2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 6%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the suspension of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, 6% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Safety issue regarding failure of rear subframe. I am the original owner of a 2009 C300 4matic sport. This vehicle has been garage kept its entire life and is not in a high salt or snow environment. My wife was extremely lucky to have avoided an accident in this car due to the rear subframe rusting through and separating. We bought this car brand new and paid a premium for mercedes quality because we thought it was the safest vehicle made. …”
NHTSA complaint #11232023, filed 2019-07, 89,000 miles“On my 2009 mercedes C300, the vehicle pulled significantly when the brakes were applied. The repair shop I use checked the braking system and found no issues. They then discovered a rear sub-frame issue. The entire rear sub-frame was rotted out on my 2009 mercedes C300.the vehicle had less than 79k miles on it, did not got out in bad weather and was garaged. I contacted my local mercedes dealer and they showed no interest in addressing the problem under any type of defect resolution issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11298344, filed 2020-01, 78,780 miles“Rear sub-frame corrosion issue. Starting hearing clunking noises coming from rear right of the vehicle. Also noticed the car seemed to pull or twist to the right when braking. I inspected the brakes, all 4 disc brakes and parking brakes looked fine, noticed sub-frame rust through. This level of corrosion on a key structural component is dangerous. It seemed obvious to me this was a manufacturing issue. The car is in excellent condition no other corrosion issues, and has been well maintained and keep in a heated garage since we purchased it 6 yrs ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #11206530, filed 2019-05, 92,000 miles“Taraka recall. Smart key not being recognized , vehicle dead need tow truck to dealer very expensive ,had battery but all dead cost $1600.00 plus on a 72000 mile vehicle.also front sway stabilizer bar need total replacing (dealer part only) since its making noise. Bushings cannot be changed like others the whole bar needs to be purchase at dealer with bushing vulcanized to it. On the smart key the vehicle was stationary thank god”
NHTSA complaint #10898249, filed 2016-08, 72,000 miles“Im the owner of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic sport, which was purchased in 2019. The vehicle currently has about 128,000 miles. It was taken to a local mechanic for inspection and after hearing some clunking noises, especially when braking or turning, they discovered rust, corrosion, and cracking to the rear subframe. Upon further research, it has been discovered that this is a known problem, especially for this year and model of mercedes. There are many other owners who have complaints online about the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408447, filed 2021-04, 128,430 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034932Jul 7, 2026Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel…
- 11032684May 13, 2026Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can…
- 11032599May 12, 2026Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel…
- 11031367Apr 17, 2026Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel…
- 11017211Apr 21, 2025Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt, and environmental influences, corrosion may be…
- 11013183Jan 28, 2025Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering…
- 10164810Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10135599Mar 24, 2015Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
- 10051975Dec 4, 2013Xentry (mercedes): with steering at full lock, noise can be heard, like knocking and/or creaking, coming from area of front axle when maneuvering. Models 203 (c240, 320, 32…
- 10037408Nov 19, 2010Mercedes-benz: shock absorber procedure.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 22 | 6% |
| 2014 | 11 | 12% |
| 2013 | 67 | 26% |
| 2012 | 69 | 26% |
| 2011 | 60 | 13% |
| 2010 | 26 | 6% |
| 2009 | 36 | 6% |
| 2008 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300
198 complaintsAir bags
182 complaintsSteering
136 complaintsExterior lighting
118 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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