Most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C Class complaints by model year
Best C Class years: 1996, 1998, 2000. Years to avoid: 2002, 2004, 2008, 2001. Compare all years →
2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class recalls (1)
Seat belts › Rear/other
Certain vehicles fail to comply with some of the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the rear outboard seat belts do not comply with the lap-belt lockability requirement which enables the lap belt portion of the belt to be locked by the user to facilitate the use of older…
Remedy: Dealers will replace all potentially affected seat belts. The recall began on November 19, 2007. Owners May contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class:
Loss of rear tail light functionality
ODI initially received 21 reports of rear light assembly failure due to a melted electrical connector or housing.Since opening the initial , ODI has received a total of 114 complaints reflecting an ongoing and increasing trend.In each report, one or both rear light assemblies fail completely (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) when the…
Loss of rear lighting assembly
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of loss of rear lighting in model year (MY) 2008-2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class vehicles.Complainants alleged that one or both rear lighting assemblies fail to illuminate (i.e., all lights housed within the assembly extinguish, including the stop, tail, and turn signal functions) or illuminate dimly.In some reports,…
What 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class owners say
Electrical system
Right rear tail lamp assembly. Lights appeared dim for a couple months and figured lights were about it go out. Went to buy new light bulbs to replace the dimming bulbs and when I opened the right side to install the light I noticed the electrical cord attached to the assembly had melted. Lights were still dim and checked to see what it sounded like when I turned the lights on and it makes a crackling electrical sound. I assume that's why it smelt like something was burning and why the 8 prong piece melted. 1-6 on the electrical piece look good. 7 is damaged due to number 8 completely melting off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes c Class. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the contact's front end. The vehicle was repaired but one month later, the electrical system failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the ignition switch and steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V303000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 48,000.
Lights
Right rear tail lamp assembly. Lights appeared dim for a couple months and figured lights were about it go out. Went to buy new light bulbs to replace the dimming bulbs and when I opened the right side to install the light I noticed the electrical cord attached to the assembly had melted. Lights were still dim and checked to see what it sounded like when I turned the lights on and it makes a crackling electrical sound. I assume that's why it smelt like something was burning and why the 8 prong piece melted. 1-6 on the electrical piece look good. 7 is damaged due to number 8 completely melting off.
My rear back tail light wiring panel fried . The light is not working at all and when I called manhattan Mercedes dealership they told me there is not an appointment available two weeks from 3/7/2014 then I called the dealership in brooklyn and they told me they did not have any appointments either so I just showed up there and they told me that due to my tail light being fully out I am not aloud to drive my car since its a safety issues but they did nothing to help me out and told me that they will have to order the part even though it is a recall then they told me I would have to pay around $ 400 dollars for the parts and labor but still they had no appointment for me to come in and fix it is 3/25/2014 and I still have a broken car and no way of driving it or fixing it because no other shop will take my car in since it is a dealer issue.
Wheels & tires
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz c Class. The vehicle was equipped with continental sport tires, tires size 255/35/zr18. The dot number was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH the tire pressure warning indicator illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The rear passenger's side tire was completely deflated. The defective tire was replaced with a spare. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a new tire was installed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000. Updated 3/5/14
The tires of the car started growing bumps on the face of the tire. Initially one in one tire, then the second one on the same tire, then one on a second tire and finally a third one on the first tire. I called the distributor and was told to buy new tires or go to the tire manufacturer for warranty. This in my opinion is a serious security risk that the manufacturers are not taking seriously.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 C Class rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the C Class at the same age. It is one of the C Class years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class?
The electrical system — 7 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (6) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class, the most recent from October 3, 2007 (rear/other). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C Class?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 1998 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2001. See the full Mercedes-Benz C Class years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.