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Electrical systemPart report

2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
53about this part
Share
37%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage
78,270miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, 37% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,270 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On sunday, june 27, upon returning to my car I discovered that the key would not disengage the steering column lock to allow me to turn the ignition switch to the on position or steer the vehicle. In addition, the gearshift could not be dislodged from the park position. I contacted aaa. A test of battery revealed that it was fully charged. …”

NHTSA complaint #11104682, filed 2018-06, 71,906 miles

“I drove without problem to a local store, less than 4 miles away. I was in the store 5 minutes. When I came out and tried to start my car, the steering wheel was locked in place and the dash said take key from ignition . The lights and radio worked, however the windows would not work and the car would not turn on. Also, the shift was stuck in park and could not be placed into neutral without an override.”

NHTSA complaint #10781361, filed 2015-10, 88,700 miles

“On tuesday, june 9, 2015, I drove my car to work and parked at approximately 7:45 am. I did not get back into the car until 4:30 pm on the same day. When I attempted to start up my vehicle, it would not start. I called a mechanic friend, and he determined that it is a faulty eis which is the same problem that other people are describing here. As it stands right now, I will never buy another mercedes benz!!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10724990, filed 2015-06, 107,000 miles

“Passenger side tail light is considerably dimmer than the driver side. After examining the passenger tail light, I noticed that the connector of the wire harness connected to the housing that is housing all the bulbs is partially melted and it is extremely hot when the lights are on. I also checked the driver's side and it looks like the exact same thing is happening on there, too, but so far to a little lesser extent. Looks a lot like a fire hazard!”

NHTSA complaint #10525105, filed 2013-07, 65,000 miles

“I parked the car,few hours later,I try to put it on,no starting occurred,no external light ,the battery was dead. I bought a new battery but it did not function.I consulted with several mechanics and one them talled me that place where I put the key that is called the panel switch was damage and suggested me to call mercedes benz dealer because it happens that there was recalls that several cars had the same problems for cars from 2008 -2014.this problem affected the original battery that I had.”

NHTSA complaint #10723521, filed 2015-06, 1,923 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201418%
201213%
201114%
2010211%
20091625%
20085337%
200614%

Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350

Air bags
52 complaintsSteering
32 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350

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