2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300

8 recalls — 331 complaints

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.

Consequence

An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.

640 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

Consequence

An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

640 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic ... Read more

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

288,779 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe... Read more

Consequence

If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

495,290 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350... Read more

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

51 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Defect Description

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

51 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold,... Read more

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer s... Read more

104,119 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel... Read more

Consequence

If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

5,800 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Complaint Statistics

331 total complaints 6 crashes 8 fires 7 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	113
SUSPENSION	63
STRUCTURE:BODY	30
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	23
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS	16
SERVICE BRAKES	12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
STEERING	8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7
STRUCTURE	5

Incident date: Nov 20, 2025

Mercedes of Danbury replaced the rear sub frame CODE 3441 47, since my mechanic (Newtown Auto Repair) told me that the Front subframe is in real bad shape, rotten/rusted, that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition since the wheel and steering components are part and attached to it, the ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2025

Incident date: Jul 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated the fuel tank was emitting a fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel odor was extremely strong and could be smelled inside the residence while the vehicle was parked in the garage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2025

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 woul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2025

Incident date: Jul 16, 2025

Rear subframe crossmember rotting, needs replacement. It seems to be a common problem with this vehicle and the assumption by most professional is that it a faulty part supplied by a third party to Mercedes. The rest of the cars undercarriage is pristine, making me wonder why just this one part woul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2025

I was driving normally last week when the driver's head restraint system (known by Mercedes as Neck Pro) unexpectedly and without warning blew at my head. The noise was very loud, and the headrest slammed against my head. Luckily, I was driving approximately 20-25 miles per hour, daytime, on a res... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2025

I was replacing rear tail light bulb. Now I'm getting an error message on instrument cluster. I tried to fix the issue but couldn't do to the fact the wiring harness has melted. Mercedes Benz had a recall back in 2013 saying this is a safety issue. No recall for our car.

Incident date: Jan 29, 2025

Took the car in for an oil change and asked them to look at the brakes and rear as there was a strange noise. Vehicle was inspected and found the entire subframe is rotted. Was advised this is a common problem with Mercedes and there were some recalls. Unfortunately no open recall on this vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a tire rotation; while there, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the vehicle's subframe and the ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

The subframe has developed extensive rust and corrosion, which I believe is a result of faulty manufacturing. This corrosion has severely compromised the structural integrity of the subframe, posing a serious safety risk. The corrosion appears to be inherent to the materials or design used in the m... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

Incident date: Jul 25, 2024

Brake line corrosion

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

My 2012 c300 has a rotted rear subframe making the car not able to be driven. It has major ,life threatening, costly damage and this issue already has a recall all over the world but not in the United States. If I can get the assistance to pay this repair, it will be gladly appreciated.

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

We are having issues when braking. The backend of the car wiggles when braking hard. Shop advised that the subframe on the passenger side completely broke away and on the driver side it is very rotted. They advised this is a safety issue since the broken side could pierce the gas tank. I google... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear taillight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired since the VIN nor the model year was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof and then attempting to close the sunroof, the sunroof failed to fully close. The contact had to open and close the sunroof several times before the sunroof closed. Additionally, the contact stated that ther... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2024

Incident date: May 28, 2024

Took my car for a doorknob repair and was told the whole subframe is rotted. They told me not to drive the car on the highway. The car brakes very hard to the right and always goes right while making cranking noises. Car feels very unsafe. I paid a lot of money for this and own a 2012 c300 4matic.

Incident date: May 28, 2024

Incident date: May 7, 2024

This is a low mileage car with odometer reading of 25668 (less than 2000 miles per year), used sparingly and always parked in the garage. On 05/07/2024 I noticed brake fluid flowing from the left rear side of the car; on examination this seemed to come from the flexible hose that connects the brake... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2024

Incident date: Apr 4, 2024

Subframe rusted and broke. It is available for inspection. Burlington Mercedes inspected the vehicle and told me it was not safe to drive. Mercedes-Benz USA is aware of the problem. They issued a letter extending the warranty covering only the subframe to twenty years and unlimited miles. Burlington... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that both trailing arms had beco... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2024

Incident date: Apr 29, 2024

Vehicle will not start, possible ESL/EIS failure.

Incident date: Feb 15, 2024

car has a rear subframe damage from corrosion

Incident date: Nov 30, 2023

While I was driving my 2012 MB C300 4Matic Sport Sedan in Nov', 2023 with history of regular maintenance, noticed a pretty load knocking noise, shudder and drifting to left a bit when it brakes from the driver's rear side especially on the highways. I took it to our local mechanic who was horrified ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2023

Incident date: Feb 7, 2024

vehicle sub-frame is cracked rusted corroded.

Incident date: Feb 7, 2024

vehicle sub-frame is cracked rusted corroded.

Incident date: Feb 19, 2024

Took my 2012 Mercedes c300 to my mechanic and the Rear Sub frame is rusting out.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

the rear subframe broke while in motion and caused the car to drift and bounce while i was cornering the traction control and stability control intervened and i also counter steered once back in straight line i braked and the car tilted on the side, we lifted the car in a mechanic shop and found a r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the front driver's side interior door handle was fractured. The contact was unable to open the door from inside the vehicle. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 11, 2023

a rusted rear subframe is more prone to crack when a driver hits a pothole or wants to brake quickly, which can lead to instability in the vehicle's rear suspension.

Incident date: Oct 16, 2023

My rear subframe has corroded and has snapped, which is a major safety issue as while driving when I come to a stop the rear end of the car swags sideways. It do not stop straight.

Incident date: Oct 16, 2023

My rear subframe has corroded and has snapped, which is a major safety issue as while driving when I come to a stop the rear end of the car swags sideways. It do not stop straight.

Incident date: Oct 5, 2023

I started hearing noises about a week ago while driving. Last night while driving home in the evening traffic, I braked and car violently jerked and veered to the right almost hitting the car in the front. I took the car to a shop this morning and they found that the rear subframe had collapsed due ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

Rear driver side wheel was making a clicking noise leading us to believe there was an issue with the strut and/or shock. Due to the nature and severity of the noise, we took the vehicle to our mechanic ASAP. Upon inspection, mechanic identified that the sub-frame had completely rusted through which ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

Incident date: Sep 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he smelled a rubber burning odor. A message indicating that the turn signal was inoperable was displayed. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2023

Rear subframe is corroded, rusted through, and cracking.

Incident date: Jun 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was making a loud bang sound towards the rear of the vehicle while driving over bumps in the roadway. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the rear subframe and the rear brake line were severe... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2023

Incident date: Jul 12, 2023

I was driving on the highway and came to a sudden stop and the car fishtailed putting our safety and the safety of others at risk. I brought my car to a mechanic and I changed my tires. When I went for a wheel alignment the mechanic found that the K bar subframe was corroded and cracked. There was n... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2023

Recently we had he brakes replaced and new tires put on to prepare for a trip out to Minnesota in a couple of weeks. My son felt like the car wasn’t driving correctly and took it to the shop and upon being put on the lift the service department called and said the rear subframe rusted out and was ... Read more

Showing 50 of 331 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — MERCEDES-BENZ C300

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP — Closed — Model Year: 2015

C300 Wrist-pin allegation

In a letter dated April 29, 2022, Mr. Sergio Betancourt (the petitioner) submitted a petition attributing engine failure of his 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 to âwrong sized wrist-pinsâ and asserted that these were prevalent on all Mercedes-Benz models (including the Metris minivan, GLC300, and ... C300) equipped with a version of the M274 engine. The petition cited Mercedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) LI03.10-P-060916 (meant for the 2015 C300) and postulated that the âwrong-sized wrist pinâ would allow the piston to âwiggle in the cylinder as it would move up and downâ. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz TSB, the petitioner enclosed a service center repair estimate and images of other online submissions discussing the M274 engine. In the incident that prompted the petition, the petitioner reported that the vehicle lost power and shook in response to accelerator application during highway driving, followed by white smoke from the exhaust pipe. The petitioner stated that the subsequent service center visit led to a cracked piston diagnosis. The service record from this visit prescribed an engine teardown to localize the failure and characterize any resulting engine damage and listed a number of repair options that included replacement of one piston, four pistons, or the entire engine long block (depending on the level of damage suffered). TSB LI03.10-P-060916 (âTSBâ) was first released on February 27, 2015 and pertained to Engine Code 274.920. It cited the following complaint condition: âClattering/rattling or knocking noise from the crank assembly of the engine when cold at oil temperatures up to approximately 50Â°C mostly heard on engine decelerationâ and listed the cause as under analysis. The TSB gave further instructions on the collection of information and discouraged the replacement of any components. On September 21, 2015, TSB Version 4 introduced engine build clean points (March 27, 2015 or April 20, 2015 depending on the engine plant); cause: unfavorable tolerance of the piston wrist pin resulting in enlarge end float of the connecting rod in the piston; and remedy: compare the complaint vehicle sound to an enclosed sound file under various operating conditions and then if verified, replace the pistons, connecting rods, and bearings, using updated pistons that include updated wrist pins. A review of the petitionerâs vehicle service history indicates that this labor operation was performed in March of 2016. In its November 22, 2022 response to ODI's September 28, 2022 Information Request (IR) letter, Mercedes stated that the limited number of potentially affected wrist pins could contribute to an unintended noise, but pose no motor vehicle safety risk. ODI's analysis of the field data furnished with the Mercedes IR response and within its own Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) database support this assertion, finding no relationship between wrist-pin conditions cited in the TSB and engine failure or loss of motive power. Broader searches of both data sources for engine stalling related to engine durability identified no trends meriting further investigation. After conducting a technical review of the petitionerâs submissions, the vehicle history of the petitioner's vehicle, Mercedes TSBâLI03.10-P-060916, information provided by Mercedes-Benz in response to the Agency's Information Request, and data within its own files; NHTSA has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to pursue a formal investigation. Accordingly, the Agency has denied the petition. NHTSA will continue to review any new information or incidents as they are submitted to the Agency. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA's reasons for denial of the petition will be published in the future. The petition and its attachments can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference ODI number 11450360.Read more

MERCEDES-BENZ C300 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ C300 across all model years (2010–2017).

419 Total Recalls

3,109 Total Complaints

1 Investigations

116 Reported Crashes

35 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

MERCEDES-BENZ C300 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2017	224	281	View
2016	138	357	View
2015	20	505	View
2014	6	120	View
2013	7	340	View
2012 (current)	8	331
2011	8	584	View
2010	8	591	View

Other MERCEDES-BENZ Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
GLA 250	1,219	416	View
GLC 300	1,143	568	View
GLE 350	1,116	311	View
C 300	1,074	360	View
AMG GLS63	963	12	View
AMG C43	944	74	View
CLA 250	923	130	View
AMG GLC43	920	42	View