repaired · 2024 Q1
Control module: software
Risk. Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control,…
2008 Mercedes-Benz C350Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 144 owner complaints about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-168 the manufacturer reports only 36% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 5, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 has problems
144 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
53Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
52Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
32Steering1 crash/fire/injury
31Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
2Power train
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Visibility
2Structure
88 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 53 | 2 |
| Air bags | 52 | 2 |
| Steering | 32 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 31 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2017 Q2
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. The malfunctioning air bag control unit may cause the air bags to unexpectedly deploy increasing the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Exterior lighting: tail lights
Risk. Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
78kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 47 electrical system complaints. 74% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles35under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other C350 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C350 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'17'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of rear lighting assemblyLed to recall 14V-177
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Loss of rear tail light functionalityNo recall
In owners' words
What C350 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.
All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement…
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that after the vehicle was turned off, she attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the next day the vehicle started; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle…
Own a 2008 C350?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.