2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

7 safety recalls on file

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 672 complaints with NHTSA, including 20 crashes, 16 fires, 27 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (271 reports).

7Recalls
672Owner complaints
20Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your C 300?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 recalls

Software error can cause power loss, dimmed lights, or stability control failure

Recall 22V168Mar 18, 202222 vehicles affected

Some of these Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have had one or more control units updated with an incorrect software configuration during a service repair.

Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash

Recall 17V177Mar 14, 201751 vehicles affected

Some control units in these Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software.

Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments

Recall 17V017Jan 10, 2017104,119 vehicles affected

Certain Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles from 2008, 2009 and 2012 have a passenger-side front airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.

Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments

Recall 16V363May 26, 2016258,163 vehicles affected

Certain 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles have a passenger frontal airbag inflator that may rupture in a crash that deploys the front airbags.

Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 16V081Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehicles affected

The driver's frontal airbag inflator can fail when the airbag deploys.

Airbag control unit may fail, causing unexpected or no airbag deployment

Recall 15V711Oct 27, 2015127,504 vehicles affected

A manufacturing error can cause the airbag control unit to corrode and malfunction.

Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Recall 14V177Apr 11, 2014252,867 vehicles affected

Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems

Problem areas named in the 672 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags271
Electrical System229
Steering136
Exterior Lighting109
Unknown Or Other38
Engine31
Seat Belts22
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)17
Power Train16
Service Brakes15

What owners report

2025-08-19, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 replace
2025-08-01, Exterior Lighting
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.
2025-07-27, Service Brakes
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.
2025-07-23, Electrical System
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.
2025-06-30, Engine And Engine Cooling
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 vehic

2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 questions

Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300: Software error can cause power loss, dimmed lights, or stability control failure; Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments; Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300?

Based on 672 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (271), Electrical System (229), Steering (136).

How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Mercedes-Benz C 300 years

Other 2008 Mercedes-Benz models