Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 94 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 300. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 94 · page 1 of 4
Experiencing a failed Electronic Steering Lock (ESL). Car won’t crank or start even after verifying battery health and key fob. Symptoms point to a failed ESL, left stranded
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. Mercedes benz Dealership said they never heard of this. The dealership Removed old headrest and replaced with a new one , reset malfunction light and a fuse. Price was enormous.
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 took the car to a mechanic who advised me that the car was unsafe to drive. My mechanic also told me that he has repaired a number of these vehicle with the same problem, and that Mercedes Benz has extended their warranty from 4 years 50,000 miles to 20 years unlimited mileage. They did the extension after someone filed a class action suit in Georgia about the problem. The vehicle is presently at a Mercedes dealer awaiting the new subframe.
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 the past two years. Less than three months after purchase, I took the car to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Knoxville, TN, for repairs on May 16th. Now, my vehicle is at James Motor Company in Lexington, KY, where they diagnosed a faulty steering column that needs replacement at a cost of $1,630.00. I have already taken this car to the dealership twice for issues in under two years. The problems began when the vehicle wouldn’t start one morning; the steering column was locked despite a fully charged battery. This failure could have led to a serious accident, especially since I drive frequently for work and school. There were no warning signs prior to this incident. The dealership has confirmed the steering column issue and can provide inspection upon request. I also have a list of parts needed for the repair available. Given the nature of this malfunction, I believe it warrants a recall. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
It's the ESL ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK THIS PART IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IS POSTED ONLINE TO FIX AND ALSO BYPASS IT. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO I AM TOLD PART ALONE IS $570 AT MERCEDES THEY HAVE TO PROGRAM IT. THIS PART IS KNOW TO BREAK AND ONLY THEY CAN REPROGRAM IT. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFTY ISSUE. THE CAR RTDOES NOT START BECAUSE OF IT AND IT LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE. THE CODE FOR IT ON CAR IS A25464 code on car. This is a known problem and it makes the car undrivable. I don't have files but had car toed 2 times. I will have recept after it's fixed
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 speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering lock and the TRP needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Rotted rear sub frame due to poor design retaining water
I purchased my vehicle from the Mercedes Benz Dealership and received a recall letter in the mail stating that driver side deployment may occur. After receiving notice I brought the car to the dealership to get the recall repaired. I've been driving around with a false sense of security believing that this issue was repaired. However, recently, while I was driving the driver side airbag unexpectedly and abruptly deployed and injured me. This is a major safety concern and car owners should be notified and made aware that the issue can still occur after the recall was repaired. I contacted Mercedes Benz and they did not issue any additional notices to inform customers of possible recall issue reoccurring due to manufacturer defects even after the repair was made. Additionally, I believe the driver side Takata airbag/inflators may have also been defective because of the injuries I incurred from the forceful explosive eruption of the airbag. MBUSA Campaign Number 2017120024 NHTSA Recall Number 17V627 Recall Start Date January 18, 2018 Recall Reported Date October 16, 2017 Component(s) 1709P46C62 Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain MY12-17 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe vehicles (204, 207, 212 platform) have insufficient electrical grounding in the steering column components. In rare instances, if the steering column module is exposed to an electrostatic discharge, and if the steering column module clock spring is broken (due to wear), this could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. An inadvertent driver airbag deployment may cause a risk of injury to the driver and might increase the risk of a potential crash. A broken clock spring will illuminate the SRS warning light as well as display a warning message in the instrument cluster. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer will install a sufficient ground to the steering column, and a protective ring to the steering column module.
While I was driving my car the driver side airbag abruptly deployed. The airbag inadvertently deployed; the car did not crash into anything to cause the airbag to deploy. When the airbag erupted it caused injury to my head, face, hand, arm and wrist. I believe the airbag is defective because I have lacerations on my face possibly due to sharp objects ejecting from the airbag and the impact as well as excessive smoke and fumes emitted after the fact. I believe there might be a manufacturing defect in the airbag because it seemed as if it exploded with excessive force causing harm to myself as well as inadvertent eruption. There have been some recalls issued on the motor vehicle and I did take the vehicle to the Mercedes car dealership to get all of the recalls repaired, however this incident occurred after the repairs were made at the dealership.
The driver's side interior door handle became disengaged as I was trying to open the door so I was momentarily trapped inside. If I had been in a situation where I had been in an accident and needed to get out quickly, or the car had been on fire, or I was stalled on the train tracks, this could have been a serious incident. When I googled this, it sounds like this is a very common occurrence in Mercedes. There was no warning that this was going to occur - everything seemed secure before this happened. I have taken it to a service center for a very expensive repair as they have to remove the door panel, replace/reattach the part and put the door panel back.
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 requires a lot of attention to keep on road
Rear sub frame rusting through
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 coming from the engine
The ignition switch is causing the steering column to lock and it has been reported a lot at different dealerships that I have called.
The driver's side door handle broke impossible to open door from inside if there was an accident. I have been told that this is a common problem with my car, and that it cost 1600.00 to replace repair at the dealer. This is such a common problem that there are after market kits to repair the broken handle for 20.00, but including labor the repair is $500.00.
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 repair cost of $2,787. Said the EIS is on back order with no ETA, and they currently have 5 others with exact problem, ignition switch. So many people have reported this problem for years with the C300. I'm a single mom, it's been a nightmare.
Rear left sub frame is found to be broken due to corrosion and rust. Right side is near to be broken. Driving under such condition is very dangerous.
SUB FRAME ON MERCEDES HAS RUST ISSUE, RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. I ONLY FOUND OUT BECAUSE I GOT NEW TIRES. ONLY 70K ON THE VEHICLE
Completely rotted & rusted sub-frame. Caused braking/stability/steering issues and was completely undriveable. Cost $2300 to fix, another $1000 for car rental as well as lost time at work. There have also been many reports of this problem with other drivers of the same model of vehicle. NO warning lamps or messages whatsoever, only knew the level of damage once I brought it into auto shop.
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 reported issue. Many do not realize there is an issue until it breaks and car pulls to one side at rear upon braking. Others have experienced rusted brake lines at the same area as the subframe issue. Others have noted damage to the gas tank from suspension parts banging the fuel tank after it breaks. I realize this is a 8 year old vehicle. But the vehicle shows zero signs of rust on the undercarriage except for the subframe. Sure seems like a manufacturer's defect that should be recalled by Mercedes. Because of safety concerns, I now have to decide to repair or trade the car because of safety concerns. But the rusted subframe zaps the value I thought I had in the vehicle for a trade. What is the protocol for manufacturer's to issue safety recalls. Sure seems like this one qualifies.
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 or death to me and others. The car is currently being repaired. This problem is being ignored by MBUSA, however MB in Europe acknowledges the faulty metal and will repair at no cost. There were no warning lamps or messages that made me aware that the subframe is rusted and cracked.
I received a notice several years ago for the airbag to be replaced due to a recall. Mercedes-Benz has not been able to remedy this issue for years. I have called for several years, but the Mercedes dealer near me continues to state that the airbag part is not available. I called Mercedes hotline (877-496-3691) a month ago to report the issue. No one answered so I left a voicemail. I received no contact from them. I called last week 3 times in a row and finally someone answered. I opened a claim with them for the escalation team. They said I would receive a response in 48 hours. I received no response.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 of this date. I checked the online Mercedes forums and the problem is very common with the C-class W204 models. The car has been running fine and I received no warnings other than what my mechanic told me. I want to know when Mercedes is going to issue a recall to get this fixed before it's too late.
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 available until some time in Q1 2023. There is no way a car rusts from the INSIDE OUT in one year. I have another vehicle in the same driveway, same everything and there is no rust anywhere. We have had all of our cars at least 10 years. This was a "new" car for us. MBUSA said they could do nothing because I own the car and didn't get financing from them. My dealership so far is not helpful. My service guy (he has been for 10 years) says this is common?? My client (a different car manufacturer) says it is not and it is terrible. I don't know why it rusted but this is a defect in the car because we didn't flood it. It's dangerous.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
Data on this page last refreshed .