2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance1035.7%
- Brakes517.9%
- Electrical517.9%
- Tires & wheels27.1%
- Engine27.1%
- Visibility13.6%
- Fuel system13.6%
- Powertrain (other)13.6%
- Body & structure13.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that on occasion while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped without the brake pedal being depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed twice by the local dealer, and the contact was advised that the Forward Collision Avoidance sensors needed to be recalibrated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was advised that further diagnostic tests were required to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000. The VIN was not available.
On 4 different occasions car brake assist activated causing car to come to an immediate stop and jerk. At stop light as I started to accelerate a left turn car came to an immediate stop almost causing the car behind hit rear end. Brake assist light activated. This happened twice. And twice when in reverse backing out of a parking space and backing into driveway. Dealership notified look at my car and stated they did not see anything wrong. 4th incident happened within 30 minutes after leaving Wilmington Mercedes Benz.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 4 different occasions car brake assist activated causing car to come to an immediate stop and jerk. At stop light as I started to accelerate a left turn car came to an immediate stop almost causing the car behind hit rear end. Brake assist light activated. This happened twice. And twice when in reverse backing out of a parking space and backing into driveway. Dealership notified look at my car and stated they did not see anything wrong. 4th incident happened within 30 minutes after leaving Wilmington Mercedes Benz.
On 2/17/24 the vehicle was parked in front of my house. There is a slight grade. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 1 hour when my neighbor called me to tell me that the vehicle had rolled down the hill and into his storage building. The vehicle rolled on its own. I have video evidence that no one was in or around the car at the time of this occurrence. I also, have 2 eyewitnesses who can corroborate this story. Due to safety concerns, I immediately returned the vehicle to Mercedes. I have .MOV files and pictures JPEG that will not upload for some reason.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The electrical wiring harness of my vehicle completely caught fire making my vehicle stopped working. Manufacture warranty refuses to acknowledge this as an ongoning issue with this models and forcing me to pay for my own repairs this is a danger to anyone driving this vehicle as the car entirely can be caught on fire at any given time.
The above multiple problems/parts at issue. To include Other/I am not sure. Started at or approximately February 2023. The (Automatic Folding Side View Folding Mirrors before resolution) Malfunctioned 3 separate times before being fixed. During that time the (Cooling System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Service Required), displayed 2 separate Unknown Dates on the Dashboard Screen. The MB Dealership Service Diagnostic Check made was not Able to Detect the Trouble and was Never Fixed). On Monday, 08/21/2023, by (USPS) delivered a Mercedes Benz Official Letter Head Dated August 2023, stating that an (IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL) for my Make and Model was issued. For the (Fuel Pump Impeller Module & Unfortunately, the Remedy is Not Yet Available). August 2023, the (Battery Voltage Level Percentage Warning Light) displayed 2 separate times. Then unknown dates, the front left driver's and right passenger's window were only going down by about 10-25% and up by about 90%, without completely closing. on 10/26/2023, the (Coolant System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Serviced Required) displayed. It has been at the Henderson of Mercedes-Benz Dealership to this date because knowing and understanding of the issues and unable to repair the problem. Additionally, being told the fuel pump recall parts not available until May of 2024. Monthly payments are still made, but the vehicle is not or cannot be driven due to the C-Class Sedan Operator's Manual on Pages 26-27, noting this could cause Crash, Injury and/or Death. I (FEAR FOR MYSELF, FAMILY, PUBLIC'S SAFETY & LIFE). The vehicle was brand new build and only has about 2,300 actual miles total. Reasonable time, due process has been given or allowed and being told it is unknown when or how all repairs will be fixed and still owning and not being able to drive the vehicle. Conclusion, I have loss all faith, trust and confidence in vehicle and if all will ever be fixed and (I WANT A TOTAL & FULL REFUND NOW).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes Benz C300 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: P Zero, Tire Size: 255/35/VR19, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an unknown bumping sound heard. The contact pulled over and noticed that the passenger's side front tire was flat. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The infotainment screen showed a reading of the tire 0 PSI. The contact noticed there was a hole in the tire and the side wall was damaged, and the rim was damaged. The contact depressed the SOS button but received no assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, but no assistance was provided. The contact called the local dealer and was provided information for the tire replacement. The dealer informed the contact that the tires on the vehicle were not correct for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle and tire failure mileages were 16,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with Bridgestone RFT Tires, Tire Line: Turanza 100, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VRJ7V4Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side tire exploded. The contact stated that a "0 PSI driver side front tire" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he observed that the driver's side tire had a portion blown out on the sidewall of the tire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the blowout had been due to external sources and not tire structural integrity. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer equipped with a spare tire, and the contact was informed by the dealer that any type of spare tire for the vehicle was unavailable for purchase. The contact had been told by the manufacturer that the vehicle had been equipped with "run flat tires" and there was no need for a spare tire. The approximate vehicle and tire failure mileage was 2,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The above multiple problems/parts at issue. To include Other/I am not sure. Started at or approximately February 2023. The (Automatic Folding Side View Folding Mirrors before resolution) Malfunctioned 3 separate times before being fixed. During that time the (Cooling System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Service Required), displayed 2 separate Unknown Dates on the Dashboard Screen. The MB Dealership Service Diagnostic Check made was not Able to Detect the Trouble and was Never Fixed). On Monday, 08/21/2023, by (USPS) delivered a Mercedes Benz Official Letter Head Dated August 2023, stating that an (IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL) for my Make and Model was issued. For the (Fuel Pump Impeller Module & Unfortunately, the Remedy is Not Yet Available). August 2023, the (Battery Voltage Level Percentage Warning Light) displayed 2 separate times. Then unknown dates, the front left driver's and right passenger's window were only going down by about 10-25% and up by about 90%, without completely closing. on 10/26/2023, the (Coolant System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Serviced Required) displayed. It has been at the Henderson of Mercedes-Benz Dealership to this date because knowing and understanding of the issues and unable to repair the problem. Additionally, being told the fuel pump recall parts not available until May of 2024. Monthly payments are still made, but the vehicle is not or cannot be driven due to the C-Class Sedan Operator's Manual on Pages 26-27, noting this could cause Crash, Injury and/or Death. I (FEAR FOR MYSELF, FAMILY, PUBLIC'S SAFETY & LIFE). The vehicle was brand new build and only has about 2,300 actual miles total. Reasonable time, due process has been given or allowed and being told it is unknown when or how all repairs will be fixed and still owning and not being able to drive the vehicle. Conclusion, I have loss all faith, trust and confidence in vehicle and if all will ever be fixed and (I WANT A TOTAL & FULL REFUND NOW).
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while reversing, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power, stalled and shutoff. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that no cause for the failure was found but updated the software. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,900.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
When going into Reverse the passenger side mirror angles down to see curbs. When putting back into Drive it should be going back up to normal angle, but 20% of the time it does not go back up. If you're driving in the dark you may not know it's reverted back up and get into a car accident. Dealership said there are no issues and a technician stated it goes back up at +9 mph. I've gone over 30 mph driving on public street only to realize it late. I am hoping this gets publicity before an accident occurs due to a defective safety-comfort feature.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The above multiple problems/parts at issue. To include Other/I am not sure. Started at or approximately February 2023. The (Automatic Folding Side View Folding Mirrors before resolution) Malfunctioned 3 separate times before being fixed. During that time the (Cooling System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Service Required), displayed 2 separate Unknown Dates on the Dashboard Screen. The MB Dealership Service Diagnostic Check made was not Able to Detect the Trouble and was Never Fixed). On Monday, 08/21/2023, by (USPS) delivered a Mercedes Benz Official Letter Head Dated August 2023, stating that an (IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL) for my Make and Model was issued. For the (Fuel Pump Impeller Module & Unfortunately, the Remedy is Not Yet Available). August 2023, the (Battery Voltage Level Percentage Warning Light) displayed 2 separate times. Then unknown dates, the front left driver's and right passenger's window were only going down by about 10-25% and up by about 90%, without completely closing. on 10/26/2023, the (Coolant System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Serviced Required) displayed. It has been at the Henderson of Mercedes-Benz Dealership to this date because knowing and understanding of the issues and unable to repair the problem. Additionally, being told the fuel pump recall parts not available until May of 2024. Monthly payments are still made, but the vehicle is not or cannot be driven due to the C-Class Sedan Operator's Manual on Pages 26-27, noting this could cause Crash, Injury and/or Death. I (FEAR FOR MYSELF, FAMILY, PUBLIC'S SAFETY & LIFE). The vehicle was brand new build and only has about 2,300 actual miles total. Reasonable time, due process has been given or allowed and being told it is unknown when or how all repairs will be fixed and still owning and not being able to drive the vehicle. Conclusion, I have loss all faith, trust and confidence in vehicle and if all will ever be fixed and (I WANT A TOTAL & FULL REFUND NOW).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 2/17/24 the vehicle was parked in front of my house. There is a slight grade. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 1 hour when my neighbor called me to tell me that the vehicle had rolled down the hill and into his storage building. The vehicle rolled on its own. I have video evidence that no one was in or around the car at the time of this occurrence. I also, have 2 eyewitnesses who can corroborate this story. Due to safety concerns, I immediately returned the vehicle to Mercedes. I have .MOV files and pictures JPEG that will not upload for some reason.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at 60mph my panoramic sunroof completely shattered. Nothing at all hit the sunroof to cause it to shatter. If my sunshade cover had not been on, the glass would have fallen on me while operating my vehicle. This is not only dangerous but unacceptable. It was also a distraction that could have caused an accident. Mercedes did not make me aware of the class action lawsuit they have with the panoramic sunroofs, and I feel that was neglectful on their part. Upon inspection from a service advisor at a Mercedes Benz dealership, they told me something must have hit it (nothing hit it) and want to charge me $4,000 to fix it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .