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Exterior lightingPart report

2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
31about this part
Share
22%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage
62,608miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, 22% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,608 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

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

“Started off as a rt. Tail light message, a strange flashing rt. Turn signal ( rapid flashing). As I went to inspect the tail light bulbs, I found the light assembly plate melted at the connector to the light plate. The brown wire was so hot from the evidence that it melted the plastic all around. The brown wire is fried black. Could had started a fire.”

NHTSA complaint #10532317, filed 2013-07, 45,000 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

“After I took my 2008 mercedes C350 to the dealership to have them do the repairs for the recall on the tail lights/bulbs. I keep getting the check right rear turn signal . The blinker will work fine, then after 10 minutes of driving it blinks very fast and the warning light comes on. This issue is getting worse. This is an extreme safety hazard and must be fixed immediately. Please advice! Everything appeared to be working fine until I got my vehicle back from the service dept. They changed the bulbs.”

NHTSA complaint #10664563, filed 2014-12, 45,007 miles

“Right taillight failure. The entire taillight is not working so I removed the cover in my trunk to look if any of the bulbs were blown. When I removed the cover it smelt like something was burning. After further examining the taillight assembly you can see what that the wires were either burnt or shorted out and the plastic connectors have a brown to black film on them. Not sure if this has been a recent issue but wanted to see if this was something was being investigated as a potential recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10535240, filed 2013-08, 60,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201315%
20091320%
20083122%

Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350

Electrical system
53 complaintsAir bags
52 complaintsSteering
32 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