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2008 Mercedes-benz C-class

The Verdict

6 Total Klunk

The 2008 Mercedes-benz C-class has 834 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (614 complaints) and body (145 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 6/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Mercedes-benz C-class, consider the 2024 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 98% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Mercedes-benz C-class dashboard →

6

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200266671398
200326124487
200426415302
2005261703310
2006272428823
20072835814544
2008145156144614
200915124439409
201010683034016
201112012307629
201213222321946
2013163162968210
20146411170336
201516785119113
201611582715411
20171025311086
201858318433
201931510243
20202515113
2021201101
2022826100
2023136321
202453121

By Category

Electrical
614
Body
145
Engine
46
Brakes
15
Transmission
14

By Severity

1
384
2
402
3
3
4
45

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2008 Mercedes-benz C-class stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Brakes 4

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, attempting to stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and causing the contact to drive through a stop sign, then merge onto the interstate independently. The driver's side rear tire was leaking brake fluid. The check brake system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake line was corroded. The vehicle was repaired under warranty for the subframe prior to the failure; however, the brake lines were not covered and needed replacement. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the brake lines were pending replacement; however, the mechanic was waiting for parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

11mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while at the car wash and attempting to wash the vehicle, there was popping sound coming from the vehicle, and the contact saw smoke coming from the speakers and called the Fire Department however, no damages were found. The vehicle was taken to the residence and an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle but found no issues with the vehicle. The trunk was opened, and the contact became aware of water inside the taillight housings. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

11mo ago
Brakes 2

Certified Mercedes dealership confirmed that the subframe of my 2008 C300 is rusted and needs to be replaced which is under warranty. However, they are unwilling and do not acknowledge that the brake lines are also rusted and need to be replaced which is CAUSED by the rusted subframe. I first consulted my local mechanic shop who specializes in Mercedes repairs, and he told me about the issues of the corroding subframe and the rested brake lines. He also mentioned that he has helped and directed many Mercedes owners to call Mercedes customer service to voice my concerns as well as confirm the warranty of the subframe.

11mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts and required a jumpstart. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact disconnected the battery to prevent the battery from draining. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

12mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down independently and lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the intersection while awaiting tow services. The contact stated that her boyfriend and son helped to push the vehicle to the right side of the roadway. The contact smelled a burning odor but was unsure where the odor was coming from. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECU was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 125,985, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 128,917.

14mo ago
Body 2

On [XXX] the car refused to start due to the electronic steering lock failure. The car was towed to the nearest Mercedes Benz Dealer at Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose CA 95129. An inspection was done and Mercedes Benz wanted $3457.66 to replace the Steering Lock. This item is a recall item in other years of the C300 Mercedes Benz. Google shows: Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the Mercedes- Benz C-Class models, including the C300, due to potential steering lock issues. The recall specifically affects 2015- 2016 C300 models, as well as other C-Class variations like the 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio and Coupe. The recall is due to a potential problem with the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module, which is responsible for locking and unlocking the steering wheel. A faulty ESL module can prevent the steering wheel from unlocking, causing the vehicle to be unable to start. We feel that the recall should also apply to the C300 2008 model as it is exactly the same issue and completely incapacitates the car and is a danger to the public as involves the electronic steering. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Transmission 2

The vehicle has been loosing power during driving. Acceleration will die, then power will return. In addition exterior lighting will also malfunction or not work. As well ans other items associate with power or the unit that controls the power of those items After taking the vehicle in multiple times we had been told and looked up about the recall. Multiple are in place but the recall regarding the electrical/ power train / lighting r/t units in place and this recall sounds spot on with issues the vehicle is having .

15mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that a message to remove the ignition key was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, the contact stated the steering wheel had seized. The contact inspected the battery and determined there was no failure with the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee and declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

15mo ago
Electrical 1

The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.

17mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an intake manifold failure. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,151.

18mo ago
Engine 2

Camshaft adjuster solenoid leaked oil into wiring harness, caused vehicle to go into limp mode and not accelerate/shift gears. This is a known problem with the m272 engine, this vin did not show up on the recall list.

18mo ago
Body 1

ESL failed suddenly. This appears to be a common problem with C300 MB. As such it should be part and f a recall as the expense to replace is over $2000.

19mo ago
Brakes 1

I honestly don’t know how Mercedes could have used such a cheap metal mix in their brake lines. Every single c300 made before 2012 is at extreme risk of brake failure every winter, the lines rust very easily and cause ruptures to happen as soon as you need to use your brakes in emergency. If you slam your foot on the brakes for a 2008-2009 Mercedes, you are putting your life at risk.

20mo ago
Electrical 1

The airbag headrests opened up randomly without being involved in an accident!

23mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owned a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 16V081000 (Air Bags) and 16V363000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted.

27mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also became aware that the driver’s side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached headlamp wiring harness. The dealer recommended that driver’s and passenger’s side headlamps be replaced. Additionally, the taillights remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

28mo ago
Body 2

My rear suspension, right lower control arm I believe it's called. Snapped out of the subframe do to corrosion . My hole rear subframe is getting worse, eating up by corrosion

29mo ago
Electrical 2

Car has been in and out of the shop. Initially I have been contacting Mercedes about airbag messages and continued message of SRS Malfunction on dashboard. Airbags had been recalled and supposedly replaced on multiple occasions. This SRS continues to remain even after repair or being seen for this issue only for other components to have failed and me having to pay for those in the process. The SRS Malfunction remains an issue until the next issue is affected. Recently an entire Electronic SAM Module Component was replaced as the culprit only to have more issues and the SRS remained. Mercedes has contended that each time they saw the vehicle the the SRS Malfunction was not the problems while other documents were repaired such as battery and SAM. In the meantime since then the car has stalled, components that were working are no longer inoperable. There was a recall that was applied to only specific vehicles of my model year which state the SRS Malfunction was to be replaced and made whole. I never received one of those notices and I will note that my vehicle obviously was affected and should also have this component replaced as it fits the same model year and make of the issues Mercedes has repaired already on affected vehicles. This issue has been on going for several years and Mercedes has failed to rectify this component that makes it dangerous and causes safety concerns for us with the understanding that their note on their website about the SRS Malfunction appeared to me a cop out for them to not be responsible for the fix and recall thsr may have affected more vehicles than its originally accessed number. Instead of fixing this issue they continually find other repairs they indicate as the issue only to end up right back with the same SRS Malfunction and stalling issues with vehicle once again and want to use excuse of car's age as issue and failing to acknowledge and address the SRS Malfunction. Your system would not allow file upload. I can still provide

30mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle a short distance before the vehicle lost motive power again. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated while the vehicle was sitting in the driveway, the vehicle independently started and accelerated. The contact stated that the battery terminals were disconnected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed wiring harness. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 171,846.

31mo ago

834 total

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