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 2023-07Related service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350
25 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
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