237 of the
2,855 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz C300
are about the other systems —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
I’ve been driving my car since September when it was purchased I just got it from dealership 4/9/26 spent over $1100 and have been working like regular full time schedule, I wake up today 4/27/26 trying to work and car is stalling. Not sure what’s going on with these mechanics and technicians. I pay to dollar to ensure my family safety on the road here I am stuck without support due to my circumstances. Also, my car just idles the shuts off doesn’t turn mall the way on, magically a check engine light flashed then car just immediately stalled and won’t turn back over all the way.
NHTSA complaint #11733961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panoramic sunroof fails to open/ close evenly due to binding issue and plastic track failure. One side binds while the other moves, causing glass to tilt and jam. Risk of dangerous injury including glass shattering, sudden detachment, distraction while driving, and water intrusion affecting airbags/electronics.
NHTSA complaint #11733700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A lot of times when I park even on flat surfaces my parking brake engages and It’s hell being able to leave because I have to turn the car off open the door close door start the again put in drive while my foot is on the brake and pull and push the parking brake button 4 times. Then I’m able to drive. This has been happening more frequently and there is an open recall for the parking brakes calLED ESP RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11727959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle and Recall Campaign No. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-Benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative stated it was performed; another stated no record exists. I was never notified that a recall repair had been completed. This inconsistency raises immediate concerns regarding recall documentation integrity and owner notification compliance. The identical steering column system has now failed again, resulting in a complete steering column lock and vehicle immobilization. The repair estimate exceeds $2,500. A total steering lock is a critical safety failure with clear risk implications. If the recall repair was completed, recurrence of the exact same safety-critical component failure within only a few years strongly indicates that the original recall remedy was either improperly performed, defective in itself, or fundamentally inadequate to eliminate the defect. Steering column assemblies are not routine wear items. Mercedes-trained master technicians have confirmed that such failures are rare over a vehicle’s lifetime and highly unusual shortly after replacement. Federal safety recall law requires manufacturers to fully and permanently remedy safety defects at no cost to the consumer. A failed recall remedy that results in repeat failure of the same component shifts the burden improperly onto the owner and undermines the purpose of the recall system. I respectfully request that NHTSA formally investigate whether Recall 2017120022 has resulted in recurring steering column failures following recall repairs, evaluate the sufficiency of the remedy, review Mercedes-Benz USA’s recall tracking and notification procedures, and require reimbursement if the defect represents a failed recall correction.This matter shows a serious vehicle safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11719825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Failed/Malfunctioned Component: Rear subframe (structural/chassis component) exhibited advanced corrosion (perforation/rust-through), compromising structural integrity and alignment/handling. Availability for Inspection: Yes. The vehicle and the subframe are available for inspection upon request. I can provide photos, videos, and repair estimates if needed. The corroded subframe is fracture and detach suspension mounting points, which may lead to: Sudden loss of vehicle stability or control (especially during braking, cornering, or over bumps). Unpredictable alignment changes causing pulling, vibration, or abnormal tire wear that can escalate into a loss-of-control event. Increased stopping distance and potential for wheel misalignment or collapse, raising the risk of a crash involving occupants and other road users. I limited driving/use due to the risk; issue is a structural safety concern rather than cosmetic. Confirmation: Yes on multiple visits since Oct 2023 -Yes—diagnosed and documented by Mercedes-Benz of Silver Spring on Oct 2 2023, Nov 2023 and Dec 2025. Technician confirmed severe corrosion/rust perforation on the rear subframe requiring replacement. No No
NHTSA complaint #11712059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 started giving off funky fumes last year in 2024, now the fumes have turned into the smell of gas in 2025. Everytime that I call the dealership on Rockside Rd./ Broadway, located in Bedford Ohio, they give me an excuse as to why it's not their responsibility to correct the issue. What can I do?
NHTSA complaint #11703213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 in exiting. There are multiple videos on after market parts to repair the plastic pin that breaks. Tesla seems to be recalling their vehicles for a similar problem recently, why not Mercedes for a known problem????
NHTSA complaint #11688657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my 2015 vehicle to the Mercedes dealership and learned the rear subframe is rusted and has holes on two sides. I was warned that it is a safety hazard and could lead to a lack of control and other dangerous situations. I also learned that other 2010 through 2014 Mercedes models in the same class have been recalled for this exact concern. I am disappointed and upset to learn that those concerns are known, but not addressed in this model and put customers at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11687651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear subframe rotted out and broke due to corrosion. Rear crossmember is broken and needs replaced. My safety as well as the safely of other was put at risk. Loss of control at high speed could have been deadly. Luckily, I wasn’t going very fast at the time of incident or else who knows what would have happened to me or bystanders. Independent service center inspected and confirmed that incident was due to corrosion in the rear. They informed me of the extended warranty (20 years, unlimited miles) on 2008-2015 C300 models for this particular issue as my safety and the safety of others was put at risk. There were some symptoms leading up to the incident. At the time of braking the car would become unstable and feel skittish in the rear. It felt as if the rear was sliding to one side. The vehicle would also make some metal clinking noises at sharper turns. The symptoms had been more frequent in the prior 2-3 months of incident. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by one shop and is currently getting a second opinion from another independent service center.
NHTSA complaint #11682005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon purchasing my 2016 C300, I starting experiencing a right pull whenever I press on the brakes. I was very concerned as I use this vehicle to assist with dropping and pick up of my 2 grandchildren. The more I drove the car, the more unsafe especially when I attempt to bring my car to a stop. I took the car to a local mechanic and I was advice to take it to a Mercedes dealership. The mechanic also advice that it was an issue with the REAR SUB FRAME. A week later I took the car in to Mercedes as suggested and a day later I received a call and video from Mercedes that the subframe was broken and that is why I am getting that hard pull whenever I brake. Mercedes also stated that the control arm bracket is barely on and it is causing the vehicle to flex.
NHTSA complaint #11671654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I drove vehicle to Publix with no problems. When i tried to start vehicle, key turns but car does not start. There is no cranking sound. I called a mechanic friend and after extensive diagnosis he determined it was the ESL Module which controls the steering. Fortunately i was not driving the vehicle when the ESL Module failed. There is a recall on Mercedes Benz c300 from 2012-2017 for the ESL Module problems but the 2011 is not included. It should be recalled since it is a safety hazard and it appears others have had similar problems according to comments on Google. I have a handicapped wife i take care of and having issues with the steering can cause accidents and injuries. There were no messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. There needs to be a recall or further inspection done on the 2011 Mercedes Benz c300. Car will be towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership for Diagnostics.
NHTSA complaint #11666460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be repair. Major safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11664539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 structurally compromised and could let a control arm detach under load. The corroded subframe remains installed and can be inspected on request. Safety risk: a detached rear control arm would cause sudden, unpredictable steering and loss of control. The vehicle already pulls right under braking, and feels very unstable in curves Problem has been reproduced and photographed by two independent repair facilities. No manufacturer representative has inspected the vehicle so far. Additional component failures possibly linked to the same progressive chassis stress: premature wear of both front CV axles; timing-chain stretch with worn guides; slack oil-pump chain; upper & lower oil-pan gasket leaks; water-pump seepage; right engine-mount collapse; persistent misfire traced to a loose intake-hose clamp; transmission-cooler hose clip released under pressure, dumping all ATF and destroying the automatic transmission; excessive play in all four lower control-arm bushings. The transmission and the other components were replaced 1-2 months before the subframe bro History: A faint clank from the rear suspension first appeared roughly three years into ownership. Dealer service dismissed it as “normal noise,” and warranty would not cover “loud clanks,” so the issue went unaddressed. The noise has grown steadily into the current condition, suggesting long-term subframe corrosion that was never inspected or remediated. No collision, flood, or off-road use; the car has typical Northeast winter-salt exposure. The failure pattern matches subframe-corrosion cases already acknowledged by the manufacturer on this model, although this serial number is not yet included in the official campaign.
NHTSA complaint #11663816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ESL or electronic steering lock is a very common issue with this year and model at around the 70k mile mark. You cannot start the car once this goes out and it’s over $2k to fix
NHTSA complaint #11658412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunshade on panoramic sunroof broke off and tore sunshade. Took it to MB service center and was told it is known issue for that model and many more with some part snapping off causing the damage and cost to repair is between 2500-3000. Have been reading online and lot of people seem to have same issue with the panoramic sunroof and shade not syncing together. Seems to be concern manufacturer should be looking at if there’s numerous vehicle with same issues. Part snapped off when trying to open up sunroof on hot summer day
NHTSA complaint #11654223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.