2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 power train problems
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Rear subframe completely rusted out. While driving on the hwy I heard a loud noise, a couple minutes later I hit the brakes to slow down to get off my exit and after pressing the brakes the car instantly fishtailed sending me sideways across 2 lanes of traffic. Luckily no one was injured or killed…”
filed Oct 30, 2025
“Rear-subframe corrosion at the lower-control-arm mounts has progressed to the point where both arms have play and produce loud metallic bangs while braking or turning at low speed. Two independent shops lifted the car, documented flaking rust around the bushing sleeves, and advised the subframe is…”
filed May 29, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause…
LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 14, 2026
Power Train problems in other C300 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 C300 | 18 | 6% |
| 2014 C300 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 C300 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 C300 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 C300 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 C300 | 15 | 3% |
| 2009 C300 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 C300 | 16 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.