONNECTION TO THE REAR LIGHT UNIT WHICH IS CAUSING SHORTAGES AND FIRES. IT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 4, 2013
A DASHBOARD WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON, INDICATING MY RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. I OPENED UP THE TRUNK, AND LOCATED THE HARNESS THAT HOLDS THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULBS. THERE WAS A BURN MARK IN THE HARNESS THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULBS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THE WIRING SHORTED OUT, AND IT NEEDS REPLACED. I HAVE THE PDF FILE THAT THE DEALER SENT ME INDICATING THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED.... THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING NHTSB COMPLAINT FILED ALREADY... HTTP://BLOGS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/NHTSA-PROBING-MERCEDES-BENZ-C-CLASS-FOR-TAIL-LIGHT-FAILURES-144659.HTML. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 9, 2013
ON 8/8/2013 MY INFORMATION DISPLAY INDICATED MY RIGHT TAILLIGHT, BLINKER AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT. WHEN I OPENED THE COMPARTMENT TO SEE WHAT TYPE OF BULBS TO REPLACE I FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE MUCH BIGGER THAN EXPECTED. THE PLASTIC HOUSING THAT HOLD THE WIRING PIN, THE WIRING PIN AND THE BROWN GROUND WIRE WERE ALL BURNT UP CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO FAIL. I THAN OPENED THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT COMPARTMENT AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING, THERE IS ALREADY SIGNS OF THE HOUSING BURNING. I REMEMBER SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING IN THE CAR A FEW WEEKS AGO. I NOW KNOW WHAT IT WAS. I AM SURPRISED IT DID NOT CATCH FIRE. I CONTACTED MERCEDES SERVICE ONLY TO FIND I AM RESPONSIBLE PAYING TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED. I ONLY HOPE THE LEFT SIDE DOES NOT CAUSE A FIRE BEFORE I AM ABLE TO GET IT FIXED. THIS IS CLEARLY AN UNSAFE ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 4, 2013
FRONT BRAKES CHECKED BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THAT FRONT PADS HAVE UNEVEN WEAR, INSIDE PADS WAS 2 MM, OUTSIDE PAD AT 8MM BECAUSE THE CALIBER IS NOT SQUEEZED IN EVENLY. BRING THE CAR BACK TO DEALER UNDER THE 50K MILES OR 4 YEAR WARRANTY FOR BRAKE CHECKED: DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS BUT NOT THE CALIBER WITH REASON THE HARDNESS OF THE PADS ARE SO SOFT AND CAUSE THE ISSUE. MB DEALER IS NOT STANDING WITH WARRANTY ON THE ENGINEERING MECHANICAL DEFECT: TRY TO MAKE A QUICK FIX AND NOT EXPENSIVE ONLY ON A MAJOR PROBLEM. AFTER 5K OR 10K, THE UNEVEN WILL OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE SERVICE BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ON BECAUSE OF THE UNEVEN WEAR, WILL COST MORE MONEY FOR ME ON THE ROTOR, BRAKE PAD AND CALIBER AGAIN. AN INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL FROM MB NEEDS TO PERFORM FOR ALL THE MB C300 YEAR 2009 FOR A CALIBER CHECK. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2013
CALIPER ON THE BRAKES WERE STICKING CAUSE THE ROTORS TO WARP- REPLACED ALL PARTS AFTER 3,000 MILES SAME THING HAPPENED-- TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEAL SHIP - REPLACED NEW CALIPERS ROTORS-3500 MILES LATER SAME THING HAPPENED TOOK THE CAR BACK AGAIN - REPLACED ALL THE PARTS 5000 MILES LATER SAME THING IT IS NOW JUNE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 20, 2012
WARNING ON DASH SHOWS RR BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS IS OUT. WENT TO LOOK AT THE BACK OF THE CAR TO SEE IF THE LIGHTS WHERE ON AND THE RR LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS DIM. OPEN THE PANEL WHERE THE BULBS ARE AND THE WIRE HARNESS WAS FRIED. THIS MIGHT BE A FIRE HAZARD. *TR UPDATED 03/27/13*LJ UPDATED 04/02/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 23, 2010
AT 5:00PM, I WAS DRIVING THE MERCEDES BENZ C300, YEAR 2009, 9010 MILES IN THE PARKING LOT OF YMCA IN LA CANADA, CA AT 3 MILES/HR. I PREPARED TO STOP THE CAR AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE REV UP AND ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED OVER THE STOP BUMPER BUT I PRESSED VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE AND FINALLY THE CAR STOPPED AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ABOUT 2 FEET FROM THE WALL AT THE PARKING LOT. I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WENT TO THE GYM AND AT 6:30PM I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME, IT IS ABOUT 6 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. I REALLY FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY ALMOST BRAND NEW MB. I'LL TAKE OFF FOR WORK NEXT MONDAY AND WILL TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR CHECKING. I WAS LUCKY THIS TIME WITH NO DAMAGE OR INJURY BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY IN THE PARKING LOT AND READY TO STOP. HOWEVER I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE NEXT TIME, IT'S SO DANGEROUS, I CAN GET KILL OR SOMEBODY CAN GET HURT IF MY CAR JUMPS AGAIN. I DO THE RESEARCH AND SEE THE COMPLAINT # 10330370 ON 05/23/2010. THE CASE WAS ALMOST THE SAME: WHEN THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND THE MB UNINTENDED ACCELERATED. PLEASE DO THE INVESTIGATION BY NOW AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME. *TR