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 378 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.

LI46.35-P-067339

STEERING

Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!

LI27.60-P-076554

POWER TRAIN

Complaint • Harsh 1‑2, 2‑3, and/or 3‑4 shift • Jerky shifting • Jolting when accelerating from stop Cause Insufficient software application causing elevated K81/K27/B05 fill time adaptations and elevated torque adaptations for concerning shift. Note: Shift quality in E Performance models can be affected if the HV Battery state of charge (SOC) reaches 25% or below. Remedy Check VGS software level, and follow relevant remedy instructions. (see attachment) AMG 43 models with VGS software levels up to 22A: As of 4/18/2025, an aftersales software improvement has been released. This software has been implemented in production as of model year 2024, however this LI should still be followed if the concern is present. 232 ‑ A0009025699 206 ‑ A0009025599 Please ensure your Xentry machine is up to date with the latest Add Ons and continue with the following steps: Note: ALL steps must be performed to rectify concern 1. Perform software update all control units included in VGS software update. 2. Check transmission oil level and correct, if necessary (transmission oil temperature > 60 °C) 3. Perform Xentry Valve Flushing procedure at least 3x 4. Perform resetting of deceleration values (VGS > Special Procedures > Special procedure > Resetting learned values Deceleration mode) 5. Perform a standstill adaptation, then read out new EEPROM data 6. Perform driving adaptation(s) while adhering to the below parameters for at least 20‑30 miles. Note: There is no menu in Xentry for this procedure. We recommend displaying the torque in the instrument cluster. If all below parameters are met at the time the shift, a driving adaptation will automatically occur. Harsh 1‑2 Perform a driving adaptation of 4‑5 (adapts K81 for the 1‑2 shift) Harsh 2‑3 Perform a driving adaptation of 6‑7 (adapts B05 for the 2‑3 shift) Harsh 3‑4 Perform a driving adaptation of 3‑4 (adapts K27 directly) ‑ See attached PDF for min/max torque, and RPM parameters ‑ Transmission oil temperature > 30°C (>86°F) ‑ Level track (no incline/decline) ‑ Slippery drive program ‑ Display the torque in the instrument cluster ‑ Constant engine torque ‑ Do not shift via paddle AMG 63 models with VGS software levels up to 22A: No aftersales software resolution is planned. Perform above steps and release the vehicle. If the vehicle returns and already had ALL steps in this LI performed on a previous visit, or has software level 23A and newer: Please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain inbox and ensure the following is included: ‑ Initial Quick Test w/ Freeze Frame Data ‑ VGS Control Unit Log ‑ Initial EEPROM (before any adaptations or Xentry procedures were performed) ‑ Detailed vehicle history of the complaint

LI72.20-P-075746

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double‑clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") • an XSS ticket may be necessary to add the SA code 2. Perform SCN coding of EIS N73 control unit 3. Deactivate the vehicle key (a successful deactivation is indicated by the LED lighting up 2x briefly and then 1x for a long period). 4. Place the vehicle key in the storage compartment on the key symbol and turn on the ignition. IMPORTANT: all other vehicle keys must be outside the recognition range of the vehicle when doing this! Perform steps 3 and 4 successively for all vehicle keys. Notes: 6th, 7th and 8th generation keys can be deactivated as follows: Up to modification year 22/1 by double clicking the "Lock button" As of modification year 22/1, by press and holding the “Lock button", then double‑click the “Unlock button" at the same time. On model series 167, the storage compartment with the key symbol is located in the armrest. The SCN coding from the EZS is only transferred correctly to the vehicle key under the following conditions: Only one vehicle key is located in the vehicle, this key has been deactivated and it is positioned on the marking in the storage compartment for the data transfer. The costs for this adaptation are to be borne by the customer. For the newer BR 174, 178, 244, 248, 520, and 540, a software update must be initiated, as there is no way to perform SCN coding.

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 Update head unit software to latest version and the re‑check function in the same location. If vehicle is still exhibiting one of the symptoms as described exactly as in the complaint section or as shown in the video attachments, open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox with the following: • Video of the concern. • Exact location (latitude and longitude is best)

CL - Tank Leak Detection

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, 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"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.

PSL-NCU Return Parts 8/14

ENGINE; SUSPENSION

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, September 3rd, 2026. After September 3rd, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

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
2026210—
2025420—
2024113059.2
2023229051.8
2022Viewing259054.0
2021147057.8
2020339170.6
20196917163.8
20189918259.5
201721615264.5
201628613262.4
201538111358.8
2014945155.1
20132596154.6
20122666155.1
20114806256.9
20104536256.7
20095768358.8
20086727358.2

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.