2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 5%of 672 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300, 5% of the 672 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Check engine light came on after vehicle inspection I returned to the dealership. Mercedes benz houston-greenway plaza did cam shaft solenoid work cost $500. Roughly a week later I got stranded at work. I was able to take to get it to start again and took it to repair shop now its $1,346.29 for engine computer work.”
NHTSA complaint #11006444, filed 2017-07, 80,000 miles“Steering lock failed. 10 cent motor will not lock steering wheel. Causes car to think it is stolen, disables the entire car. Left me stranded in freezing temperature with no warning. I got gas, got in the car to leave to work, and nothing worked. This is very dangerous. Luckily I was able to get someone to pick me up, as my cell phone was about to die.”
NHTSA complaint #10809727, filed 2015-12, 93,000 miles“From a parked vehicle, I unlocked car and inserted key and turned to start position 2. No steering unlock, shift lever stuck in park and no engine start. Message take your key from ignition appeared as well when I opened door. Voltage from battery was 12.7 vdc. Had car towed to mercedes benz dealer and was diagnosed with eis failure (electronic ignition system). Cost for repair: $1,350.”
NHTSA complaint #10903839, filed 2016-09, 81,000 miles“Shame on you mercedes benz! It appears to be a known issue that the steering lock goes out leaving your loyal customers stranded with no ability to start the car. Ok! Now, I am told the cost to repair is $1450 for the part and the labor. Looks like my next car will be a bmw! (steering lock went out at 80k- leaving the car unable to start).”
NHTSA complaint #10597522, filed 2014-06, 80,000 miles“It appears that the eis module has failed, I have done some research and have found several other consumers having the same issues with this particular year and model vehicle. This concerns me. Why hasn't any recalls been done to fix this issue. It seem like this is a safety issue. What if I were driving my car and the eis had malfunctioned. I would have lost power to my vehicle as well as all steering abilities. Could you please investigate this issue?”
NHTSA complaint #10610124, filed 2014-07, 84,756 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 18% |
| 2023 | 2 | 9% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 8 | 57% |
| 2020 | 8 | 24% |
| 2019 | 17 | 25% |
| 2018 | 34 | 34% |
| 2017 | 77 | 36% |
| 2016 | 94 | 32% |
| 2015 | 127 | 33% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 16 | 3% |
| 2008 | 31 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
270 complaintsElectrical system
228 complaintsSteering
136 complaintsExterior lighting
108 complaintsOther or unknown
38 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
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