2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, 1% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 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.
“I really needed mb to come through for me in my situation. I'm a loyal owner of mercedes benz (two cars in the past 4 years). My most recent purchase, the C350 sport, came down with a transmission breakdown last week after 3 years and just 86k miles. I had the car towed to the euromotors, germantown md just to be told that I was going to have to pay about $10 k in repairs. I became a mb customer because of your craftsmanship reputation. I never expected a powertrain issue so early in the life of such a great car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10430224, filed 2011-10, 86,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz c 350. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into reverse but the vehicle would not respond. The contact then shifted into drive but still, no response. The contact had to restart the vehicle to in order for the vehicle to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer did not perform a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 21,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10439977, filed 2011-12, 21,000 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
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350
53 complaintsAir 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 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