2010 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Owner Complaints

After having the airbag recall for my Mercedes done, the Electronic Steering Lock failed and my car would not start and the steering wheel is locked. They said my car was ready to pick up and when I arrived the car was completely inoperable. The MB Dealership in Lynnfield, MA wants $2700 to fix it. If you google Mercedes W204 ESLfailure you will see thousand of owners on facebook, message boards and forums that have this part fail, leaving people stranded in sometime dangerous situations. There should be a recall to permanently fix this issue as owners are getting stranded. Its really an issue of "when" the ESL will fail on older models and not "if". The kicker is, the dealership said only they can fix the problem as it is an anti-theft issue. This seems very wrong, owners shouldn't be forced to pay Mercedes to fix their defective, cheap electric motors in the ESL that fail on almost every model that its in. These defective motors are what causes the steering lock failure in almost every instance. MB acts like its normal to be driving properly one day and then next your steering is completely locked and your car will not start because a $15 electronic motor in the ESL failed. Furthermore, these are All wheel drive or rear wheel drive, in addition to the locked steering wheel which makes towing very, very difficult and unsafe. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11736912

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then reached out to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner Service and Parts, located at 8545 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, and was informed about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11717513

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

97,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts; however, the infotainment system was turned on. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact related the failure to an unknown steering coupling interlock mechanism recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11707655

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

Mileage

98,000 mi

Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and it’s was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue

NHTSA ID

11686271

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

Got a car from the dealer soon weeks after the rear subframe was so corroded alignment was able to get done and was snapped on both sides airbag light came on doesn’t go away and the rear right brake like started using the fog light as a turn signal

NHTSA ID

11686269

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

While i have a few recalls i plan on needing service from Mercedes for, I just found out that Mercedes has a Class action lawsuit involving my C class mercedes C300 from 2010-2022 years. I was driving and ran into a pothole. My car rear started making noise and sounds. I went to the auto shop amd was told my rear subframe was damaged and would cost over 2,000. I and putting in a complaint to make sure Mercedes honor this recall/ extended warranty for my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11678959

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be repair. Major safety issue

NHTSA ID

11664539

Incident

May 8, 2023

Passenger side front airbag reports as inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11653692

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300W. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. The contact was later informed that the wheel alignment was not fully completed due to extensive corrosion on the subframe. The contact picked up the vehicle and upon investigation discovered that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the corrosion of the subframe. An appointment was scheduled, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained for two weeks. The contact was later informed that the condition of the vehicle did not reach the warranty standards for repair. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that dealers were independently owned and made their own decisions on warranty repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ID

11639841

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

Mileage

63,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned, and diagnostic trouble codes indicating the TRP and Power Steering failure were retrieved. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and required to be towed. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained parked in the storage. The contact related the failure to an unidentified recall; however, the VIN was not included.  The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11623773

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

Rear subframe rust out and rear passenger brake line corrosion. The entire subframe has to be taken apart in order to reach the brake line. The vehicle is due to get the rear subframe replaced as part of the warranty extension. The brake lines are not covered. Took it into Mercedes Benz Dealership in Santa Fe, NM. They will not even touch it because they don't even know how repair it.Also they never done this type of work.

NHTSA ID

11618710

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

For the 2010 Mercedes Benz C300, the failure of the steering lock control unit resulted in the vehicle being unable to start its engine. Vehicle was disabled, and I was left stranded. Car had to be towed to my house and separately had to be towed to the Mercedes Benz car dealership service center. The technician at the Mercedes Benz car dealership service center recommended replacement of the steering lock. Yes, this car is available for inspection upon request. This same problem was reproduced in another Mercedes-Benz C300 car that I own. This other vehicle is a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The car was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. The car was inspected by the Mercedes Benz dealer service center. No warnings or messages prior to the complete failure. This issue first appeared in August 2024. This steering lock failure is a critical issue as I had the same problem with another Mercedes Benz C300 that I own. Both steering lock failures for both cars resulted in the car being unable to start occurred around the same time period and were separately diagnosed and fixed at different Mercedes Benz dealer service centers.

NHTSA ID

11615786

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

The right rear brake line had rusted out and caused complete brake failure while driving. If this occured at highway speeds it could have resulted in serious injuries. A search has shown this is widespread with the C300 and other mercedes vehicles and although mercedes has acknowledged this in other vehicles it has not done so for the C300. This is a potential for serious bodily injury and should be addressed.

NHTSA ID

11615115

Incident

Aug 7, 2024

The vehicle had a previous warranty repair for the taillight burning out repaired but the issue has happened per the recall but the dealer states that since they fixed it then they wont fix it again even tho its what the complaint for the recall was originally

NHTSA ID

11607221

Incident

Aug 6, 2024

Both the front seats tear at back bottom

NHTSA ID

11603330

Incident

Apr 21, 2023

I had to pull over in the emergency lane to take a very important phone call! Turned off the car and removed key! Upon trying to crank car back up the EIS (electronic ignition switch) failed and the car wouldn’t start back up! This is absolutely dangerous considering the car has less than 100,000 miles on it! This is a known problem with Mercedes and should be recalled! This is going to kill someone if this continues to go unresolved! Mercedes charges 1,000s of dollars to repair something that is happening with w204 generation year of the car!

NHTSA ID

11598341

Incident

Jun 22, 2024

My brake line is corroded and needs replacing at a cost of $3500.00. I have an extended warranty on the rear subframe due to a recall; however, Mercedes will not cover this costly repair. I was informed by service advisor that I could still drive car with extra caution, as there are no leaks.

NHTSA ID

11560808

Incident

Dec 15, 2023

Dealer notes, fuel tank, and hold down straps are rusted and rotted

NHTSA ID

11546674

Incident

Jun 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle drifted farther to the left than intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed abnormal deterioration of the sub frame. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact investigated and related the failure to Manufacturer Communication NHTSA ID Number: 10233780 (Structure, Equipment). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11533008

Incident

Jun 17, 2023

Mileage

75,000 mi

Rear Sub-Frame Failure almost caused a head on collision at slow speed. Hit brakes and my car fishtailed completely sideways.. - Many many complaints similar to mine on same issue, all on Mercedes C300. Some have reported to this website in hopes for recall and correction by Mercedes. It is extremely dangerous, and expensive to fix. You also do not know there's an issue until too late. Subframe rusting almost from inside out. My control arm fell right out and was hitting the gas tank! I'm thankful to be alive, This needs to be resolved. There are pictures on this forum that look exactly like mine. How sad. https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/661024-2009-c350-crack-rear-subframe-2.html Thank you for your time. I'm sure you will have many more complaints like this one as chat group considering filing class action if Mercedes does not recall and correct issue. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11529638

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

the rear subframe is rusted out and this is a big saftey concern by mercedes benz for 2008-20014 and they know the problem as there are alot of complaints. there were recalls in europe for this and not in USA. This needs to be taken care of by Mercede-Benz.

NHTSA ID

11514829

Incident

Feb 12, 2013

Rusted rear sub frame that needs to be replaced. Premature rusting that Mercedes needs to repair at no cost. Also, premature battery drain on new battery. Needs to be fixed by Mercedes at no cost.

NHTSA ID

11512388

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

car not able to be driven rear subframe had completely rusted out and rear light housing is burn

NHTSA ID

11504326

Incident

Jul 25, 2022

The Rear Subframe of the car rotted out, making the car dangerous to drive. This problem has been identified by Mercedes and IS considered a safety hazard in Canada and Europe. This problem should also be covered here in the USA. Unfortunately Mercedes Benz USA will not offer any help here, instead trying to charge customers more than $7,000.00 for the repair. A frame should last the lifetime of a car, especially when the rest of the car has no to little rust on it. The Subframe is available for inspection, broken suspension puts everyone in and around the car at risk while it is on the road. This issue was inspected and confirmed by a local Mercedes dealer and a local mechanic. There were absolutely no warnings of the issue before it happened.

NHTSA ID

11500082

Incident

Nov 7, 2022

During service B maintenance, a technician found rear subframe rusted through. Reportedly, there has been a large number of Mercedes C300’s with this very same problem, and Mercedes has a widely acknowledged the issue with rotted sub-frames. It’s a serious safety issue which led to recalls in other countries.

NHTSA ID

11495866

Incident

Dec 2, 2022