RoadVitals

2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Jul 24, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300, most frequently naming the driver assistance, fuel system and electrical categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 364 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system721.9%
  • Electrical721.9%
  • Brakes39.4%
  • Engine26.3%
  • Steering13.1%
  • Interior & seats13.1%
  • Exterior lighting13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Jul 24, 2026
310,667 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

May 2, 2025
46 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
The risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040012.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2025040012View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Jun 14, 2024
1,058 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C 300 vehicles. The bolt securing the electrical wire to the pre-fuse box could be improperly tightened, causing the wire to overheat. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024070005.
The risk: An overheated wire can cause a fire and a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and rework the wiring harness, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2024. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2024070005View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2026

Car fails to accelerate past 25 mph when entering roadway. Roadway area is 45mph and vehicle would not accelerate to reach safe levels. This out myself and occupants of my vehicle in danger as traffic is already at the 45+ mph limit. Vehicle has 30,000 miles. Engine light came on after incident.

NHTSA ID
11745068
Incident
May 14, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jan 12, 2026
Crash reported

Refer to Mercedes Complaint letter dated August 21, 2025. Refer to EDR report of the crash Mercedes Benz is claiming no responsibility for the failure of Active Brake Assist (ABA) during a frontal impact collision that resulted in the car total loss. The sensors also didn't work resulting in no alert to the driver and nothing recorded on the car camera system.

NHTSA ID
11710517
Incident
May 17, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Nov 19, 2025

1. The vehicle experienced a fuel injector failure, which is part of the engine fuel delivery system. This failure appears connected to an open Fuel System Control Unit Software Update Recall (Campaign 2024080006) that has been open since May 2024 but was not performed on my vehicle, despite the vehicle being serviced at the dealership in January 2025 for other recall-related updates. The failed injector is still available for inspection upon request. 2. The vehicle began exhibiting symptoms of fuel system malfunction while driving, including rough idling, hesitation, and loss of power. A malfunctioning injector can cause the engine to misfire, stall unexpectedly, or run unpredictably, which creates a high-risk situation in traffic. This placed me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk, especially during acceleration or when merging into traffic. 3. Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by the Mercedes-Benz dealership, which stated that the injector had mechanically failed. The dealership also noted the open recall for the fuel system software update but claimed it was unrelated. I am seeking clarification because the timing and symptoms suggest there may be a connection. 4. The vehicle has been inspected only by the Mercedes-Benz dealership. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has been contacted regarding the issue, but my case was closed without resolution and is currently awaiting review for reopening. MBUSA has not yet inspected the vehicle or the failed component directly. 5.Prior to the injector failure, the vehicle displayed engine hesitation, rough idling, and intermittent performance issues. Eventually, a check engine light illuminated. These symptoms began before the manufacturer-installed software update, and the issue appears to have worsened afterward.

NHTSA ID
11700351
Incident
Oct 4, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Mar 31, 2025

Passenger seat belt doesn’t lock properly sometimes comes out and is very hard to put in on entry of vehicle

NHTSA ID
11651700
Incident
Mar 24, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 11, 2025

All on a sudden the entire screen goes blank. It has happened at least 4 times and each time the service center does some patching and it works for a few month. When it happens, all the safety features are off including reverse camera. Also, no way to set the temperature or turn of the AC. In both cases, it can lead to significant damage. The recent incident happened when I was a very busy area and without any safety feature, the car was pretty much un-drivable.

NHTSA ID
11647755
Incident
Feb 18, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 2, 2024

When starting vehicle, center screen of vehicle was completely off and dark. Moreover, with this screen being off, you are not able to control any of the vehicle functions such as AC, Maps, Radio, Rear Camera, etc. On the other hand, on the digital speedometer screen, a warning message states "Blind Spot Assist Inoperative" and when putting the vehicle in gear, a loud beep sounds within the car and then the next warning message appears that states, "PARKTRONIC" inoperative see owners manual"

NHTSA ID
11628347
Incident
Dec 1, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jun 3, 2024

The electronic system, specifically the battery, failed and it is available for inspection upon request. The persistent battery drain caused the vehicle to become inoperable multiple times, including an incident where I was stranded 200 miles from home with my wife and dog, posing significant safety risks. Yes, the defect has been confirmed by the dealership’s service center multiple times. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership’s service technicians. Yes, the first malfunction message appeared on [XXX] at 2:22 PM, a week after purchase. Multiple warning messages have appeared since then, including transmission malfunction, running lights malfunction, high beams malfunction, and additional battery malfunction. Defect Description: - Description of the Defect: Persistent battery drain and related electronic system issues. - Date First Appeared: [XXX], a week after purchase. - Subsequent Occurrences: Multiple instances including being stranded 200 miles from home due to a dead battery and transmission error. Repair Attempts: I have taken my vehicle to [Dealership Name] for repairs on multiple occasions. Despite these efforts, the defect persists. Below are the details of each repair attempt: - Repair Attempt 1: [XXX], 2023, Battery replaced. - Repair Attempt 2: [XXX], 2024, Dealer refused to replace battery and simply charged it. Issue persisted the next day. - Repair Attempt 3: [XXX] 2024, Dealer didn't get back to me yet. Roadside Assistance Calls: - [XXX] 2022: First roadside assistance call for a dead battery. - [XXX], 2024: Roadside assistance called again. - [XXX], 2024: Roadside assistance called again. - [XXX], 2024: Roadside assistance called again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11592228
Incident
Jun 2, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Apr 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the seal had detached from the driver’s side front door. The contact stated that due to the failure, water entered the driver’s seat causing a short circuit in the electrical system. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was determined to be a manufacturing defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA ID
11585926
Incident
Apr 23, 2024
Mileage
6,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

EW - DMTL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).

LI47.10-P-079604

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Complaint Audible "slurping" operating noise from the fuel tank Cause Conditions: • The fuel tank is around half full • The secondary chamber is almost empty. The suction jet pump suctions up small quantities of fuel and air. This results in vibrations and turbulence, which make noises. These noises may sound like slurping. The fuel pump and the drained secondary chamber amplify certain noises which can be loud or shrill. The viscosity of the fuel and the intensity of the fuel pump also impact the noises. • The fuel level is in the area of the saddle overflow in the primary chamber. The fuel mixed with air flows back into the secondary chamber. The noises may therefore be audible for longer • If the primary chamber is no longer in the area of the saddle overflow, the noises should disappear because the secondary chamber no longer receives fuel. • The area of the saddle overflow in the primary chamber is around +/- 2 liters of fuel volume (fuel gauge shows around half full). Remedy • Refill/drain approx. 5 liters of fuel; if the noise is reduced/is no longer present due to this, the circumstance specified above is present Further measures may cause a reduction in noises in the specified area: • In isolated cases, a fuel tank installed under stress may amplify the noises. The installation position of the fuel tank and the contact surfaces on the body-in-white should be checked here. To do so, release the fuel tank and refasten it, see WIS. • Replacement of component parts such as fuel tank/delivery module does not provide a remedy! If a similar noise is heard, but the tank volume is 3/4 or 1/4 and not 1/2 as described above, another circumstance is present

LI82.60-P-080806

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After an "Over the Air" update (OTA), FM or SDARS radio reception is limited; only a few stations are found. Cause The firmware installation was incomplete. Remedy In the A26/17 control unit "MBUX multimedia system" (head unit), use XENTRY to carry out the special process "All Modules"; this will reinstall the firmware completely.

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

LI54.71-P-079104

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("- -"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. • Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: • Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. • This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reasons for this concern: 1. Country code information stored incorrectly at a particular geographic latitude range. 2. Incorrect reference data when the vehicle is started and a GPS signal is not immediately available. Remedy Do not replace parts. Please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox but read the below carefully: • The vehicle must be exhibiting the concern as shown in the attachment videos. • The vehicle DOES NOT need to be at the dealer, nor does it need to be brought into the dealership. • If the geographic location is known, it is very important that it is provided. • Provide any pictures or videos, if available. A new software for the head unit is scheduled for tentative release in Q3 2026.

LI33.20-P-078406

SUSPENSION

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz C 300 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110
2025420
2024113059.2
2023229051.9
2022Viewing259054.0
2021147057.8
2020339171.5
20196517164.0
20189718259.6
201721515264.1
201628513262.1
201537911359.3
2014945156.1
20132586155.1
20122646154.7
20114806257.4
20104536257.3
20095768358.8
20086727358.4

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.