Model year
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 13 complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 17 recalls and 823 complaints under C, C300, C350, C36 AMG, C43 AMG, and C63. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (6), TIRES (2). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15–21 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,900–$5,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 8 complaints
- 2001 14 complaints
- 2002 31 complaints
- 2003 9 complaints
- 2004 15 complaints
- 2005 5 complaints
- 2006 9 complaints
- 2007 280 complaints
- 2008 13 complaints
- 2009 670 complaints
- 2010 476 complaints
- 2011 516 complaints
- 2012 1 complaints
- 2013 575 complaints
- 2014 284 complaints
- 2015 452 complaints
- 2016 322 complaints
- 2017 253 complaints
- 2018 130 complaints
- 2019 79 complaints
- 2020 46 complaints
- 2021 17 complaints
- 2022 26 complaints
- 2023 26 complaints
- 2024 15 complaints
- 2025 4 complaints
- 2026 4 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
07V465000 · Oct 3, 2007
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAP-BELT LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENT WHICH ENABLES THE LAP BELT PORTION OF THE BELT TO BE…
Complaints
13 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 2, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | 2 |
| C300 | 7 | 672 |
| C350 | 6 | 144 |
| C36 AMG | 0 | 0 |
| C43 AMG | 0 | 0 |
| C63 | 3 | 5 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE13026 | Loss of rear tail light functionality · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; EXTERIOR… | Jul 11, 2013 | Dec 30, 2013 |
| EA13008 | Loss of rear lighting assembly · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS; EXTERIOR… | Dec 20, 2013 | May 12, 2014 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C300 · 3L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| C350 · 3.5L · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| C300 · 3L · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline · FFV | 18 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| C300 4matic · 3L · Automatic 7-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| C63 AMG · 6.2L · Automatic (S7) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 12 | 19 | 15 | — | — | $5,500 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.