Mercedes-Benz C63 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Mercedes-Benz C63 (2008–2009) that have at least 5 complaints. 2009 has the most, with 12. Across all years, the part named most often is electrical system (6 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All C63 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 12 | 42,820 | 5 | 101 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 5 | 67,200 | 3 | 98 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Electrical system6 29%
- Exterior lighting4 19%
- Air bags4 19%
- Other or unknown2 9.5%
- Engine2 9.5%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)1 4.8%
- Steering1 4.8%
- Fuel system1 4.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2008: “The electronic steering control lock module went out on my car. This seems to be a reoccurring issue with any w204 2008/2009 mercedes benz model car. I've documented over a few hundred cases alone on the forums online. This is a dealership only fix and should be recalled. Basically, security system in the car that lets the key communicate with the ignition system goes out and the car will not start. It's a $1200 fix minimum..”
NHTSA complaint #10884993, filed 2016-07, 135,000 miles2009: “Cel illumination, engine misfire, stalling, rough running, low coolant indicator light ups. No external coolant loss detectable. Coolant in the engine oil and/or in the combustion chamber. This is caused by a broken cylinder head bolt. Engine coolant enters into engine oil. Coolant might be present in the combustion chamber. Affected engine number up to 1569xx 60 060658. Now the dealership is trying to charge me $7k to have this fixed when it's a known issue on these vehicles. I respectfully demand that mercedes benz USA cover the costs and recall these affected bolts asap.”
NHTSA complaint #10716413, filed 2015-05, 45,000 milesOther Mercedes-Benz models
3,965 complaintsMercedes-Benz E350
2,215 complaintsMercedes-Benz E320
1,164 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML350
952 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLK350
901 complaintsMercedes-Benz ML320
740 complaintsMercedes-Benz C250
725 complaintsMercedes-Benz GLC 300
658 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology