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EnginePart report

2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 Engine Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
8%of 65 total for the year
Median mileage
59,950miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350, 8% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,950 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 I put the key in the ignition it will not turn over no lights display on the dashboard. The radio cuts on and the only thing that displays on the dashboard is the mileage no other lights. When the key is turned to first or second position. The day before when my car would not start I was able to take the key out of the ignition and replace it in the car started right up this time it does nothing. I'm being told it's an esl steering wheel lock issue that is common to this car model.”

NHTSA complaint #11156489, filed 2018-12, 150,000 miles

“When to get my car waxed for the weekend. Got home parked the car and when my wife and I were ready to go out the car wouldn't start. Dash lights, radio, ect were working but the ignition wouldn't start. I can hear clicks from the engine n the steering was locked. Bag ignition steering lock. $1,900 to fix haven't been able to move the car until I come up with the money to fix it! Common issue from all 2008 & 2009 mercedes w204 c class! & no recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10694005, filed 2015-03, 49,000 miles

“Car was parked in a parking lot. I was 120 miles from home when the engine would not start -- even though the battery, lights, stereo, gauges, etc. All worked fine. Still, the engine wouldn't even crank, had car towed to an independent mercedes repair facility (it was a sunday and the local mercedes service department was not open). The electronic ignition switch (eis) and other parts needed to be replaced at a cost of $1526.94. …”

NHTSA complaint #10871329, filed 2016-05, 37,110 miles

“Total shutdown of complete system…brakes, steering and engine at around 25-to 30 MPH. No warning. Happened two times…once before M-B service and once after service for problem. It checked out OK from dealership months before only to have it happen again. Was lucky to avoid a crash both times. Sold to dealership. Wrote my safety concerns for a new owner to local dealership and corporate.”

NHTSA complaint #11531281, filed 2023-07

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2015233%
201315%
201226%
201016%
200958%
200875%
2007233%
2006522%

Other parts of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350

Air bags
25 complaints
Steering
20 complaints
Electrical system
16 complaints
Exterior lighting
13 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 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