2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 12, 2025VABody & Structure

   Vehicle inspection by independent service center indicated that a new rear frame was necessary. This was the second communication to nhtsa on this issue. This automobile (2009 c300) is inoperable due to this Mercedes rear frame defect .

   NHTSA complaint #11692899 · source
2. Filed Nov 12, 2024201,000 miTNBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle would fishtail and become extremely unstable while driving over a bump in the road or while turning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe was severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11624806 · source
3. Filed Jul 5, 2024NYBody & StructureSteeringSuspension

   The entire rear subframe of any W205 body model including but not limited to the C class from 2009-2014, CL class, SL, class ETC. suffers admittedly from MB USA, premature rust, deterioration etc. there is an active recall for these same models in Canada and all of Europe but not the USA. My garage kept 2009 C300 has suffered extensive rear end damage from a factory defect that Mercedes refuses to recognize in the Continental U.S. but will admit the same issues occurred in…

   NHTSA complaint #11599329 · source
4. Filed Feb 24, 2023NYBody & Structure

   This car I have owned since brand new and I am the original owner. This car has never been used in winter despite I live in New York and always has been maintained in very good condition however, this car has developed noises from the rear when driven. I took the car to my trusted mechanic and he found out that the rear subframe has corrosion making it unsafe to drive.

   NHTSA complaint #11508993 · source
5. Filed Feb 7, 202394,200 miMABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would sway from side to side as an abnormal clonking noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered that the subframe had cracked due to severe corrosion. The dealer was contacted about the failure, and she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11505969 · source
6. Filed Jan 5, 2023OHBody & StructureBrakes

   The brake lines and subframe were completely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Dealer confirmed at regular service appointment. I have documentation and competed all regular maintenance. Dealer would not cover costs for what appears to be a major defect. I had another shop replace the brake lines and subframe.

   NHTSA complaint #11500341 · source
7. Filed Dec 12, 2022MIBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   Authorized Mercedes Benz dealership in Ann Arbor, MI advised replacing tires, valve stems and other items. I dropped off the car at the dealership for the work. During Alignment they found right rear out of spec due to subframe rusted out. They said rear subframe replacement is needed. This is a very dangerous condition and Mercedes Benz does not cover rusted subframe replacement costs at all, neither do they advise routine checks for this problem which seems to be a very…

   NHTSA complaint #11497163 · source
8. Filed Oct 17, 2022CTBody & StructureSuspensionWheels & Tires

   I bought this car for my 18 year old son based on Mercedes reputation for safety and longevity, only to discover that Mercedes has a widely acknowledged issue with rotted sub-frames -- it's a serious safety issue and recalled in other countries. My son was was driving on the highway and the tire exploded. He was so close to being killed because the car went out of control. After getting it towed to my mechanic, he advised me that alignment adjusters were stuck, the subframe…

   NHTSA complaint #11489563 · source
9. Filed Sep 19, 202270,000 miNYBody & StructureSuspension

   The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle swayed on the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer to order the replacement part and was informed by the dealer that there was a recall for the subframe; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11485314 · source
10. Filed Jul 13, 2022ILBody & Structure

    My spouse was driving approx 40MPH. Traffic light turned amber so she applied the brakes, at that point the vehicle pulled violently to the left into on coming traffic and at the same time the vehicle rear end was fish tailing out of control.Our mechanc inspected the vehicle and discovered the rear sub frame assembly had cracked on the driver side. We were advised by the mechanic this car is un driveable. Our Insurance appraiser inspected the vehicle and stated this is very…

    NHTSA complaint #11473746 · source
11. Filed Jul 13, 2022190,000 miMEBody & StructureSuspension

    The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. After looking under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the subframe located next to the gas tank was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe had fractured from the weld point. However, the parts to do the…

    NHTSA complaint #11473744 · source
12. Filed Jul 9, 2022INBody & StructureSuspension

    Take my car to the dealer and told me my rear subframe is rusted out and is dangerous to drive. Total cost replace they said around $5800 . Why there isn’t recall for the problem in the USA ? I find out there is one in Canada and Germany for this car. What I’m supposed to do with the car? Take it to a junkyard because Mercedes’

    NHTSA complaint #11473026 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology