2018 Mercedes-Benz C300

Routine

Owners filed 99 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 18 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine32
000
Unknown or Other16
000
Steering9
101
Structure › Body6
100
Structure6
000
Electrical System6
000
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000
Air Bags3
000
Visibility2
000
Tires2
100

18 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights21V509000
Filed Jul 2, 20211,467 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor21V032000
Filed Jan 29, 202124,550 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk. If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery19V586000
Filed Aug 9, 201926,584 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 C300, C300 4MATIC, and C43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured. This may allow the battery to shift, possibly disconnecting the terminals in the event of a crash.

Risk. Loss of power from the battery can impair post-crash functions, such as communicating with emergency services and activating hazard lights. The battery may also detach and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery mounting bracket, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090010.

Seats19V130000
Filed Feb 26, 201922,637 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, AMG C43 Coupe, C300 4MATIC Cabriolet, C300 4MATIC Coupe, AMG C43 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S Cabriolet and AMG C63 S Coupe vehicles and 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E400 4MATIC Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.

Risk. If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatback on the affected vehicles and replace the seatback lock, as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on April 12, 2019 to notify owners. Owners will receive a second notification when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040007.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights18V906000
Filed Dec 19, 20182,364 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C300 4MATIC vehicles. The headlights on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. If the low beam headlight is not properly adjusted, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the setting of the headlights and adjust them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020008.

Showing 10 of 18 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 16, 2026NC

Front roof panel came detached at hwy speed

Structure
Filed Aug 26, 202683,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-300. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH South on the interstate towards Miami, the front panel detached without warning. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the panel between the windshield and sunroof had detached. The contact stated that water started entering the vehicle from several areas. The sunroof was inoperable. The contact called the insurance company. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 16, 2026CA

Transmission failed, yes available for inspection Very bad safety issue Yes it has been confirmed by dealship Yes by the deanship Yes there was warning lamps that appeared in January 2026

Structure
Filed Mar 5, 2026CA

The contact's wife owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, a part of the panoramic roof started moving while depressing the glass. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the glass. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Jan 9, 2026CA

Check engine light comes on, Error Code P052E, after a lot of research, this is a known defective part by Benz. Huge safety issue not addressed by them. Very costly to fix for a customer. There is a new and improved replacement part from Benz indicating they are aware of the faulty old parts that are currently in those cars but yet they have failed to do a recall.

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2025AZ

My vehicle only had 31,000 miles and I experienced engine failure. I bought a new engine for 16, 500. 00 dollars. Mercedes Benz did nothing. I almost got in to several accidents because the engine completely stop on the interstate. Almost got hit by several cars. This is unacceptable.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 8, 2025FL

Rearview Camera is not displayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The display shows a black screen. A Recall Notice has been published for other vehicles of the same year, make, and model. The failure of the Rearview Camera results in safety risks during normal use of the vehicle.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 26, 2025VA

I have noticed the driver seat belt not retracting after usage. Upon looking online I saw a post about a recall. Called local Benz dealership and BenzUSA customer service both said my Vin is not part of the specified recall.

Structure
Filed Aug 19, 2025109,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, a part of the panoramic roof towards the driver's side detached from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle. The part was no longer attached, and the contact had to continue driving. The failure caused additional electrical failures due to water entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, and the infotainment center was inoperable. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who related the failure to the recall; however, the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Structure
Filed Jun 4, 202549,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after washing the vehicle, the contact became aware that the adhesive attaching the rear window to the convertible top had started to detach. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that water had seeped into the vehicle through the crack. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Tires
Filed May 28, 2025TX

In August 2024, a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Salisbury, MD installed the wrong type of rear tires on my vehicle. I was not informed they were mismatched or inappropriate for my vehicle. I later drove across the country with my infant child in the backseat, believing the tires were new and safe. On April 17, 2025, a certified tire shop in Texas (Discount Tire) inspected the tires and told me they were not suitable for my car and were already too old to be considered new — despite having been installed just 8 months earlier. They refused to buy them back or reinstall them due to the age and mismatch. Additionally, the dealership had earlier failed to correctly diagnose my ABS system, citing water damage but doing no further inspection. They also missed a major coolant leak and water pump failure, despite charging me for multiple diagnostics. Their negligence in both diagnosis and tire installation directly put me and my child at serious safety risk, especially while traveling long distance at highway speeds.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Mar 10, 2025TN

I recently purchased a 2018 Mercedes C300 and I noticed the rear view camera will not show an image. It mechanically will open and all other cameras are fully functional but the image will not show instead I see a icon of a camera in a red crossed circle. When doing VIN serch on my vehicle I don't see any open recalls. However, I noticed that NHTSA campaign number 22V232000 has recalled this exact issue. Although the report 573 says for it applying to 2019 models but with a production date between 2017 to 2021 vehicles applying. So I believe this recall should also apply to my vehicle.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 12, 202552,300 milesCO

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the garage, there was a strong fuel odor inside the garage. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,300.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2025NY

The engine light is on with only 35000 miles. Upon using an OBD2 scanner, error code P052e positive crankcase ventilation(PCV) malfunction was detected. It's a problem that I researched and noticed a lot of people having the same issue. I was told that this can cause the car to stall or shut down? This causes serious risk and safety issues to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. With so many complains about this problem, I believe the manufacturer and dealers should take responsibility before tragedies happen.

Visibility
Filed Sep 30, 202450,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear window glass which was not properly bonded had become loosened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V608000 (VISIBILITY). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 12, 2024NC

Problem a recall was done on certain Mercedes vehicles where the front panel of the roof between the panoramic sunroof and windshield has defects in gluing or bonding agent from the manufacture. I believe my vehicle is showing possible premature bonding agent issues below the surface of panel. Where the manufacture bonding glue is causing interior flaking and cracking and lifting from the stress of the wrong/incorrect specified bonding material not used during the manufacturing process . I am afraid that while driving my vehicle at highway speed has the opportunity / potential for my panel to eventually break off and cause damage of flying panel pieces to harm myself or other vehicles traveling on the road. I believe the wrong bonding material is also causing other issues with the panel and the workmanship material used. My vehicle falls under the year, make, W222 and I am already seeing issues with my panel that by being proactive on my vehicle then reactive. I don’t want to wait for my panel to fly off when early detection and rectification is the safest way/option. My second concern is that there has already been changing dates on this recall information sent out in 2017, 2019 and now 2021. I am worried!!

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Aug 22, 202457,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving at various speeds, the contact could hear an abnormal sound from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer for diagnosis, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2024NC

I need the Crankcase ventilation valve replaced and have heard many complaints about this repair.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2024NJ

The day after I purchased my c300, the engine light popped on. I went back to dealer and they said it was a recall because of a crank case (PCV). I was upset because they never said anything about it. This was April of 2024. Note:(This Dealer was not Ray Catina’s of Edison). I went to Ray Catina’s in Edison for them to inspect car and I have been calling because I was told it was a national recall and it was on back order and should be here in June. It is now almost August and I called on the 23rd of July and received a call from Ray Catena on the 24th for them to tell me that “they were told that the new plan from Mercedes is to bring my car in and they will clear code. That’s what they are told to do.” To me, this is NOT fixing the issue. I am a little aggravated because I bought my car on [XXX] and have NOT been able to feel good because not sure what ramifications will come with me driving my car with this issue. I was told that driving with this engine light on and code that it will not harm my car. They now say Mercedes was told to reset the code and that will resolve issue? I believe this is a band aid not a fix!!! I’m a little upset. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 2024PA

Was sold Car Feb,27,2024 from dealership the car violently vibrates at 60mph took it to 3 Repair shops

20 of 99 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261100Routine
20254200Routine
202411300Routine
202322900Routine
202225900Routine
202114700Routine
202033900Routine
2019671700Routine
2018 — this page991800Routine
20172161530Above average
20162861350Above average
20153801110Above average
201494500Routine
2013259620Above average
2012266641Fatalities reported
2011480660Above average
2010453650Above average
20095768180Above average
20086727160Above average

Compare every C300 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.