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 396 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. 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.

LI54.21-P-079510

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Complaint Diverse functional limitations in the vehicle in combination with various warning and fault messages in the instrument cluster display. Cause Communication timeouts mean that communication errors may occur in the on‑board electrical system, which can result in various fault messages being displayed in the instrument cluster. This could be down to delayed feedback from the drivetrain control unit (N127) (CPC) to other control units networked to the CAN bus. Information: Only valid for vehicles through production period 10/2025. Not valid for vehicles with control unit CDCC (N125, central controller charging and driving) • It may not be possible to attribute any communication errors stored in the control units on the CAN bus to a specific cause • In rare instances, there may be a brief activation of the yellow warning lamp for engine diagnosis or there may be a sporadic delay with the start enable. • There may not be any specific fault codes present that indicate a specific component. Example image: Fault messages in instrument cluster: The reason for this could be down to delayed feedback from the control unit CPC3 to other control units networked on the CAN bus. Remedy Do not replace any components!!! ******************************************************************************************************* 1. Connect charger (see AR54.10‑P‑1127WT). Note: An adequate voltage from the on‑board electrical system battery must be guaranteed for the entire duration of the work procedure. Otherwise, the control units could be damaged if an undervoltage occurs. Information: Observe the operating instructions of the charger. Information: Use the charger to ensure an adequate voltage (at least 12.5 V) from the on‑board electrical system battery. ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 2. Connect diagnostic system (see AD00.00‑P‑2000‑06FR). Note: Always use the latest XENTRY Diagnostics software release. Information: Strict compliance with the operation steps in XENTRY Diagnostics is absolutely essential. ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 3. Select control unit N127 (CPC) via the direct link using XENTRY Diagnosis. Information: To do so, select the following menu items: Control units view → Drive systems → N127 ‑ "Drivetrain" control unit (CPC) ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 4. Update software for control unit N127 (CPC) (see AR54.21‑P‑0014‑01Y). Info: To do so, select the following menu items: Adaptations → Control unit update → Update control unit software. Information: You are then automatically guided through the steps "Update of control unit software" and "SCN coding". Always observe the following operation steps at all times ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 5. Disconnect diagnostic device from vehicle (see AD00.00‑P‑2000‑06FR). ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ 6. Disconnect charger from vehicle (see AR54.10‑P‑1127WT).

LI32.25-P-079707

SUSPENSION

Complaint Wheezing noises/squeaking noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and rough road. Noise MUST match those heard in the attached videos. Cause • Wheezing noises: Flow noises of the damper oil • Squeaking noises: From the mechanical rubber valve in the dividing piston Remedy In case of complaints, the front shock absorbers must be replaced. If shocks have been replaced and noise persists, please open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, Entertainment inbox.

LI27.60-P-080948

STRUCTURE:BODY

Complaint Wheezing noises/squeaking noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and rough road. Noise MUST match those heard in the attached videos. Cause • Wheezing noises: Flow noises of the damper oil • Squeaking noises: From the mechanical rubber valve in the dividing piston Remedy In case of complaints, the front shock absorbers must be replaced. If shocks have been replaced and noise persists, please open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, Entertainment inbox.

LI09.40-P-079068

ENGINE

Complaint Oil seeping from turbocharger oil return line at connection to engine block. Low oil level warning. Oil observed under vehicle. Cause Return line under tension due to turbo rotation. Remedy Inspect turbocharger housing for rotation (refer to attachment). If rotation is confirmed, the turbocharger and oil return line must be replaced.‑Resealing or replacing only the oil return line is not sufficient and will not resolve the symptom.‑Clean noise insulation on right side of engine if necessary. Replace insulation if cleaning is not sufficient.‑Observe foot notes regarding additional parts in XENTRY parts information when ordering turbocharger.

LI27.00-P-073124

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on‑going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact on all those involved. For the customer, it means high costs and long repair times and for the dealer, it may result in the warranty claim being rejected. Remedy General note: IPR is available for: ‑ NAG3 Classic (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG sport model (AMG 43 and AMG 53 with converter, automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 Classic ‑ AMG 63 (automatic transmission 725.0) ‑ NAG3 MOPF ISG2 (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF Hybrid (automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG sport model (AMG 53/AMG 53e with ISG48V2 & converter /hybrid, automatic transmission 725.1) ‑ NAG3 MOPF AMG 43/63 with engine 139/177 (automatic transmission 725.1) Steps for the Service Advisor: Important: The more information and detail that can be given to the workshop about the complaint, then the more effective the subsequent diagnosis with IPR can be. To this end, a detailed service reception questionnaire has been provided to help the Service Advisor ask the right questions about the complaint. ‑ Ask precise details about the customer complaint and the conditions and context. ‑ Fill out the service reception questionnaire (please see WIS document: OF27.00‑P‑3000‑05A) for customer complaints in detail and forward it to the workshop. Operation steps for the workshop employee: 1. Perform quick test 2. Access the transmission control unit via XENTRY Diagnosis 3. Select "A customer complaint has been received" and carry out all subsequent operation steps (IPR diagnosis path). 4. The IPR repair instructions are displayed, Carry out the IPR repair instructions without performing any further diagnostic or repair steps. ‑ Important: The IPR repair instructions are binding and must be carried out. Differing repairs are possible; such repairs must be documented in XENTRY in free text. Please observe the information regarding the IPR diagnosis process in XENTRY. Conventional diagnosis and subsequent appropriate repairs are only permitted if IPR does not specify any repair instructions. Invoicing for the guided IPR steps: Operation item 27‑0640 and 0.1 hours Notice regarding warranty: The use of IPR in association with warranty claims is mandatory! If the IPR repair instructions are disregarded without justification, the warranty claims may be rejected and/or are subject to debit. IPR will provide a measure to repair the vehicle based on various data sources (EEPROM, fault codes, etc). Please consider the vehicle maintenance record of the vehicle. For warranty and goodwill repairs, the transmission ECU test log and/or IPR test result must be uploaded into Paperless XENTRY Diagnosis (pXD) . If repair is being determined based of oil pan condition pictures of oil pan MUST be provided to warranty as justification. ·Tamper‑proof documentation: The IPR repair instructions are stored in the control unit log. Please file this document in a tamperproof manner ‑ either in digital form or as a hard‑copy printout and also enclose a printout with the damaged part. In this regard, please comply with the country‑specific warranty requirements of the MPC/general distributor.

LI46.10-P-080896

STEERING

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

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
2027000—
2026210—
2025420—
2024113057.5
2023229051.8
2022Viewing259054.0
2021157057.4
2020349170.2
20197017162.8
20189918258.1
201721615262.0
201629113263.0
201538211358.3
2014945155.1
20132626154.9
20122676155.1
20114806256.6
20104536256.7
20095768358.5
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.