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
670 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2022
I noticed my right tail light has completely went out and related damage to the brown wire connected to the entire casing. Per recall campaign: 2014050001; NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 14V177, "Oxidation on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps of subject vehicles can result in a dimming of the tail lights or loss of tail lamp functions. The loss of a rear tail lamp reduces the rearward visibility of subject vehicles, especially with respect to turn signal illumination and may increase the likelihood of a rear end crash". I recently called a new certified Mercedes Benz dealership near me who states this recall has been closed, however, there is no specific indication on whether that was the right or left tail light. Regardless, a recall covers both whether it happens simultaneously or at different increments. My requested resolution: to simply acknowledge the recall to replace this time the right tail lamp. Especially since any wiring issues poses risk of shortage or fire.
Suspension, Structure, May 6, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The contact stated that his son then informed him that while he was driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle started wobbling significantly. The dealer replaced the subframe, the rear tires, and completed an alignment on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. Vehicle has been repaired.
Suspension, Apr 20, 2022
My 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic sedan fishtails at the rear end when I apply the brakes. I’ve owned the car for 8 years. Prior to this happening, I took it to the Mercedes Benz Dealership Repair shop, it was fully inspected on a hoist and fully gone through from bumper to bumper. May 6, 2021, I have a report and a video of the inspection but nothing was revealed related to the undercarriage suspension subframe rusting. Just a few days ago, I had rear brake work done thinking this was the problem and would solve the fishtailing when brakes were applied, maybe one of the calipers was sticking. I also had a 4 wheel alignment, however to my surprise the problem worsened. I called a Local mechanic, who offered to look under my car. After inspection of my vehicle it revealed that the rear undercarriage subframe is completely rotted out. I was advised that it is completely unsafe to drive and to immediately get rid out it to a local salvage yard. My Dream Mercedes still looks new on the outside as I have taken miraculous care of it over the years. Be aware everything that looks good on the outside can be rotted out on the inside. I live in a city that requires highway driving at 70 mph plus, this problem could have ended in a disastrous deadly way. Thank goodness my guardian angel was looking out for me. I checked into repairing the vehicle, the rear subframe is available and with labor the total cost of repair is well over $5000.00 with labor costing $1632.00 before tax alone. Mercedes knows this is a common problem and should recall these issues before someone gets seriously injured or killed.
Suspension, Structure, Feb 25, 2022
the rear subframe @lower control arms right side rust on bracket when put break on the car go to right and make noise!!! the car just have 83.000 miles!! this have re call or not?we d'ont know untill seaching on web side findown couple owner C300 have problem said some
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2022
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, Nov 23, 2021
Front Right SRS Malfunction Service Required
Steering, Nov 17, 2021
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, Electrical system, Nov 10, 2021
Steering lock malfunction and unable to start car. Vehicle has completely shut down.
Suspension, Nov 8, 2021
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, Structure, Sep 28, 2021
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.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 5, 2021
Glass sunroof While driving, heard a loud bang/pop, glass sunroof began to shatter, and fall onto me, creating a unsafe conditions. Pulled over immediately and closed plastic sunshade to prevent entire glass window from collapsing on top of me. Particles of glass and finite glass dust covered interior, and my person. Reported to local police dept, took photographs, and awaiting to contact dealership, insurance co as this occurred on a holiday weekend. No previous defects observed car is pristine. No roadway defects, or other environmental factors as causation.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2021
I think I’m a victim of odometer fraud
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 8, 2021
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, Structure, Jul 27, 2021
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, Jul 17, 2021
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, Jul 7, 2021
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, Jun 20, 2021
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, Jun 19, 2021
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, Jun 16, 2021
passenger right rear subframe broke and full of rust
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 26, 2021
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, May 13, 2021
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, Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 2, 2021
REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY RUSTING, CREATING SAFETY ISSUE. DISCOVERED 04-22=2021
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 29, 2021
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, Apr 16, 2021
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, Apr 15, 2021
REAR SUB FRAME CRACKED - CAUSING VEHICLE SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED.