2014 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

    18 unsafe

    18
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I RECEIVED NOTICE THAT TAKATA AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE CAN EXPLODE AND SEND METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT PASSENGER POSSIBLY CAUSING DEATH. SINCE 2017 NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY SITUATION."~15,000 mi, complaint #1632601
    • "TAKATA PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVDD"~20,000 mi, complaint #1686019
    • "TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION IN OCTOBER 2017 TK HOLDINGS INC.'S CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY. THIS WAS THE FIRST NOTIFICATION THAT I RECEIVED THAT MY 2014 MERCEDES C300 HAD A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER NEVER PROVIDED ONE. I LOOKED UP ON-LINE RE…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1436498
    • "WHILE IN MOTION (DRIVING) ANOTHER DRIVER TURNED IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING ME TO T-BONE HER (POLICE REPORT WITH DESCRIPTION ATTACHED). I SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO TO LESSEN THE UNAVOIDABLE IMPACT. I ESTIMATE MY SPEED AT 30-35 MPH. MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. MY C…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1440143
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002, [REDACTED PHONE]) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1533779
  2. #2

    other

    2 unsafe, 9 annoyance

    11
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME…"complaint #1430365
    • "TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF HUNTINGTON (1103 E JERICHO TURNPIKE,…"complaint #1438673
    • "DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE REGARDING RECALL ONLY RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THE COMPANY WAS FILING BANKRUPTCY REGARDING THIS RECALL"complaint #1443899
    • "I OWN A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V627 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO COMPLETE REPAIR ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS THE RECALL NOTI…"complaint #1459814
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF EASTON (4300 MORSE CROSSING, COLUMBUS, OH 43219, [REDACTED PHONE]) IN MARCH O…"complaint #1468169
  3. #3

    corrosion and rust

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

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

    • "This car has 63,792 miles on it and has been continuously garaged and well cared for. All maintenance has been done timely and by Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner (Virginia) since it was purchased there on 01/08/14. All required maintenance was completed as ad…"complaint #1792543
    • "Rear subframe of vehicle is starting to become rotted/rusted out and may fall apart at any time. My Mother has the same body style car as me (2011 c300) & she was recently driving at around 60mph and all of the sudden, went to step on the brakes and the car sw…"complaint #1839577
    • "I purchased my car one year ago from a Mercedes dealership - 8/31/2021. I brought it in for service at the same dealership a week ago and they told me the rear subframe rusted from the inside out and it FAILED inspection. The parts are $5,100 and not availab…"complaint #1844745
    • "During an oil change (11/9/2022), my technician found rust on the rear subframe. He stated that this is a known safety problem caused by defective materials during manufacturing. He stated that Mercedes is aware of this problem but has not issued a recall as…"complaint #1853173
    • "Car has approximately 60,000. miles. Upon it's state inspection Mercedes Benz service center indicated rear subframe is rusted. Service advisory says it is okay now, but will need to be replaced. Searching Mercedes forums, I've noted this is a n oft report…"complaint #1865518
  4. #4

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WHEN TRYING TO START THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND IGNITION WOULD NOT START. THE CAR HAD THE STEERING LOCKED AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH SPONTANEOUSLY CORRUPTED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT."~47,582 mi, complaint #1626898
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON 95 HIGHWAY TAKING AN EXIT ( MAKING A RIGHT TURN ROUNDABOUT) THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME PREVENTING ME FROM CONTINUING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE EXIT CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE METAL RAILINGS; BECAUSE MY WHEELS NOW WHERE LOCKED IN A…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1717893
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that an unidentified recall was previously completed on the vehicle; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed sp…"~158,000 mi, complaint #2038177
  5. #5

    suspension arms and bushings

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

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

    • "My 2014 Mercedes C300 4matic currently has a rusted through rear subframe. I know this has been reported to your Bureau numerous times by various people. This affects all 2008-2014 C Class and E Class Mercedes (as I used to work for a Mercedes dealer). Merc…"complaint #1820973
    • "Malfunction of rear subframe and control arms due to rust causing the subframe to crack. When breaking the rear wheels swerved almost causing a collision on the highway. My mechanic inspected the car and deemed it unsafe for driving as this can cause injury…"complaint #1863378
    • "took car in for oil change and was informed that car should not be driven because rear subframe had rotted thru and rear link was completly unattached and hitting gas tank. havent had a response from 2 dealerships this car is unstable and hitting the brakes re…"complaint #2000708
    • "Rotted rear sub frame due to poor design retaining water"complaint #2019972
    • "The left rear subframe separated from the main frame causing the car to pull to the left when braking. I had an episode where I was stopping for a traffic light and the car started fishtailing and I almost lost control of the car. Following this episode, I…"complaint #2063033
  6. #6

    door latch and hinge

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND USED THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICL…"~51,500 mi, complaint #1494085
    • "THE INNER DRIVER DOOR HANDLE MECHANISM FAILED LEAVING ME TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. THE CAR HAS 61K MILES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW ISSUE, NOT WEAR AND TEAR."~61,000 mi, complaint #1572750
  7. #7

    engine internal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "AT FIRST THE CAR WOULD HAVE A LIGHT TICKING OR KNOCKING NOISE AFTER A 15-[REDACTED ADDRESS] AT 70 MPH. LAST WEEK, FRIDAY EVENING, I STARTED SMELLING SMOKE SOMETHING LIKE PLASTIC, ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU SEARCH FOR THE SOURCE. IT SEEM AS THOUGHT THE SMOKEY SMELL…"complaint #1283232
    • "The intake manifold blew on my car while it was off overnight and I took it to the Mercedes dealership to have it fix and the next day I got it back after it was repaired the same problem happened again when I went to unlock my car I heard a bang and smoke com…"complaint #1973115
  8. #8

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

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

    • "THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT THE STARTED TO RIP"complaint #1579571
    • "Leaving my home from my driveway and driving about 15 feet I heard a loud pop from my backseat area and noticed my Headrest on drivers side deployed without any reason. The airbag right/left malfunction light showed on my dash saying service required. Mercede…"complaint #2129545
  9. #9

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "The ignition switch is causing the steering column to lock and it has been reported a lot at different dealerships that I have called."complaint #1951161
    • " To Whom It May Concern, I am seeking assistance regarding my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-300, VIN [XXX] . I repurchased this vehicle from the London Nissan Dealership on [XXX]. It currently has about 120,000 miles, and I have driven an additional 15,000 miles in th…"complaint #2057654
  10. #10

    tire failure

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

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

    • "RE: CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT (FRONT) 225 45 R17 AND (REAR)245 40 17- ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 AT 306 MILES TIRE DISPLAYED BULGE NEXT TO "C" OF CONTINENTAL OF FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CAR WAS SITTING FOR A WEEK NOT BEING DRIVEN WHEN THE BULGE APPEARED. I WA…"~1,196 mi, complaint #1129275
    • "R/F TIRE BUBBLE IN SIDEWALL. AT 1959 MILES A BUBBLE APPEARED IN THE R/F TIRE. I DISCOVERED THE BUBBLE WHILE WASHING THE CAR . THIS APPEARED ABOUT TWO MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. AUGUST 19 20014 THE DEALER RELUNCTANTLY REPLACE THE TIRE. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY BUBBLE…"~1,959 mi, complaint #1142134
  11. #11

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TRAFFIC LIGHT POLE. THE C…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1178391
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF HOW HIS FOOT ENDED UP UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE W…"~34,366 mi, complaint #1564845
  12. #12

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECT…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1134222
  13. #13

    engine stall or no start

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "Car would just shut down intermittently, sometimes sudden death. No crank no start. Been stranded at night alone with my child in the car and at times, unsafe areas. Electronic Ignition Switch is faulty and MB has had my car for 1 month to date. Quoted me a r…"complaint #1872229
  14. #14

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY AND THE TRUNK WAS OPENED WHEN THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE WINDOW WAS NOT STRUCK. THIS OCCURRED AFTER A [REDACTED ADDRESS] TRIP WITH NO ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY, IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY IT COUL…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1264250
  15. #15

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE IS COVERED WITH SNOW OR ICE IT WILL NOT ALLOW OUTSIDE AIR INTO THE HVAC SYSTEM. THIS CAUSES THE FRONT WINDOW DEFROSTER TO NOT BE ABLE TO BLOW AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW ON B…"~15,962 mi, complaint #1364380
  16. #16

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "The wheel is not tilting up or down. It's stuck I. Top. It will just go out and in but stuck in the top position. This is a safety issue especially with airbags. The problem have been reported to dealers . It's a defective system"complaint #1784960
  17. #17

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "Failed component: The subframe on my Mercedes C300 broke on one side and was almost broken on the other. It would be available for inspection as it is sitting in the Mercedes dealer bone yard waiting on the part to be shipped from Germany around September 17t…"complaint #1834224
  18. #18

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "I WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY GARAGE (WAITING FOR THE DOOR TO GO UP). WHEN I LIGHTLY PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO PULL IN, THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LEAPED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED, GOING THRU MY DETACHED GARAGE WALL. THE ACCELERATOR P…"~45,785 mi, complaint #1465495

NHTSA investigations

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