2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 480 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,632miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2% of the 480 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,632 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.
“When coming to a stop or letting off the accelerator pedal it feels as if the vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. I suspect it's either coming from the drive shaft or transmission. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership a number of times but can not duplicate after it happened going on a test drive with a technician.”
NHTSA complaint #10626453, filed 2014-08, 44,263 miles“At only 5000 clutch and flywheel exploded according to diagnostic at princeton dealership. Qec center in jacksonville promised to provide results of analysis to determine cause. On 7/10/2013 I learned upon inquiry that qec advised princeton dealership to dispose of parts without giving me the opportunity to keep those parts. I wish to know why this happened; how common is this occurrence; and what is my recourse if this happens again.”
NHTSA complaint #10524520, filed 2013-07, 5,000 miles“My car has two recalls for the airbags which means my car can not be traded in because it's not resaleable. These recalls are not minority's and we risk serious injury or possible death because mercedes can fix the problem. Reassuraning knowing if you're ever in an accident your airbags may distinction during impact or be the reason you die. I'm stuck with this car until the remedies are available, but I'm also stuck with risking my life. I started having transmission problems with hesitating to speed up from a stop or slower speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11132022, filed 2018-09, 100,000 miles“I wasn't driving down the highway at 60 MPH and the car went into neutral by itself and stayed there in the middle of the road. The car wouldn't move at all and had to pull over to the hard shoulder and restart the engine. This happened to me 4 times in total. I scanned it and they said it's the speed sensor inside the conductor plate which entirely needs to be replaced and reprogrammed by mercedes. This is a safety issue because a car going into neutral in the middle of the highway is dangerous to other drivers which can cause an accident that can take your life. Many other cars with the 722. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118841, filed 2018-08, 70,100 miles“When in motion a grinding noise can be heard, which was later identified as a transmission bearing. Vehicle has approximately 69,000 miles. The vehicle has been regularly serviced by a mercedes dealer in most cases, which included a scheduled transmission service that was conducted by mercedes.”
NHTSA complaint #10838635, filed 2016-02, 69,000 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…
- 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300
250 complaintsSuspension
60 complaintsBody and structure
49 complaintsFuel system
44 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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