2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 54%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,382miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class, 54% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,382 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Right rear tail lamp assembly. Lights appeared dim for a couple months and figured lights were about it go out. Went to buy new light bulbs to replace the dimming bulbs and when I opened the right side to install the light I noticed the electrical cord attached to the assembly had melted. Lights were still dim and checked to see what it sounded like when I turned the lights on and it makes a crackling electrical sound. I assume that's why it smelt like something was burning and why the 8 prong piece melted. 1-6 on the electrical piece look good. …”
NHTSA complaint #10508108, filed 2013-04, 48,763 miles“My rear back tail light wiring panel fried . The light is not working at all and when I called manhattan mercedes dealership they told me there is not an appointment available two weeks from 3/7/2014 then I called the dealership in brooklyn and they told me they did not have any appointments either so I just showed up there and they told me that due to my tail light being fully out I am not aloud to drive my car since its a safety issues but they did nothing to help me out and told me that they will have to order the part even though it is a recall then they told me I would have to pay…”
NHTSA complaint #10574668, filed 2014-03, 63,000 miles“Started to get the message to check my rear, right turninf signa, fog lamps, brake lights. Checked all the bulbs and they are fine. Put the harness back and realized it was a little hot and when I looked the wire to the far right I think is expose and on the other side it is burnt through the plastic. Message comes off and on during driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10556248, filed 2013-12“Rear lighting failure (taillight). Failure causing my vehicle lights to very dim and some bulbs are not illuminate at all. Occurs with left taillight (brake light). I see some burning on plastic panel that bulbs goes in.”
NHTSA complaint #10556829, filed 2013-12“The contact owns a 2008 mercedes C Class. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the contact's front end. The vehicle was repaired but one month later, the electrical system failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the ignition switch and steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08v303000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10511637, filed 2013-05, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10135912Feb 19, 2013COMAND: No sound, SDARS message in central display "Device Unavailable"
- 10034305May 3, 2011Daimler/xentry: fuel level indicator and radio frequency central locking inoperative, instrument cluster reports turn signals inoperative, diagnosis of rear sam not possible…
- 10038225Dec 8, 2010Mercedes-benz: diagnostic procedures for the driver authorization system.
- 10025827Jul 11, 2008Mercedes benz: model 204.054, 056, 081; vehicle does not start, no communication with star diagnosis, power outlets not functioning.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7 | 54% |
| 2006 | 1 | 11% |
| 2005 | 1 | 20% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 33% |
| 2002 | 10 | 32% |
| 2001 | 4 | 29% |
| 2000 | 1 | 13% |
| 1999 | 3 | 43% |
| 1996 | 5 | 83% |
| 1995 | 45 | 92% |
| 1994 | 10 | 67% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology