2011 MERCEDES BENZ C 300

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    116 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    119
    incidents
    Typical range: 47,000–100,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 37 reports (74% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE AIR BAGS ON MY C300 MERCEDES 2011 DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT CRASH. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT A T INTERSECTION STREET. I WAS AT THE FRONT LANE AT A T INTERSECTION STOPPING DURING RED LIGHT. A VOLVO CAR FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE INTERSECTION THAT WAS TR…"~23,000 mi, complaint #958981
    • ""TAKATA RECALL" I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MERCEDES DATED AUGUST 2016 REGARDING THIS RECALL. SINCE THEN I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORT MYERS DEALERSHIP REQUESTING FREE REPLACEMENT. EACH TIME INCLUDING TODAY I WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS OR THE INSTRUCTIONS…"~46,754 mi, complaint #1415505
    • "TAKATA RECALL....I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE FACT THAT MY CAR IS ONE OF THOSE UNDER THIS RECALL AND I HAVE HAD FOR MORE THAN A YEAR AN ALERT ON MY DISPLAY WHEN STARTING THE CAR INDICATING "SRS MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED". I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MERCEDES ONCE WH…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1352877
    • "MY CAR HAS TWO RECALLS FOR THE AIRBAGS WHICH MEANS MY CAR CAN NOT BE TRADED IN BECAUSE IT'S NOT RESALEABLE. THESE RECALLS ARE NOT MINORITY'S AND WE RISK SERIOUS INJURY OR POSSIBLE DEATH BECAUSE MERCEDES CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. REASSURANING KNOWING IF YOU'RE EVER…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1502330
    • "TAKATA RECALL. UNTIL NOW, THIS HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS SINCE THE FIRST RECALL CAME OUT. IN MY OPINION, THAT IS WAY TOO LONG TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET TO MY VEHICLE, BUT I THINK IT HAS BEEN WAY TOO LONG THAT NOTHING…"~145,000 mi, complaint #1538476
  2. #2

    suspension arms and bushings

    42 unsafe

    42
    incidents
    Typical range: 82,000–119,000 mi

    Median 101,000 mi, based on 31 reports (58% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE S…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1587309
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact was going around a corner when he noticed a vehicle in front. The contact depressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle violently jerked and stop. The contact state…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1768170
    • "DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND CAR SWERVED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT, AND CAR BODY FELT LIKE IT WAS 'SWIMMING' AROUND ON THE FRAME. CAR FELT VERY UNSTABLE. TOOK CAR TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY CRACKE…"~93,000 mi, complaint #1709858
    • "I was driving down the road when a deer ran out into the roadway ahead of me. I applied the brake firmly and hear a "pop" and the car suddenly changed lanes. I was able to recover without much of an incident but applying the brakes from that point on caused th…"~114,000 mi, complaint #1838628
    • "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SUB-FRAME HAD CRACKE…"~138,000 mi, complaint #1748160
  3. #3

    other

    20 unsafe, 18 annoyance

    38
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TAKATA RECALL-- DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO GET THE PARTS TO COMPLETE THE RECALL SERVICE"~21,000 mi, complaint #1424003
    • "TAKATA INFLATORS. RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON IN APRIL 2016. CHECKED WITH MERCEDES DEALERSHIP A FEW DAYS AGO, AND AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THEY SAID I WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM MERCEDES ONCE THEY HAVE THE PARTS."~35,000 mi, complaint #1424206
    • "TAKATA RECALL, NO AIRBAGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL REPLACEMENT FROM LOCAL DEALER."~80,000 mi, complaint #1421253
    • "I recently noticed a noise coming from the left rear side os the car when I would go over the slightest bumps. I was scheduled to have my breaks replaced and when the auto was on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the frame was cracked. The auto has never bee…"~158,000 mi, complaint #1817959
  4. #4

    fuel tank and lines

    26 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    29
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=22, median 81,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CAR LEAKS GASOLINE WHEN ABOVE 3/4 OF TANK IN THE RIGHT REAR AREA BY THE FUEL FILLER LINE. SMELL GAS AND SEE GAS LEAKING."~50,000 mi, complaint #1578647
    • "STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE CABIN AND AROUND VEHICLE AFTER FUELING. ISSUE STARTED OVER LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND ONLY WHEN FUELED TO CLOSE TO FULL."~68,000 mi, complaint #1656473
    • "I HAD TO PAY FOR A FUEL FILTER LEAK DUE TO A CRACK OF THE FUEL FILTER FLANGE AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, BUT WHEN I WAS LOOKING AT RECALLS FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL I CAME ACROSS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER-12V557000 WITH A RECALL ON MERCEDED-BENZ…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1376787
    • "TAKATA RECALL HAD VEHICLE CHECKED AFTER CONSISTENT SMELL OF FUEL UPON FILLING UP THE CAR. MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE FUEL FILLER NECK TO BE FAULTY BECAUSE OF PLASTIC CONNECTOR FUEL TANK."~120,426 mi, complaint #1521859
    • "CAR WILL SMELL LIKE FUEL AFTER FILLING UP ON FULL TANK. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MERCEDES OF GREENWAY IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON. THEY DISCOVERED A LEAK IN FUEL SYSTEM, IT'S CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON BECAUSE OF THE INADEQUATE PRESSURE. WHEN I HAD THE CAR P…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1704550
  5. #5

    corrosion and rust

    1 stranded, 24 unsafe

    25
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I HAVE A 2011 MERCEDES 80K MILES AND THE REAR CRADLE HAS RUSTED OUT , MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE"~83,269 mi, complaint #1560556
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a brake inspection, the mechanic informed him that the subframe was corroded, causing the vehicle to fishtail while braking. The vehicle wa…"~108,500 mi, complaint #1818863
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while having a routine brake service performed, the contact was informed that the driver’s side rear subframe was rusted. The contact was informed that the failure might puncture the fuel tank. The…"~157,000 mi, complaint #1837353
  6. #6

    steering electric assist

    2 stranded, 10 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 71,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AND THE POWER STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ OF HONOLULU ([REDACTED ADDRESS], HONOLULU, HI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSE…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1580277
    • "STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP OR EIS ISSUE. CAR NOT STOPPED WORKING ALL OF A SUDDEN. LUCKY IT WAS IN SAFE PLACE. CAR INTERIOR LIGHT COMES UP BUT DOES NOT CRANK. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. LOOK HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISC…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1417159
    • "ON 11/25/2017 AT 1550 HOURS, I MADE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO START MY VEHICLE. THE KEY WOULD TURN BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE SWITCH LIGHTS WERE OPERATING. HOWEVER, THE WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AND THE GEAR WAS STUCK. THE BATTERY WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS FULLY…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1428074
    • "THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK MECHANISM ON THESE VEHICLES APPEAR TO FAIL WITH ALARMING FREQUENCY. IF THE FAILURE WAS TO OCCUR ANY DISTANCE FROM A DEALER A MOTORIST WOULD BE STRANDED, PERHAPS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS LUCKY - THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN MY H…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1313471
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTHLAKE (LOCATED AT 10725 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269,…"~87,536 mi, complaint #1610113
  7. #7

    lighting exterior

    8 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 90,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "LAS LUCES DELANTERAS DEL VEHCULO DE REFERENCIA PRESENTAN UN ALUMBRADO TENUE Y POBRE, LO QUE REDUCE LA VISIBILIDAD HACIA EL FRENTE REPRESENTANDO UN PELIGRO A LA VIDA DE LAS PERSONAS QUE TRANSITAN EN DICHO VEHCULO AL GUIAR DURANTE LA NOCHE. EL 27 DE SEPTIEMB…"~23,985 mi, complaint #1218502
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT BULB CARRIER WAS NOT PART OF THE MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE VE…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1376368
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated when he started the vehicle, the driver side taillights were inoperable, and the taillight warning light was illuminated. The contact examined the taillights and noticed that the wires were melted,…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1867956
    • "MY FRONT PASSENGER HEAD LAMP CAUGHT FIRE ONE OF THE PARKING BULBS. ALL TJE WIRING IS EXPOSED AND MY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ONE OF THE BULBS GOT OVER HEATED AND HAD TO TAKE OFF THE BULB."~95,000 mi, complaint #1564631
    • "THE PARKING LIGHTS ON BOTH FRONT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAVE MELTED THE PLASTIC OF THE HOUSING AND HAD TO BE BROKEN OUT WHICH SEEMS TO INDICATE AN EXCESSIVE GENERATION OF HEAT AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD WHEN BULBS ARE REPLACED THEY KEEP BURNING OUT WHICH IS A…"~148,000 mi, complaint #1628979
  8. #8

    key fob and immobilizer

    2 stranded, 6 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TOTAL FAILURE OF IGNITION SYSTEM, DROVE THE CAR PARKED IT, WENT TO GET BACK IN 20 MINUTES LATER WOULD NOT START, TRIED BOTH KEYS NO LUCK. CAR WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE EITHER KEY BEING INSERTED INTO IGNITION. 37 DAYS OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY LUCKILY ENOUGH THIS C…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1176907
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the ignition was not reading the key, and the steering wheel was locked. The message to remove the key from the ignition was displayed. Additionally, the fuel gauge…"~100,100 mi, complaint #1974892
  9. #9

    wiring harness

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "SIMILAR TO THE RECALL ISSUE (AND OPEN INVESTIGATION), THE GROUND WIRE FOR THE REAR LEFT TAIL LIGHT OVERHEATED, MELTING THE LIGHT CARRIER."~60,500 mi, complaint #1447843
    • "PASSENGER SIDE LOWBEAM LIGHT BURNT OUT APPROX 2 MONTHS AGO, BULB REPLACED. FIVE DAYS AGO PASSENGER SIDE LOWBEAM LIGHT BURNT OUT AGAIN. PARKED CAR AFTER ABOUT A [REDACTED ADDRESS], WITHIN 30 MINUTES CAR WAS ON FIRE AND ENTIRE FRONT END BURNT COMPLETELY. SHOU…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1448478
    • "The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed that the inside of the vehicle was flooded with water. The contact then stated that he noticed that water had leaked from the sunroof and entered the cab…"~82,242 mi, complaint #1883482
  10. #10

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CURB AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF A BUILDING. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE…"~4,100 mi, complaint #901649
  11. #11

    steering column

    3 stranded, 4 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "I WENT TO THE PARK WITH MY WIFE AND 1 YEAR OLD SON, I PARKED THE CAR AND RETURNED A FEW HOURS LATER, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT START OR UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CAR HAD TO BE DRAGGED OUT OF PARKING SPACE SINCE THE STEERING WHEE…"~84,000 mi, complaint #1227756
    • "STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM FAILURE. IT KEEPS THE CAR FROM STARTING. MY LOCAL DEALER STATED THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE IN MERCEDES. AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE."~87,563 mi, complaint #1402257
    • "WE ARE A SMALL FAMILY OWNED CAR LOT THAT HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 2005. WE SOLD A 2011 MERCEDES C300 TO A NICE YOUNG COUPLE LAST WEEK. AFTER ONLY HAVING IT LESS THAN 24 HOURS, THE CUSTOMER CALLED STATING THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. SAID WENT TO START THE V…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1425024
    • "CAR PARKED,STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. UNABLE TO START IGNITION OR PUT VEHICLE IN GEAR. *TR"~116,562 mi, complaint #1664135
  12. #12

    starter

    3 stranded, 2 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "REPEATEDLY, VEHICLE REFUSES TO START ON FIRST TRY. INSERT KEY, STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKS. TURN IT, ALL LIGHTS COME ON. TURN TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENS. TURN SWITCH ALL THE WAY OFF AND THEN TRY AGAIN AND IT STARTS. *TR"~15,200 mi, complaint #982292
    • "ELECTRONIC INGITION SYSTEM MALFUNCITON CAR WANT START, ALL LIGHTS ON,RADIO WORKS BATTERY SEEMS TO BE OPERATING , TOOK TO DEALER EIS IS THE ISSUE, COST IS EXTREME, AFTER READING REVIEWS THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. NO RECALL HAS BEEN AUTHORR…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1190871
    • "I AM WRITING TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AFTER THE KEY WAS PUT INTO THE IGNITION. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AT ALL. THE TOW SERVICE WAS CALLED. THE TOW REPAIR REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THE PROBL…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1561996
    • "I WAS LEAVING WORK. I UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY FOB, PLACED THE KEY FOB IN THE IGNITION, AND IT FAILED TO START. I WAS LEFT STRANDED WITHOUT A WAY TO LEAVE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MY PROBLEM LIES WITHIN A "FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH" THAT ONLY MB CAN REPAIR. I H…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1587040
  13. #13

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH the check engine began flashing and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and smoke was observed emanating from the front driver's tir…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1894982
  14. #14

    fuel pump

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PLASTIC TOP OF FUEL PUMP LOCATED UNDER BACK SEAT CRACKS AND FUEL VAPORS ENTER THE CAR. BELIEVE THE PART IS DEFECTED TO CRACK FOR NO REASON OR UNDER STRESS."~32,600 mi, complaint #1699703
    • "I BEGAN SMELLING GAS IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GAS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY RESIDENCE AND THE ODOR OF GAS IN THE CAB BEGAN TO INCREASE. MERECEDES PERSONNEL REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OTHER ISSUES AND WAN…"~93,800 mi, complaint #1641227
  15. #15

    sunroof

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SUN ROOF AND LIGHTS INSIDE THE CAR STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY CAUSING COMPLETE DARKNESS INSIDE THE CAR AT NIGHT TIME. *TR"~24,000 mi, complaint #1042865
    • "I NOTICE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH WATER AFTER A NIGHT OF HEAVY RAIN. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEAL…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1216105
  16. #16

    suspension struts shocks

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While traveling on the interstate @ 60 MPH, I loud knock was heard in the right rear. When brakes were applied, the vehicle pulled to the left, severely. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic on this date after making an appointment. Photos included show the issue a…"complaint #1802965
    • "My C300 2011 is having rear suspension problem which is unsafe to drive. I took in my car for my usual maintenance check and was told by the mechanic that the rear left driver side suspension is rusted and rotated out, to the point that it can break off and ca…"complaint #1836372
    • "While driving home last night (with passenger), I experienced a sudden pull to left and wobble\oscillation of the car when I made steering corrections to prevent vehicle from going into oncoming traffic. Car seemed to behave normally except whenever I applied…"complaint #1850816
  17. #17

    transmission automatic

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET YOU WILL SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ENGINEERING FLAW. THERE IS A BEARING IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT FAILS AND THEY ARE AWARE AND WILL NOT REPLACE IT COSTING THE CONSUMER 1000S OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THE BEARING NORMALLY FA…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1318007
    • "WHEN IN MOTION A GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD, WHICH WAS LATER IDENTIFIED AS A TRANSMISSION BEARING. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED BY A MERCEDES DEALER IN MOST CASES, WHICH INCLUDED A SCHEDULED TRANSMISSION SE…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1263980
    • "I WASN'T DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF AND STAYED THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE AT ALL AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE HARD SHOULDER AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES IN TOTAL.…"~70,100 mi, complaint #1489918
  18. #18

    control module

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 2011. SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS DIED 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE IGNITION. THE SECOND TIME, JUST 6 WEEKS AGO, THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG SO AFTER 8 DAYS, THEY GAVE THE CAR BACK TO ME. OF…"~22,250 mi, complaint #1008198
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INSKIP MERCEDES, LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], WARWICK, RI 02886, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THA…"~41,282 mi, complaint #1383166
  19. #19

    door latch and hinge

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Over the weekend my vehicle driver side interior door handle became inoperable not allowing me to open my door from the inside. The handle flaps back & forth with no connect to the inside of door panel not making be able to get out of my vehicle. I was stuck &…"complaint #1922906
    • "The driver’s side door handle broke and I was unable to leave the car unless it was unlocked and rolled the window down to open it from the outside through the window. If there was a loss of power and you pulled on the latch and it broke you would be delayed…"complaint #2132353
  20. #20

    engine internal

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "REPORTING A KNOWN MECHANICAL FAILURE TO ENGINE FROM APPARENT DESIGN OF ENGINE. 8/2017' VEHICLE HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH <50000 MILES, A REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE, COMPLAINT FILED WITH MERCEDES-BENZ AND AFTER INTERNAL REVIEW NO…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1446076
    • "1. TAKATA RECALL: THIS RECALL OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS NOW IS UNACCEPTABLE AND HAZARDOUS TO EM AND MY FAMILY. 2. LAW SUIT: GREG SUDDRETH AND PAUL DENTON V. MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. ON 10/30/17, I HAD TO PAY 3445.13 FOR A…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1531604
  21. #21

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1216948
  22. #22

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE RINGS USED TO DETERMINE WHEEL SPEED FOR THE STABILITY SYSTEM FAIL, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO MY CAR AND CAN RESULT IN THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO TAKATA AIR BAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED IN THE THREE YEARS AFTER THE RECALL."~97,000 mi, complaint #1546446
  23. #23

    battery and charging

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD , LOST POWER, STOPPED, ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OFF, PULLED IT TO THE SIDE, FOUND OUT FROM THE DEALER ALTERNATOR GONE BAD, WAITING FOR NEW ONE FOR INSTALATION AT THE DEALER, SURPRISING TO SEE A ALTERNATOR ON MERCEDES G…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1191142
  24. #24

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BRAKE PEDAL IS NOTCHY OR STICKS DURING THE INITIAL PORTION OF PEDAL TRAVEL. INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AT EACH STOP LEADS TO OVER OR UNDER BRAKING, DEPENDING ON WHETHER OR NOT THE PEDAL STICKS. IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY MERCEDES AS AN INTERNALLY LEAKING BRAKE BOOS…"~1,000 mi, complaint #865357
  25. #25

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT FEELS AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I SUSPECT IT'S EITHER COMING FROM THE DRIVE SHAFT OR TRANSMISSION. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP A NUMBER OF TIMES BUT CAN NOT…"~44,263 mi, complaint #1099560
  26. #26

    engine head gasket

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2011. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS, STARTED NOTICING A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING FROM MY CAR. THE SMELL SEEMS TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. USUALLY OCCURS WHEN I'M GOING 45MPH OR MORE GOING UP A HILL ON A HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1082972
  27. #27

    exhaust system

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "CAR HAS A STRONG SULFUR/ROTTEN EGG SMELL AT ACCELERATION. HAD TO COMPLAIN TO LOCAL MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER 3 YEARS BEFORE SOMEONE LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED AN ACCIDENT IN JAN 2014 FOR PROBLEM, BUT SULFUR SMELL DURING ACCELERA…"complaint #1355655
  28. #28

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE RETAINED EXCESSIVE WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BENZEL-BUNCH MOTOR CAR ([REDACTED A…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1437449
  29. #29

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel system failure is a highly critical safety concern, and my life is at risk. It causes malfunctions with the vehicle, for example, the OBD-based emissi…"complaint #2034869
  30. #30

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR GOT FLOODED WITH WATER. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE LEAK WAS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE SUNROOF DRAIN AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE HEADLINER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR CARPETING TO ACCESS THE AFFECTED AREAS. THE $795 ESTIM…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1152644
  31. #31

    interior trim

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR MY PASSENGER SEAT WAS RIPPED IN THE SEAM. I TOOK MY CAR TO MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONTACTED MERCEDES TO SEE IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED AND MERCEDES SAID NO'I HAD TO OF CLEANED MY SEATS WITH CLEANER TO WEAR OUT THE LEATHER. I FOR 1. HAD…"complaint #1436794
  32. #32

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "MY CAR SOUND LIKE THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE IT'S VERY LOUD. ALSO SECONDARY AIR FLOW JUST REPLACED AND NOW IT'S GOING TO NEED ANOTHER ONE AT 2000 A POP. FINALLY THE ELECTRICS IS VERY WEIRD. LIGHTS WILL GO OUT THEN COME BACK ON. MY DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAY…"complaint #1624437
  33. #33

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Interior door handle becomes inoperative due to breaking of some internal element. This prevents leaving the vehicle. Of concern is that in case of emergency, the occupant cannot exit the vehicle. If power is affected, the windows cannot be lowered which is th…"complaint #1998528
  34. #34

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While I was driving, my seat back suddenly started reclining backward. I could not make the seat stop or go forward with pushing the power seat button control. It kept reclining back, pushing into the back seat and would not stop until there was no power lef…"complaint #2010438
  35. #35

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL SPORT UHP (NA) TIRES, SIZE 245/40RI7 (NA), MODEL: F40247034. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAK…"complaint #1373602
  36. #36

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AT ONLY 5000 CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL "EXPLODED" ACCORDING TO DIAGNOSTIC AT PRINCETON DEALERSHIP. QEC CENTER IN JACKSONVILLE PROMISED TO PROVIDE RESULTS OF ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE CAUSE. ON 7/10/2013 I LEARNED UPON INQUIRY THAT QEC ADVISED PRINCETON DEALERSHIP TO D…"~5,000 mi, complaint #993330

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 12V557000, 14V177000, 16V081000, 16V363000, 17V177000, 19V010000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for MERCEDES BENZ C 300 directly.