Traction Control complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When accelerating with my Mercedes C300, the car is actually loosing power. The effect is reinforced as the controlling system is blocking the acceleration. Result is that the car is braking suddenly instead of accelerating. It is particularly dangerous when trying to pass another car on the high way as the car will brake. I almost experienced twice an accident on the highway due to this acceleration/bake issue. I brought my car to an independent Mercedes repair center. They confirmed to me that Mercedes issued a technical bulletin for an electrical cable replacement due to that failure. The issue described on the tb is identical to the experience issue. I contacted my Mercedes dealership service department. They informed me there is no recall and don't consider this issue a safety issue. They won't replace the electrical cable unless I paid for the "service". …
While I was driving on the highway & local roads, the car suddenly became unresponsive and started showing messages that all systems are inoperative. Pre safe functions limited,and inoperative traction control light comes on along with the blindspot not activated, ESP system was off as well. The car started slowing down and had to be pulled over to turn off and on. This has happened 3-4 times and on busy roads, car is sent to the shop and only has 27000 miles. I am scared to drive as I could die in a car accident because of this [redacted] car. Mercedes need to recall this asap, if they are not then we should open a class action lawsuit against them as they are playing with our lives.
My vehicle was running superior, no warning signals or straining when powering on. Parked car then an hour later tried turning vehicle on and will not turn on for any reason just radio worked. Found out it was steering module needed to be replaced for a hefty $1100. Had the car for only 3 months and barely used it. I believe it's a recall on these issues.
The check engine light comes on dealing with the catalytic converter/fuel system. The sensors are off causing the emission of too much gas. The car runs out of gas fast and does not drive well to get good gas miles per tank. The car's exterior lights also go out fast. This should not happen with a top of the line Mercedes car.
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.
Could not start my car while stationary. Put key in the ignition and got a message on the dash to remove key from ignition. No dash lights came on. There was no clicking or noise...it was just dead. The alarm system and headlight and interior lights were all working so it was not the battery. I called roadside and the gave me a jump, but confirmed that my battery was not the problem. My car had to be towed to the dealership on Saturday night after waiting for 5 hours. The dealership did not even conduct the diagnostics on the car until Tuesday afternoon. They determined that the steering lock was defective and needed to be replaced at the cost of $1000. They did not even offer to loan me a car, or ask if I needed transportation. So essentially they left their customer stranded! This is not the service that is expected from Mercedes! …
Last week I drove my daughter to school. Then I went to the gas station and turned the car off. When I tried to start the car to leave, it would not start. It did not do anything. I could not even roll the windows up. The car did nothing other than say "remove ignition key." the battery was tested and fine. It had just been replaced 1 month ago. The tow truck driver brought it to my mechanic who then said it had to be brought to the dealer. The Mercedes dealer said it was the eis/steering switch. The cost will be $1900. I've called other mechanics. No-one can fix it because Mercedes has the parts and coding exclusively. This is a lot of money and with the amount of complaints it should be a recall. Last year my car also experienced the SRS light malfunction. I brought it to the dealer and this was also another huge expense. The dealer did not take the responsibility of a recall. …
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESP Hydraulic control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz C300 years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (20), 2008 (17), 2010 (8) and 2015 (7) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz C300 traction control problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-603 (electronic stability control (esc), Aug 16, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz C300 traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles; 19% happened 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.