U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Mercedes Benz C350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

65 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

60,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 37 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 25 of 65 complaints (38.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	20	30.8%
Electrical and battery issues	12	18.5%
Braking behavior	6	9.2%
Transmission and shifting	2	3.1%
Fuel system concerns	2	3.1%
Engine operation	1	1.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Steering

Electrical System

Exterior Lighting

Engine

Seats

Service Brakes

Fuel/Propulsion System

Air Bags: 25; Steering: 20; Electrical System: 15; Exterior Lighting: 12; Engine: 5; Seats: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 8; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 28 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2021

2023

2024

2025

2013: 4; 2014: 5; 2015: 13; 2016: 13; 2017: 20; 2018: 5; 2019: 1; 2021: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 20 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10586814 · 2014-05-06 (May 6, 2014)

FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 5 miles reported. Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10631809 · 2014-09-09 (September 9, 2014)

I WAS LEAVING WORK, CAR WAS PARKED IN THE LOT, KEY WOULD TURN,LIGHTS AND DASH CAME ON, COULD NOT GET THE CARE OUT OF PARK, ONLY CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER, THEY JUST CALLED AND SAID THE STEERING LOCK WAS BAD, REPAIR BILL IS $1100. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 30,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10631809 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10546745 · 2013-10-04 (October 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-…

Owner-reported narrative. 34,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10556792 · 2013-12-20 (December 20, 2013)

MY TAIL LIGHTS STARTED TO GOING IN AND OUT. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK THE BULBS ALL BULBS ARE GOOD AND THERE IS BURN MARKS ON THE CASING HOLD IN THE BULB AND WIRING FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS. THERE IS A SHORT IN THE TAIL LIGHT WIRING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10556792 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10533697 · 2013-08-05 (August 5, 2013)

PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL, SIDE MARKER, AND REAR LIGHT NOT OPERATIONAL. IT STARTED WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL WORKING ON AND OFF, IT WOULD WORK FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND THEN ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD MALFUNCTION. NOW NONE OF THE LIGHTS ARE OPERATIONAL. UPON INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY ONE OF THE WIRES LOOKED COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UPON TOUCHING IT WAS VERY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10533697 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10565536 · 2014-02-23 (February 23, 2014)

COMPLAINT: C-CLASS REAR LIGHT MELTING ISSUE. REAR BULB LIGHT FAIL ERROR. REPORTING A BURNING SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC AND FAILURE OF REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I WENT OUT ON THE INTERNET AND SAW I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO AND THAT THE U.S. SAFETY REGULATORS HAVE OPENED A PROBE OF AN ESTIMATED 218,000 MERCEDES C-CLASS SEDANS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CALLED THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE AND EVERYONE THAT I TRIED TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT AT ALL. OF COURSE I HAD THE IT REPAIRED AND IT COST $541.41 AGAIN …

Owner-reported narrative. 30,545 miles reported. Look up ODI 10565536 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10732781 · 2015-07-08 (July 8, 2015)

CAR HAD IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK. DASH LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS OPERATE.CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.THIS HAS BEEN A LARGE PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES FOR YEARS.THERE SHOULD BE A MANUFACTUER RECALL NOT A CONSUMER EXPENSE. THANK YOU,PLEASE HELP

Owner-reported narrative. 84,350 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732781 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10816185 · 2015-12-24 (December 24, 2015)

I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING LOCK MODULE WHICH COST NEARLY $1200. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 KM. THE CAR STARTED FINE IN THE MORNING AND WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR AND TRIED TO START IT, IT WOULD NOT CRANK. THE ALARM TURNED OFF FINE, RADIO AND LIGHTS WORKED, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER READ THE KEY AND GOOD ME TO REMOVE IT BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING WHEEL WERE LOCKED IN PARK. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED T…

Owner-reported narrative. 683,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10816185 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10558017 · 2013-12-31 (December 31, 2013)

I'VE NOTICED A SEVERE GASOLINE SMELL (INSIDE AND OUTSIDE) AND VEHICLE WILL STALL AT TIMES WHEN STARTING THE CAR, SO WE TOOK IT A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND GET IT FIXED. THEY FOUND LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS LEAKING FROM A PLASTIC WELD. IT SEEMS LITTLE ODD TO HAVE THIS TYPES OF ISSUES AT A SUCH YOUNG AGE OF THE CAR. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 45,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10558017 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10732156 · 2015-07-06 (July 6, 2015)

THE CAR HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE THE REAR OF THE DRIVER PASSENGER TIRE WELL AREA AND ITS A STRONG SMELL.

Owner-reported narrative. 58,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732156 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

65 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

56.9%Usable mileage37 / 65 records

100.0%Valid incident date65 / 65 records

100.0%Valid filing date65 / 65 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates65 / 65 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2006	2007	2008	2009
Air Bags	28.7% ODI 10934380 · 70,000 mi TAKATA RECALL I AM WRITING TO FIND OUT WHEN THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG IN MY CAR WILL REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR WITH THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AND I AM DEMANDING THAT IT BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. I FEEL SUFFICIENT TIME HAS ELAPSED FOR THE MANUFACTURERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE MY CAR SAFE AGAIN. Look up ODI 10934380 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	5236.1% ODI 10420888 · 64,041 mi IN MY 2008 MERCEDES C350 MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A HEAD ON CRASH AT 50 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR HAD 18,000 IN DAMAGE AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. *TR Look up ODI 10420888 at NHTSA ↗	2538.5% ODI 10816666 · 60,000 mi CARS SRS LIGHT WENT ON IN RED ON DASH AFTER GASING AND WASHING VEHICLE. TOOK TO NERVEDES DEALER AND TOLD SRS UNIT MALFUNCTIONING $800 ATTACHED DIAGNOSES PAID FOR FIX AND NOW THERE IS RECALL. WILL I BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE Look up ODI 10816666 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	14.3% ODI 11065782 · 102,000 mi EIS AND ESL GO BAD, CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO STEERING WHEEL LOCKING. Look up ODI 11065782 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	5135.4% ODI 10525105 · 65,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT IS CONSIDERABLY DIMMER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. AFTER EXAMINING THE PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT, I NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR OF THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE HOUSING THAT IS HOUSING ALL THE BULBS IS PARTIALLY MELTED AND IT IS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON. I ALSO CHECKED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE EXACT SAME THING IS HAPPENING ON THERE, TOO, BUT SO FAR TO A LITTLE LESSER EXTENT. LOOKS A LOT LIKE A FIRE HAZARD! *TR Look up ODI 10525105 at NHTSA ↗	1523.1% ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	3121.5% ODI 10524932 · 52,000 mi MERCEDES C350 2008 52,000 MILES.CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. LIGHTS WORKED, CONSOLE SCREEN CAME ON, NAVIGATION SCREEN POPPED UP. IT WASN'T BATTERY,NOT BOTH CAR KEYS.CANNOT GET OUT OF PARK,STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HAD TO TOW TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP 70 MILES AWAY. BAD STEERING WHEEL LOCK (ICM)IGNITION CONTROL REPLACEMENT COST $1500. MECHANIC PRIOR LOOKED AND TRIED ORDERING PART. WOULDN'T SELL IT TO HIM BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSABLE A RECALLED PART!? DEALERSHIP SAID NO RECALL OR WARRANTY, OUT OF POCKET. THEN WHEN INFORMED REPAIR DONE, I WAS TOLD COMMAND… Look up ODI 10524932 at NHTSA ↗	2030.8% ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2920.1% ODI 10525026 · 140,000 mi JUST SAW ON THE INTERNET THE INVESTIGATION ON 2008 C350 AND FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS. EVER SINCE ABOUT 2009-2010 WE'VE BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, BUT ALWAYS WE GET WARNINGS ABOUT THE TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS. WE'VE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL EXPENSIVE REPAIRS CHANGING OUT BOARDS. STILL....EVERY TIME YOU START THE VEHICLE YOU HAVE TO CLEAR THE TAILLIGHT ERROR MESSAGES. TO BE FAIR WE'VE NOT HAD ANY BURNING OR MELTED PARTS, MAYBE WE'VE JUST GOTTEN LUCKY. BUT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG… Look up ODI 10525026 at NHTSA ↗	1218.5% ODI 10533697 · 35,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL, SIDE MARKER, AND REAR LIGHT NOT OPERATIONAL. IT STARTED WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL WORKING ON AND OFF, IT WOULD WORK FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND THEN ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD MALFUNCTION. NOW NONE OF THE LIGHTS ARE OPERATIONAL. UPON INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY ONE OF THE WIRES LOOKED COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UPON TOUCHING IT WAS VERY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON. *TR Look up ODI 10533697 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	521.7% ODI 10481084 · 69,452 mi MY MERCEDES E350 REPORTED ENGINE ERROR CODES P0016 AND P0017. DETAILED ERROR CODE READING. P0016 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR A P0017 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR B I HAVE 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR NOW AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE THIS CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ME GUIDANCE WITH THIS MATTER. *TR Look up ODI 10481084 at NHTSA ↗	233.3% ODI 10788382 · 12,407 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LAMP WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,407. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAL RING, B… Look up ODI 10788382 at NHTSA ↗	74.9% ODI 10626670 · 42,000 mi ENTER THE CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN. ALL I CAN HEAR WAS LITTLE TICKING SOUND CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER PUTTING THE FOB KEY IN. THE BATTER HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IS OK. SHIFTER WON'T MOVE, THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T COME OUT OF ITS LOCK AND THE CAR WON'T START. CONSOLE AND RADIO TURNS ON AND CAR LOCKS/UNLOCKS.THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THESE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME YEAR CAR IN THE SAME CLASS BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO COVER THESE PARTS AND REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH… Look up ODI 10626670 at NHTSA ↗	57.7% ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	939.1% ODI 10510660 · 43,000 mi AROUND DECEMBER 2010 I BEGAN NOTICING THERE HAS BEEN A GAS SMELL FROM REAR WHEEL HOUSING AND REAR SEAT WHENEVER I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH VARIOUS FUEL LEVEL AND CONCLUDED THAT GAS SMELL STARTS WHEN GAS IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO FILL GAS MORE THAN 3/4 AND HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED A DELIVERY UNIT AND ALL THE SEALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AREAS FOR MANY MERCEDES. THE GAS SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN ADDITION TO THE UNPLEASANT GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. *TR Look up ODI 10510660 at NHTSA ↗	350.0% ODI 10654043 · 90,800 mi TOOK MY 2007 MERCEDES E350 TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER SMELLING GAS THE LAST FEW TIMES I FILLED UP. CRACK IN THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK. $3700!!!! HOW MUCH IS MERCEDES PAYING TO NOT HAVE A RECALL THIS IS BS. *TR Look up ODI 10654043 at NHTSA ↗	21.4% ODI 10723521 · 1,923 mi I PARKED THE CAR,FEW HOURS LATER,I TRY TO PUT IT ON,NO STARTING OCCURRED,NO EXTERNAL LIGHT ,THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION.I CONSULTED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AND ONE THEM TALLED ME THAT PLACE WHERE I PUT THE KEY THAT IS CALLED THE PANEL SWITCH WAS DAMAGE AND SUGGESTED ME TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER BECAUSE IT HAPPENS THAT THERE WAS RECALLS THAT SEVERAL CARS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS FOR CARS FROM 2008 -2014.THIS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE ORIGINAL BATTERY THAT I HAD. Look up ODI 10723521 at NHTSA ↗	23.1% ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	42.8% ODI 10723521 · 1,923 mi I PARKED THE CAR,FEW HOURS LATER,I TRY TO PUT IT ON,NO STARTING OCCURRED,NO EXTERNAL LIGHT ,THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION.I CONSULTED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AND ONE THEM TALLED ME THAT PLACE WHERE I PUT THE KEY THAT IS CALLED THE PANEL SWITCH WAS DAMAGE AND SUGGESTED ME TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER BECAUSE IT HAPPENS THAT THERE WAS RECALLS THAT SEVERAL CARS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS FOR CARS FROM 2008 -2014.THIS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE ORIGINAL BATTERY THAT I HAD. Look up ODI 10723521 at NHTSA ↗	23.1% ODI 11046581 DRIVER WINDOW WILL NOT CLOSED ALL THE WAY. Look up ODI 11046581 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	14.3% ODI 11142425 · 43,100 mi WHEN DRIVING MY '06 C350 WITH 48 THOUSAND MILES, YES 48K ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO A SAFE MODE. IT NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY, THEN UPON ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION JUST REVS UP THE RPM WITH NO POWER. I'M AFRAID ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN WILL BE REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. I THEN TRY TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS NORMALLY RESETS EVERYTHING TO NORMAL. BUT IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN MINUTES OR HOURS LATER WHICH IS NOW GET… Look up ODI 11142425 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	21.4% ODI 10430224 · 86,000 mi I REALLY NEEDED MB TO COME THROUGH FOR ME IN MY SITUATION. I'M A LOYAL OWNER OF MERCEDES BENZ (TWO CARS IN THE PAST 4 YEARS). MY MOST RECENT PURCHASE, THE C350 SPORT, CAME DOWN WITH A TRANSMISSION BREAKDOWN LAST WEEK AFTER 3 YEARS AND JUST 86K MILES. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE EUROMOTORS, GERMANTOWN MD JUST TO BE TOLD THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY ABOUT $10 K IN REPAIRS. I BECAME A MB CUSTOMER BECAUSE OF YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP REPUTATION. I NEVER EXPECTED A POWERTRAIN ISSUE SO EARLY IN THE LIFE OF SUCH A GREAT CAR. THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNO… Look up ODI 10430224 at NHTSA ↗	23.1% ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	60,000–78,000 mi	60,000 mi	5	ODI 10816666 · 60,000 mi CARS SRS LIGHT WENT ON IN RED ON DASH AFTER GASING AND WASHING VEHICLE. TOOK TO NERVEDES DEALER AND TOLD SRS UNIT MALFUNCTIONING $800 ATTACHED DIAGNOSES PAID FOR FIX AND NOW THERE IS RECALL. WILL I BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE Look up ODI 10816666 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10845995 · 60,000 mi RECEIVED THE LETTER OF RECALL #15V711 IN DECEMBER 2015, ACCORDING TO WHICH SRS CONTROL UNIT SHALL BE REPLACED BY AUTHORIZED MB DEALER OR MBUSA WITHIN 60 DAYS FREE OF CHARGE, IT'S MARCH 10TH 2016 NOW, NOTHING HAPPENED, MB DIDN'T MAKE THE REPAIR OR EVEN CONTACT ME. Look up ODI 10845995 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871331 · 46,790 mi TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL # 16V-08, STATING THAT A DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG COULD RUPTURE AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN MY 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE AND THAT THE WAIT FOR RECALL REPAIRS WILL BE CONSIDERABLE. MEANWHILE I'M LEFT DRIVING A CAR THAT CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL ME IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I TOLD THE MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE THAT THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND ASKED REPEATEDLY FOR EITHER A LOANER CAR WH… Look up ODI 10871331 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	32,463–82,250 mi	69,450 mi	16	ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10631809 · 30,250 mi I WAS LEAVING WORK, CAR WAS PARKED IN THE LOT, KEY WOULD TURN,LIGHTS AND DASH CAME ON, COULD NOT GET THE CARE OUT OF PARK, ONLY CLICKING SOUNDS FROM THE ENGINE. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER, THEY JUST CALLED AND SAID THE STEERING LOCK WAS BAD, REPAIR BILL IS $1100. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. TR Look up ODI 10631809 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	35,000–83,000 mi	64,000 mi	13	ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10560708 · 80,000 mi REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. STARTED GETTING A CONSTANT DISPLAY MESSAGE TO CHECK REAR BREAK, FOG, AND TURN SIGNAL. FIRST CHECKED FOR BAD FUSE. FINALLY WENT TO CHECK THE BULB HOUSING AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE WIRES WAS FRAYED. THE WIRE WAS EXPOSED AND THE WIRE HARNESS SEEM TO BE DAMAGED AS WELL FROM THE HEAT. THE WIRES ARE BAD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10560708 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10565536 · 30,545 mi COMPLAINT: C-CLASS REAR LIGHT MELTING ISSUE. REAR BULB LIGHT FAIL ERROR. REPORTING A BURNING SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC AND FAILURE OF REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I WENT OUT ON THE INTERNET AND SAW I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO AND THAT THE U.S. SAFETY REGULATORS HAVE OPENED A PROBE OF AN ESTIMATED 218,000 MERCEDES C-CLASS SEDANS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CALLED THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE AND EVERYONE THAT I TRIED TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT AT ALL. OF COURSE I HAD THE IT REPAIRED AND IT COST $541.41 AGAIN … Look up ODI 10565536 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	34,250–58,818 mi	41,500 mi	10	ODI 10533697 · 35,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL, SIDE MARKER, AND REAR LIGHT NOT OPERATIONAL. IT STARTED WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL WORKING ON AND OFF, IT WOULD WORK FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND THEN ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD MALFUNCTION. NOW NONE OF THE LIGHTS ARE OPERATIONAL. UPON INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY ONE OF THE WIRES LOOKED COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UPON TOUCHING IT WAS VERY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON. TR Look up ODI 10533697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10556792 · 61,000 mi MY TAIL LIGHTS STARTED TO GOING IN AND OUT. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK THE BULBS ALL BULBS ARE GOOD AND THERE IS BURN MARKS ON THE CASING HOLD IN THE BULB AND WIRING FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS. THERE IS A SHORT IN THE TAIL LIGHT WIRING. TR Look up ODI 10556792 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	59,950 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694005 · 49,000 mi WHEN TO GET MY CAR WAXED FOR THE WEEKEND. GOT HOME PARKED THE CAR AND WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE READY TO GO OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT WERE WORKING BUT THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I CAN HEAR CLICKS FROM THE ENGINE N THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. BAG IGNITION STEERING LOCK. $1,900 TO FIX HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR UNTIL I COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX IT! COMMON ISSUE FROM ALL 2008 & 2009 MERCEDES W204 C CLASS! & NO RECALL. TR Look up ODI 10694005 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T… Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	Too few reports for a range	32,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10948957 · 35,000 mi SECOND WARNING REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING REGARDING THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS. THE WIRING IS BURNING UP AND IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL BEFORE REGARDING THE WIRING OF THE BACK STOP LIGHTS, IF NOTHING IS DONE THERE WILL BE A FIRE. THE SEAT (FRONT) COVERING IS PEELING OFF, CO. SAYS ITS NORMAL. THIS IS MY 2ND REPORT AND THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER ALL THE TIME AND IT IS AFFECTING THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH MY WIFE. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET PHOTO, BUT … Look up ODI 10948957 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11016312 · 30,000 mi 2 YEARS AGO MANAGER TOLD ME THE WIRING OF THE HEAD LAMPS WAS MELTING BUT HE CAN ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT( BOTH). I TOLD HIM THAT A CAR WITH 30000 MILS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR HAS STARTED TO BURN ON THE INSIDE , SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. CAR TRANSPORTS CHILDREN. TO AND FROM SCHOOL. EERY OTHER ONTH LAMPS BURN OUT, HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. FINALLY WENT TO SHOP AGAIN TODAY AND THEY PUT IT ON PAPER. WIRE COATING FALLING APART, CAUSES BURN OUT OF LAMPS. THIS IS A HUGE DANGER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT… Look up ODI 11016312 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	Too few reports for a range	34,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	Too few reports for a range	29,103 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10732156 · 58,200 mi THE CAR HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE THE REAR OF THE DRIVER PASSENGER TIRE WELL AREA AND ITS A STRONG SMELL. Look up ODI 10732156 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	1	None	ODI 11660551 Vehicle has lost its ability to be driven. Car alarm has gone of a multitude of times at different hours of day and night. Finally we were told that the steering column needs to be replaced. According to tow truck driver, Auto lock person, this is common from the 300 series of Mercedes Benz. Obviously very costly. My car is worthless at this point. I believe that the Mercedes Benz should have a recall on the steering column lock. Obviously, this is not only a defect but, also causing safety issues with it just turning off and not able t… Look up ODI 11660551 at NHTSA ↗
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2008: 4 complaints · 2009: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2008	1	3	4
2009	2	2	2

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2008	144	0	0
2009	65	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Steering	Electrical System	Exterior Lighting	Engine	Seats	Service Brakes	Fuel/Propulsion System
Air Bags	—	0	0	1 ODI 11040645 "TAKATA RECALL" THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THE FRONT AIRBAGS ONE ISSUES IN FEBRUARY 11, 2016 AND THE OTHER MAY 25, 2016. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR SERVICE AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL. AS OF TODAY THE REMEDY IS NOT AVAILABLE. THERE IS A FAULT SWITCH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS IN OFF POSITION THE LEFT RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FLASH WHEN THE KEYS ARE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. IT DRAINS THE BATTERY WHICH HAVE REPLACED TWICE. WE DETERMINED THAT IF WE KEEP THE LIGHT SWITCH IN AUTOMATIC POSITION IT DOES NOT HAPPEN. Look up ODI 11040645 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Steering	0	—	6 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10731241 I AM ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE OFFICE DEPOT PARKING LOT AND MY CAR WILL NOT START (NO PROBLEM PRIOR TO GOING INTO THE STORE!) I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE LIGHTS, RADIO, DASHBOARD ALL COME ON AND I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND. HOWEVER, THE POWER WINDOWS DON'T WORK, NOR THE SUNROOF. AFTER RESEARCHING MOST OF THE NIGHT (COULDN'T REST) AND MOST OF THE DAY, IT APPEARS TO BE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) WHICH IS VERY COSTLY! AND THERE ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THE SPAN OF YEARS!!! THE NIGHTMARE STORIES (I HAD DEJA VU...EXACTLY THE SA… Look up ODI 10731241 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10732781 · 84,350 mi CAR HAD IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK. DASH LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS OPERATE.CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.THIS HAS BEEN A LARGE PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES FOR YEARS.THERE SHOULD BE A MANUFACTUER RECALL NOT A CONSUMER EXPENSE. THANK YOU,PLEASE HELP Look up ODI 10732781 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11166631 I HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE LIGHTING ISSUES WITH FRONT, REAR, AND SIGNAL LIGHTING. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE THESE LIGHTS EVERY YEAR. NOW MY POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION EBS LIGHT HAS COME ON. THIS IS JUST TOO MUCH. I JUST PAID $1300 FOR SERVICE B AND SOME OTHER THINGS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AM TIRED OF ALWAYS HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE LIGHTS. Look up ODI 11166631 at NHTSA ↗	5 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694005 · 49,000 mi WHEN TO GET MY CAR WAXED FOR THE WEEKEND. GOT HOME PARKED THE CAR AND WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE READY TO GO OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT WERE WORKING BUT THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I CAN HEAR CLICKS FROM THE ENGINE N THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. BAG IGNITION STEERING LOCK. $1,900 TO FIX HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR UNTIL I COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX IT! COMMON ISSUE FROM ALL 2008 & 2009 MERCEDES W204 C CLASS! & NO RECALL. TR Look up ODI 10694005 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T… Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11531281 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. Look up ODI 11531281 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	0	6 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10731241 I AM ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE OFFICE DEPOT PARKING LOT AND MY CAR WILL NOT START (NO PROBLEM PRIOR TO GOING INTO THE STORE!) I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION THE LIGHTS, RADIO, DASHBOARD ALL COME ON AND I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND. HOWEVER, THE POWER WINDOWS DON'T WORK, NOR THE SUNROOF. AFTER RESEARCHING MOST OF THE NIGHT (COULDN'T REST) AND MOST OF THE DAY, IT APPEARS TO BE THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) WHICH IS VERY COSTLY! AND THERE ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THE SPAN OF YEARS!!! THE NIGHTMARE STORIES (I HAD DEJA VU...EXACTLY THE SA… Look up ODI 10731241 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10732781 · 84,350 mi CAR HAD IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK. DASH LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS OPERATE.CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.THIS HAS BEEN A LARGE PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES FOR YEARS.THERE SHOULD BE A MANUFACTUER RECALL NOT A CONSUMER EXPENSE. THANK YOU,PLEASE HELP Look up ODI 10732781 at NHTSA ↗	—	7 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10560708 · 80,000 mi REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. STARTED GETTING A CONSTANT DISPLAY MESSAGE TO CHECK REAR BREAK, FOG, AND TURN SIGNAL. FIRST CHECKED FOR BAD FUSE. FINALLY WENT TO CHECK THE BULB HOUSING AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE WIRES WAS FRAYED. THE WIRE WAS EXPOSED AND THE WIRE HARNESS SEEM TO BE DAMAGED AS WELL FROM THE HEAT. THE WIRES ARE BAD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10560708 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10565536 · 30,545 mi COMPLAINT: C-CLASS REAR LIGHT MELTING ISSUE. REAR BULB LIGHT FAIL ERROR. REPORTING A BURNING SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC AND FAILURE OF REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I WENT OUT ON THE INTERNET AND SAW I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO AND THAT THE U.S. SAFETY REGULATORS HAVE OPENED A PROBE OF AN ESTIMATED 218,000 MERCEDES C-CLASS SEDANS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CALLED THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE AND EVERYONE THAT I TRIED TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT AT ALL. OF COURSE I HAD THE IT REPAIRED AND IT COST $541.41 AGAIN … Look up ODI 10565536 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T… Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10948957 · 35,000 mi SECOND WARNING REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING REGARDING THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS. THE WIRING IS BURNING UP AND IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL BEFORE REGARDING THE WIRING OF THE BACK STOP LIGHTS, IF NOTHING IS DONE THERE WILL BE A FIRE. THE SEAT (FRONT) COVERING IS PEELING OFF, CO. SAYS ITS NORMAL. THIS IS MY 2ND REPORT AND THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER ALL THE TIME AND IT IS AFFECTING THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH MY WIFE. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET PHOTO, BUT … Look up ODI 10948957 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11016312 · 30,000 mi 2 YEARS AGO MANAGER TOLD ME THE WIRING OF THE HEAD LAMPS WAS MELTING BUT HE CAN ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT( BOTH). I TOLD HIM THAT A CAR WITH 30000 MILS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR HAS STARTED TO BURN ON THE INSIDE , SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. CAR TRANSPORTS CHILDREN. TO AND FROM SCHOOL. EERY OTHER ONTH LAMPS BURN OUT, HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. FINALLY WENT TO SHOP AGAIN TODAY AND THEY PUT IT ON PAPER. WIRE COATING FALLING APART, CAUSES BURN OUT OF LAMPS. THIS IS A HUGE DANGER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT… Look up ODI 11016312 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting	1 ODI 11040645 "TAKATA RECALL" THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THE FRONT AIRBAGS ONE ISSUES IN FEBRUARY 11, 2016 AND THE OTHER MAY 25, 2016. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR SERVICE AND INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL. AS OF TODAY THE REMEDY IS NOT AVAILABLE. THERE IS A FAULT SWITCH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS IN OFF POSITION THE LEFT RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FLASH WHEN THE KEYS ARE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. IT DRAINS THE BATTERY WHICH HAVE REPLACED TWICE. WE DETERMINED THAT IF WE KEEP THE LIGHT SWITCH IN AUTOMATIC POSITION IT DOES NOT HAPPEN. Look up ODI 11040645 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11166631 I HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE LIGHTING ISSUES WITH FRONT, REAR, AND SIGNAL LIGHTING. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE THESE LIGHTS EVERY YEAR. NOW MY POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION EBS LIGHT HAS COME ON. THIS IS JUST TOO MUCH. I JUST PAID $1300 FOR SERVICE B AND SOME OTHER THINGS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I AM TIRED OF ALWAYS HAVING TO PAY TO REPLACE LIGHTS. Look up ODI 11166631 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10560708 · 80,000 mi REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. STARTED GETTING A CONSTANT DISPLAY MESSAGE TO CHECK REAR BREAK, FOG, AND TURN SIGNAL. FIRST CHECKED FOR BAD FUSE. FINALLY WENT TO CHECK THE BULB HOUSING AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE WIRES WAS FRAYED. THE WIRE WAS EXPOSED AND THE WIRE HARNESS SEEM TO BE DAMAGED AS WELL FROM THE HEAT. THE WIRES ARE BAD AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10560708 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10565536 · 30,545 mi COMPLAINT: C-CLASS REAR LIGHT MELTING ISSUE. REAR BULB LIGHT FAIL ERROR. REPORTING A BURNING SMELL OF MELTING PLASTIC AND FAILURE OF REAR TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I WENT OUT ON THE INTERNET AND SAW I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO AND THAT THE U.S. SAFETY REGULATORS HAVE OPENED A PROBE OF AN ESTIMATED 218,000 MERCEDES C-CLASS SEDANS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CALLED THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF SEATTLE AND EVERYONE THAT I TRIED TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE IT AT ALL. OF COURSE I HAD THE IT REPAIRED AND IT COST $541.41 AGAIN … Look up ODI 10565536 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	2 ODI 10948957 · 35,000 mi SECOND WARNING REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING REGARDING THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS. THE WIRING IS BURNING UP AND IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL BEFORE REGARDING THE WIRING OF THE BACK STOP LIGHTS, IF NOTHING IS DONE THERE WILL BE A FIRE. THE SEAT (FRONT) COVERING IS PEELING OFF, CO. SAYS ITS NORMAL. THIS IS MY 2ND REPORT AND THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER ALL THE TIME AND IT IS AFFECTING THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH MY WIFE. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET PHOTO, BUT … Look up ODI 10948957 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11016312 · 30,000 mi 2 YEARS AGO MANAGER TOLD ME THE WIRING OF THE HEAD LAMPS WAS MELTING BUT HE CAN ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT( BOTH). I TOLD HIM THAT A CAR WITH 30000 MILS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR HAS STARTED TO BURN ON THE INSIDE , SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. CAR TRANSPORTS CHILDREN. TO AND FROM SCHOOL. EERY OTHER ONTH LAMPS BURN OUT, HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. FINALLY WENT TO SHOP AGAIN TODAY AND THEY PUT IT ON PAPER. WIRE COATING FALLING APART, CAUSES BURN OUT OF LAMPS. THIS IS A HUGE DANGER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT… Look up ODI 11016312 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine	0	5 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10694005 · 49,000 mi WHEN TO GET MY CAR WAXED FOR THE WEEKEND. GOT HOME PARKED THE CAR AND WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE READY TO GO OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT WERE WORKING BUT THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I CAN HEAR CLICKS FROM THE ENGINE N THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. BAG IGNITION STEERING LOCK. $1,900 TO FIX HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR UNTIL I COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX IT! COMMON ISSUE FROM ALL 2008 & 2009 MERCEDES W204 C CLASS! & NO RECALL. TR Look up ODI 10694005 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T… Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T… Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	1 ODI 11531281 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. Look up ODI 11531281 at NHTSA ↗	0
Seats	0	0	2 ODI 10948957 · 35,000 mi SECOND WARNING REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING REGARDING THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS. THE WIRING IS BURNING UP AND IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL BEFORE REGARDING THE WIRING OF THE BACK STOP LIGHTS, IF NOTHING IS DONE THERE WILL BE A FIRE. THE SEAT (FRONT) COVERING IS PEELING OFF, CO. SAYS ITS NORMAL. THIS IS MY 2ND REPORT AND THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER ALL THE TIME AND IT IS AFFECTING THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH MY WIFE. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET PHOTO, BUT … Look up ODI 10948957 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11016312 · 30,000 mi 2 YEARS AGO MANAGER TOLD ME THE WIRING OF THE HEAD LAMPS WAS MELTING BUT HE CAN ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT( BOTH). I TOLD HIM THAT A CAR WITH 30000 MILS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR HAS STARTED TO BURN ON THE INSIDE , SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. CAR TRANSPORTS CHILDREN. TO AND FROM SCHOOL. EERY OTHER ONTH LAMPS BURN OUT, HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. FINALLY WENT TO SHOP AGAIN TODAY AND THEY PUT IT ON PAPER. WIRE COATING FALLING APART, CAUSES BURN OUT OF LAMPS. THIS IS A HUGE DANGER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT… Look up ODI 11016312 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10948957 · 35,000 mi SECOND WARNING REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING REGARDING THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS. THE WIRING IS BURNING UP AND IT WILL CAUSE A FIRE WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. THIS CAR HAS HAD A RECALL BEFORE REGARDING THE WIRING OF THE BACK STOP LIGHTS, IF NOTHING IS DONE THERE WILL BE A FIRE. THE SEAT (FRONT) COVERING IS PEELING OFF, CO. SAYS ITS NORMAL. THIS IS MY 2ND REPORT AND THE SMOKE IS GETTING HEAVIER ALL THE TIME AND IT IS AFFECTING THE COMPUTER OF THE CAR FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS PICKING UP CHILDREN WITH MY WIFE. VERY DIFFICULT TO GET PHOTO, BUT … Look up ODI 10948957 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11016312 · 30,000 mi 2 YEARS AGO MANAGER TOLD ME THE WIRING OF THE HEAD LAMPS WAS MELTING BUT HE CAN ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT( BOTH). I TOLD HIM THAT A CAR WITH 30000 MILS THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR HAS STARTED TO BURN ON THE INSIDE , SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. CAR TRANSPORTS CHILDREN. TO AND FROM SCHOOL. EERY OTHER ONTH LAMPS BURN OUT, HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. FINALLY WENT TO SHOP AGAIN TODAY AND THEY PUT IT ON PAPER. WIRE COATING FALLING APART, CAUSES BURN OUT OF LAMPS. THIS IS A HUGE DANGER AND SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT… Look up ODI 11016312 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes	0	1 ODI 11531281 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. Look up ODI 11531281 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi 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-… Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11531281 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. Look up ODI 11531281 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	1 ODI 10586814 · 5 mi FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH… Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

13 mentions · 20.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,932 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10631809 · 30,250 mi

Look up ODI 10631809 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi

2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR

Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10694005 · 49,000 mi

WHEN TO GET MY CAR WAXED FOR THE WEEKEND. GOT HOME PARKED THE CAR AND WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE READY TO GO OUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, ECT WERE WORKING BUT THE IGNITION WOULDN'T START. I CAN HEAR CLICKS FROM THE ENGINE N THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. BAG IGNITION STEERING LOCK. $1,900 TO FIX HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR UNTIL I COME UP WITH THE MONEY TO FIX IT! COMMON ISSUE FROM ALL 2008 & 2009 MERCEDES W204 C CLASS! & NO RECALL. *TR

Look up ODI 10694005 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

3 mentions · 4.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10837999 · 82,000 mi

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. KEY TURNS IN INGNITION BUT DISPLAY INDICATES TO REMOVE KEY. WINDOWS/SUNROOF DID NOT WORK. CALLED AAA TO CHECK BATTERY. BATTERY FULLY CHARGED. TOWED TO MB AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP STEERING LOCK MECHANISM $980.00 TO REPLACE

Look up ODI 10837999 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10871329 · 37,110 mi

CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS 120 MILES FROM HOME WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START -- EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY, LIGHTS, STEREO, GAUGES, ETC. ALL WORKED FINE. STILL, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN CRANK, HAD CAR TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MERCEDES REPAIR FACILITY (IT WAS A SUNDAY AND THE LOCAL MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT OPEN). THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH (EIS) AND OTHER PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1526.94. MONTHS LATER I VISITED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF MERCEDES AND T…

Look up ODI 10871329 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11156489 · 150,000 mi

WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IT WILL NOT TURN OVER NO LIGHTS DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THE RADIO CUTS ON AND THE ONLY THING THAT DISPLAYS ON THE DASHBOARD IS THE MILEAGE NO OTHER LIGHTS. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO FIRST OR SECOND POSITION. THE DAY BEFORE WHEN MY CAR WOULD NOT START I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND REPLACE IT IN THE CAR STARTED RIGHT UP THIS TIME IT DOES NOTHING. I'M BEING TOLD IT'S AN ESL STEERING WHEEL LOCK ISSUE THAT IS COMMON TO THIS CAR MODEL.

Look up ODI 11156489 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10558017 · 45,800 mi

Look up ODI 10558017 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10732156 · 58,200 mi

THE CAR HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE THE REAR OF THE DRIVER PASSENGER TIRE WELL AREA AND ITS A STRONG SMELL.

Look up ODI 10732156 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 34,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi

Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11000362

RECALL ON SRS LIGHT WARNING LIGHT

Look up ODI 11000362 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 45,800 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10558017 · 45,800 mi

Look up ODI 10558017 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b