2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300

7 recalls — 340 complaints

COMMUNICATION

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models... Read more

Consequence

An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-80... Read more

24,226 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:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350, SLS Coupe, SLS AMG GT Coupe, and SLS Roa... Read more

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver 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. Mercedes issued an interim notification to owners on February 23, 2018. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-36... Read more

132,167 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.

STEERING

Defect Description

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insu... Read more

Consequence

A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

168 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.

Complaint Statistics

340 total complaints 15 crashes 2 fires 10 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	99
SUSPENSION	63
STRUCTURE:BODY	41
STEERING	26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	16
SERVICE BRAKES	14
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS	13
ENGINE	8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7

Incident date: Oct 21, 2024

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 complet... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2024

Incident date: Oct 19, 2025

I had just gotten off the highway it was a rainy day and pulled into my driveway when airbag deployed on its own. I am lucky to be alive. I purchased this vehicle about 2 yrs or so ago and ran carfax that showed recall was fixed by manufacturer. I contacted Mercedes corporate office and it’s be... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2025

Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

The interior door handle of the driver's side door snapped, which does not allow the driver to open the door at all. In the event of a crash, fire, or emergency, the door can only be opened from the exterior. This is a widespread issue with this model of car, which Mercedes-Benz is very aware of. T... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil ha... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2025

Incident date: Mar 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was inform... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2024

THIS IS THE SECOND TIMING CHAIN TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER THAT HAS GONE BAD. EVEN THOUGHT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS REPORTED, MERCEDES WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A RECALL PROBLEM. MY SAFTY IS AT RISK IF MY ENGINE BECOMES DISABLED ON THE HYWAY.

Incident date: Mar 31, 2025

Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely deca... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The security alert warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, wh... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the p... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2024

Fuel tank is leaking at connection between fill tube and tank. Multiple recalls have been issued apparently for similar problems with cars of other years. With less than 1/2 tank, the fuel leak is not as pronounced. With the tank full, the tank drips fuel. Fire department in Riverside was called and... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

LEFT TAIL LIGHTS BURNING OUT DUE TO OVERHEATED WIRES

Incident date: Feb 18, 2025

LEFT TAIL LIGHTS BURNING OUT DUE TO OVERHEATED WIRES

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle pulled to the left before coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was deter... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2024

The Brake lines in this car rot very early in life span. This is a severe issue as no one would know unless car is brought in for repair. There is already a extended warranty for subframe rotting for my c300 and several other models and years . Both of these should be repaired due to poor manufactur... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2024

The driver side indoor handle keeps breaking. I have repaired mine 4 times but still keep breaking. The connector attached to the handle is so fragile it cant withstand regular use. why hasnt this been recalled by mercedes? One repair costs 1400 dollars.

Incident date: Mar 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 15, 2024

Crash

Incident date: Mar 15, 2024

Crash

Incident date: Mar 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the left aggressively. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, while driving, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2024

Broke rear subframe while driving. Made it home discovered the left rear suspension is almost completely detached from the vehicle. Researched the problem and discovered it’s a known issue and a warranty extension has been provided for some vehicles including some models of my particular year an... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2024

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

I bought this car new in 2013. I maintained it at the dealer as per MB recommendations. Last service was in August 2023. Currently had 42K miles on it. Two weeks ago 2 unknown to me lights came on and I took it to the dealer. The diagnosis was total failure due to oil leaking into the computer syst... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

Rear right side Subframe rusted and broke off. Vehicle pulled to the right while braking.

Incident date: Oct 5, 2022

Drivers side lower control arm was rusted off rear subframe causing vehicle to be inoperable.

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

The ESP®, or Electronic Stability Control system can put the car into limp mode unexpectedly. Say you are driving on route 66 going 50 mph. The ESP system can turn off if a wheel speed sensor or yaw sensor is on the way out. This causes the car to suddenly dramatically brake and limit speed to 5 mp... Read more

Incident date: Dec 19, 2023

Incident date: Nov 24, 2023

The rear subframe is cracked. This puts myself at risk and others if vehicle is involved in an accident. The problem has been confirmed by two independent service dealers. The vehicle has only been inspected by independent dealers. No warning lights.

Incident date: Sep 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated and then turned off independently. Additionally, the “Service Air Bags” message was ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 31, 2023

Excessive rust has caused a separation of the lower control arm from the rear sub frame. From Google searches this appears to be a common safety defect in the manufacturing of these vehicles. Control arm separation causes drive ability and stability issues that can lead to loss of control of said v... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, and rainwater leaked from the sunroof and the front driver’s side window into the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer an... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2023

2013 C300 subframe rusted and cracking.

Incident date: Jul 31, 2023

Rear subframe rust through, affecting the function of control arm. When braking mildly caused the forward motion of vehicle to swerve into oncoming traffic. It has been reported and is in their possession. There was a small clicking noise like a possible loose shock absorber, a few times in the pas... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

I purchased the vehicle in 2015, and a few months ago I started having issues with the steering wheel, as well as an error message with the airbag. More recently, I am experiencing issues with my ignition switch, and after doing some research I’m seeing that many people who drive the mage and mode... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2023

Incident date: Jun 22, 2023

Rear Control Arm Broke off of the rusted Rear Sub Frame assembly which was confirmed and inspected by my mechanic.

Incident date: Jun 22, 2023

Rear Control Arm Broke off of the rusted Rear Sub Frame assembly which was confirmed and inspected by my mechanic.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded. The independent mechanic ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2023

The car was all over the road when braking and making banging sound. Had towed to 3 repair shops and all said Subframe was rotted out beyond repair. Mercedes Benz in golden bridge will replace subframe, but my cost is towing, labor and renting a car until it’s fixed which can take up to 1 month.

Incident date: Oct 12, 2022

Purchased said vehicle from Rahal Mercedes Benz (Wexford PA 15090) in 9/2021. Used. Took in for PA inspection in 10/2022 (to Rahal service dept). Mechanic noticed rear subframe was rusting (I was not aware of this until this point; was never disclosed to me by Rahal in their printed pre inspection v... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2023

Car wouldn't pass inspection because of a rotted subframe. I had to pay $3k to have it replaced.

Incident date: Mar 11, 2023

Car was garage kept and in mint condition, yet the rear subframe has completely rusted through and while breaking the car lurches to the right. Also the breaking performance is noticeably impaired. There was no signs of this failure as the car still looks new, only way of knowing was the near crash ... Read more

Showing 50 of 340 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 (current)	7	340
2012	8	331	View
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