2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 3%of 453 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, 3% of the 453 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 12/22/12 at approximately 9pm I was parking my car having arrived at my destination. I had almost finished parking when my mercedes benz C300, 2010 lunched forward without warning and hit the truck in front of me resulting in a chain rection. With that truck smashing into the vehicle infront of it. I honestly believe that the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and therefore must have malfunctioned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493628, filed 2013-01, 65,000 miles“Gear shifter will get stuck in park when parked on a slight incline, such as a driveway or small hill. I absolutely have to park on a flat surface if I want to get my shifter out of park. I have to tap on the top of the shifter and continue to try to get it out of park. This can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes and has happened multiple times. Very frustrating and I've only had the car a couple of months. Now I have to put money in to fix it already. Why is there not a recall on these vehicles with this problem? From my research, it seems as though plenty of mercedes has this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10838213, filed 2016-02, 50,000 miles“Speed dependent front end noise and vibration. Inspection by mb authorized dealer indicates: front transfer case coming apart . Mb customer service indicates that the problem is a one off but offered a 50% discount on repair. Repair cost is $7000. Suspect that this is not a one off and the problem is more frequent given the immediate offer of a discount on repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627462, filed 2014-08, 67,410 miles“While driving the vehicle, began hearing a humming underneath the car thinking it might have been the tires. The sound got louder as the days went on. Took vehicle to be serviced and was told that the problem was the transfer case and that the solution was a new transmission approximately $8000-$10000. Was also advised that other owners are having this same problem yet mb refuses to acknowledge currently.”
NHTSA complaint #10672896, filed 2015-01, 52,000 miles“Vehicle jerks forward when coming to a stop. Hood was not secure and sensor never notified driver. Seat stopped working. Bluetooth is faulty. The jerking occurs every week, at least every other day dealer cannot duplicate problem so no repairs done. Bluetooth not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10371131, filed 2010-12, 1,500 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…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 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…
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 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300
202 complaintsElectrical system
84 complaintsSteering
71 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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