2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, 1% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles.
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.
“This morning, car would not start, message on dashboard to go to the dealer, took the key in & out and, after multiple tries, the car started but transmission would not work (stayed on park), took the key in & out and finally was able to drive to the dealer, steering lock problem, the part only is 1 400 $ !!! Problem known by mercedes but they never did anything about it ! Dealer not helpful at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10626517, filed 2014-08, 60,000 miles“Rear Subframe gets rusted and breaks is an issue with most of mercedes c300 to the point the part is back order in USA and Germany its a safety issue and there should be a recall for it when I called mercedes benz they told me they get at least 3 to 4 calls a day about that issue and people can't find the part it's a comment issue and it sounds be resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #11478656, filed 2022-08“I drove my car to get lunch. Came back out to go back to work and the car would not start. Would not even turn over. My Radio did not turn on and I couldn't even roll my windows back up. Luckily they were only cracked open a small amount. My steering wheel cannot be turned, it's locked in it's current position. I am told the ESL (Electronic Steering Lock) and possibly the EIS is the cause of this problem. The display on the dash says Take your key from ignition and that is all I get. Had to have my car towed and now I have a dead car with the windows partially open that I cannot close.”
NHTSA complaint #11615266, filed 2024-09“The contact owns a 2009 mercedes benz C300. The contact stated that the transmission failed and the contact was not able to change the gears. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was not able to replicate nor diagnose the failure more than once. The vehicle stalled on multiple occasions and was only able to driven at a speed of less than 20 MPH each time the transmission failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer a third time for further inspection, diagnosis and repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10619415, filed 2014-08, 41,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 10181124Sep 30, 2020Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- 10167510Feb 28, 2014The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup attempt with a delay, as the relay can be late closing. and/or The gear selection is…
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
- 10167546Jul 30, 2013FC 2783 (Friction power of torque converter lockup clutch is too high) or FC 0741 (Actuation of torque converter lockup clutch not possible) stored in transmission control unit…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 9% |
| 2023 | 1 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 12 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 6% |
| 2015 | 20 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300
198 complaintsAir bags
182 complaintsSteering
136 complaintsExterior lighting
118 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
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