Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that she had experienced several electrical failures with the vehicle including the power seat and power windows, the parking brake, the exterior lighting, and the air bag warning lights. The contact also stated that the vehicle would lose motive power and stall while driving at various speeds with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked that failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V168000 (Exterior Lighting, Electronic Stability Control, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument cluster started flickering and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes were operable. The contact pulled off the highway and shifted the vehicle into park(P). The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V168000 (Exterior Lighting, Electronic Stability Control, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the coolant warning light was frequently illuminated due to low coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine hose and other engine parts were replaced. Despite the repair, the coolant light returned soon after the initial repair. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V168000 (Exterior Lighting, Electronic Stability Control, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
"Takata recall" when I was driving after a oil change, I heard a noise that sounded like someone hit my car. I was scared and shaky so I pulled over could see anything but I heard a ticking noise. Then I realized the head rest Mini air bag blew up and the wiring inside the head rest was burning. This happened while I was driving. I could have got into an accident. I had to pull over right where all the traffic was because my hands were shaking and I didn't know what to do with the burning smell. I had my hazards on and people went around me. Then all kinds of alerts went off on my car. I only had it for a year and a half it shouldn't do that. Something is really wrong and this is dangerous while someone is driving. My tires and all of a sudden the muffler is making noises now too what is going on with this car. It's treated well I'm scared to drive it now. …
Car was driving very well suddenly flashes on message center power steering malfunction SRS,ABS,ets,esb,ebr ESP in operative and it keeps flashing when car is in motion, then disappear when ignition is off, I have notice several complaints on your website with this same issues with this same year, model and other Mercedes,a week a go I also receive a message to check brake pad wear before this message came up. I replace brake pads and rotos, and I am also being told it could also be my brake light switch or speed sensors, all was replace still as message. There is so many complaints with these messages that this should be considered a recall and the customers are being stuck with the repairs. It is obvious that it is a defect with these vehicles it is just too many. And no onw seems to be standing behind the consumers.mbusa is a major company and they are getting away with murder. …
Yesterday my beloved C300 left us stranded at a best buy parking lot late at night. It was really upset when I just get off work, and try to start my car and go home take a rest, but it would not start. I had to leave the car there overnight and was not until next morning that I got it to start. Since then it has been giving us problems so I call the local dealer and they gave me an appointment for next Monday. I have read that this is a very costly and a very well known issue with C300. By this time I am sure mb knows about it, and I did research online seems like that is a common issue and mb should recall for it. Unfortunately, mb don't take care of it, and do not cover it. It is a eis failure issue.. My 2009 C300 has just reached 50,000 klms. We have had it for about 10 months now... We are very concerned and disappointed. …
I went to class on the date of 11/13/2015 and when I came out the vehicle would not start. After having the vehicle towed to the dealership, I was advised it would be $952.56 for an electrical issue due to no fault of my own and can happen at anytime. So I inquired on how long this would be covered for? I was told its electrical and can happen at anytime, it's like a cellphone or a computer. Yet those have warranties against issues like that whereas something I paid thousands of dollars does not. I have seen many complaints about this online and don't understand why they have not recalled this and continue to rip consumers off. Some even advising this has happen to them on the road which could very well lead to a major accident , it it has not already.
Stationary while at the rest area during a hot summer day on the side of the highway. The steering column or electronic steering lock (esl) failed and the car would not start.car won't start and steering won't unlock... I stopped and cut the engine of and tried restarting the car it won't do anything. This particular part is faulty on most 2008-2009 Mercedes C300. Several hundred thousands are having issues with this particular part and at moments they get it working and at other times not so much. This part needs to be recalled since it is a dealer only replacement part and no one can touch is besides the dealer due to theft and security measures. Mercedes has this particular issue cornered and is not doing anything to work with the customer.
I parked the car, and turned it off completely. When I returned to the car, they key fob would only turn the dashboard lights on, but the car will not start. The steering wheel is locked, and I cannot change the gear from "p". A message would appear "remove key from ignition" whenever the door is open. I have searched and it appears to be a very common problem in these models, where the eis or esl fails for no reason. The qoutes for this repair range from $1000 to $3000. I had to tow the car to my apartment, and now I have to tow the car to the dealership because they are the only ones who can solve this issue and reprogram it after installing the new parts.
Monday drove car to work with out any problems. Came out to go home that evening and car would not start. Could turn the ignition completely to the start position but the engine did not turn over. My radio worked, my power seats worked, trunk and doors opened with the key vibe. But nothing happened from the engine. Come to find out the steering wheel locked up for no reason. They had to skate my car in order to get it on the truck truck. This is a defect and I'm a woman and this could have happened at night when driving down the road.
Traction Control complaints in other C300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, 3% of the model year's 576 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.