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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-MERCEDES-BENZ-C-CLASS
2009 · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems

0 safety recalls. 668 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
195 reports · avg $1,100
severe
steering
158 reports · avg $700
moderate
electrical
145 reports · avg $850
severe
lighting
51 reports · avg $250
severe
suspension
33 reports · avg $900
moderate
body
15 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
engine
15 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
brakes
10 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 C-Class · body
HI, ON MY COMMUTE HOME FROM WORK, I WAS GETTING READY TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY BY DECELERATING. MY CAR SWERVED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL WHEN I BEGAN TO PRESS THE BRAKES. THERE WERE NO CARS AT 7AM ON THE WEEKEND, SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE 1/4 MILE EXIT…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164151.0
2009 C-Class · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V711000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817159.0
2009 C-Class · engine
LAST WEEK TOOK VEHICLE TO GET SERVICED AT MERCEDES BENZ OF BEVERLY HILLS. WHEN I GOT IT BACK I HEARD A WHISTLING/FLAPPING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO MERCEDES SERVICE. WAS TOLD ITS NOTHING OF CONCERN IF THE NOISE ONLY HAPPENS IN THE MORNINGS AND DISSIPATES WHEN DRIVING.…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817209.0
2009 C-Class · fuel system
I'VE NOTICED A SEVERE GASOLINE SMELL (INSIDE AND OUTSIDE) AND VEHICLE WILL STALL AT TIMES WHEN STARTING THE CAR, SO WE TOOK IT A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND GET IT FIXED. THEY FOUND LEFT FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS LEAKING FROM A PLASTIC WELD. IT SEEMS LITTLE ODD TO HAVE THIS TYPES OF…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10558017.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 668 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 195 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz C-Class has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 668 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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