CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (54 reports).
2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 recalls
Software error can cause power loss, dimmed lights, or stability control failure
Some of these Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have had one or more control units updated with an incorrect software configuration during a service repair.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments
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
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
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can fail when the airbag deploys.
Airbag control unit may fail, causing unexpected or no airbag deployment
A manufacturing error can cause the airbag control unit to corrode and malfunction.
Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 problems
Problem areas named in the 144 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 54 |
| Air Bags | 52 |
| Steering | 32 |
| Exterior Lighting | 31 |
| Engine | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Visibility | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
What owners report
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.
All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.
-The rear subframe rusted through and broke. This made the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. Braking caused the vehicle to veer right and was unsafe to stop. -Both a Mercedes dealership service center and an independent service center confirmed and verified the issue. -The part was inspected by the Mercedes dealership service center and the independent service center. -There were no warning lights or messages. The vehicle started making minor sounds in the rear of the vehicle prior to failure.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that after the vehicle was turned off, she attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the next day the vehicle started; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the speedometer started to malfunction. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed. Additionally, the contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that water had started to leak from the sun visor. The contact also heard
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle Electronic Steering Lock failure. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 questions
Does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350: Software error can cause power loss, dimmed lights, or stability control failure; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments; Passenger Front Airbag May Rupture, Spraying Metal Fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Airbag control unit may fail, causing unexpected or no airbag deployment. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350?
Based on 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (54), Air Bags (52), Steering (32).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 350 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.