VehicleVerdict

2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 carries two red flags at once: 18 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.6× the Amg C43 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Amg C43 years to avoid.

18

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Amg C43 years?

Amg C43 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted31 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 31 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 15 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 0 complaints
Amg C43 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Amg C43 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels633%
Other528%
Transmission211%
Body & Structure16%
Electrical System16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Engine16%
Seat Belts16%

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V854000Body & StructureDecember 15, 2023 · 2,976 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

21V197000Body & StructureMarch 19, 2021 · 15,096 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Consequence

The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

21V058000OtherFebruary 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

21V032000Seat BeltsJanuary 29, 2021 · 24,550 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.

19V586000Electrical SystemAugust 9, 2019 · 26,584 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 C300, C300 4MATIC, and C43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured. This may allow the battery to shift, possibly disconnecting the terminals in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Loss of power from the battery can impair post-crash functions, such as communicating with emergency services and activating hazard lights. The battery may also detach and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery mounting bracket, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090010.

19V130000SeatsFebruary 26, 2019 · 22,637 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, AMG C43 Coupe, C300 4MATIC Cabriolet, C300 4MATIC Coupe, AMG C43 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S Cabriolet and AMG C63 S Coupe vehicles and 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E400 4MATIC Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.

Consequence

If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatback on the affected vehicles and replace the seatback lock, as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on April 12, 2019 to notify owners. Owners will receive a second notification when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040007.

18V838000AirbagsNovember 27, 2018 · 104,663 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.

Consequence

If the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.

18V456000Body & StructureJuly 10, 2018 · 10,826 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, and C63 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a bonding issue introduced in the production process, the rear beltline trim may separate from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the beltline trim were to separate from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear beltline trim and replace the trim if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

18V207000SeatsMarch 29, 2018 · 3,088 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG 4Matic Cabriolet and C63S AMG Cabriolet, 2017 C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe, 2018 E400 Coupe and E400 4Matic Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.

Consequence

If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatbacks, replacing the seatbacks lock, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018040007.

18V150000SeatsMarch 6, 2018 · 99 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes Benz C43 AMG, C63S AMG, E63 S AMG Sedan, and E63S AMG Stationwagon vehicles fitted with AMG performance seats. The backrest rail and backrest fitting may not be properly welded on the driver and front passenger seats.

Consequence

The incorrect welding may result in the seats failing in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds of the backrest frames, replacing the backrests as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 4, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018060001.

17V627000AirbagsOctober 6, 2017 · 495,290 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.

Consequence

If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONTINENTAL CONTISPORTCONTACT SSR TIRES SIDE WALL RIP/TEAR (MERCEDES BENZ), THIS IS THE FORTH REPLACED TIRES, COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES AND FALLS ON DEATHS EARS. MY CONCERN IF A MAJOR CRASH DO TO THE TIRES THEN WHO IS AT FAULT. REPLACING IT SEVERAL TIMES IS NOT THE ANSWER. TAKING THESE TIRES OFF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 9, 2019

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 10, 2021

“NEW VEHICLE WITH UNDER 1000 TOTAL MILEAGE. INTERNAL PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE IN TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION WITH METAL SHAVING FOUND IN TRANSMISSION PAN. TRANSMISSION AND FAULTY VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2018

“Incorrect bonding of the rear window. The rear window bond is failing which is causing the window to detach from the convertible top. The bonding is failing in many different locations, causing not only detachment, but the failure is also causing fine hairline cracks at the points of failure. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 1, 2022

“Mercedes-Benz C-Class convertibles from the 2017 to 2021 model years are being recalled because the seat belts might not comply with federal Occupant Crash Protection standards. The problem is that the front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position because of the geometry of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 9, 2022

2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 18 complaints put the 2018 model at #2 of 9 Amg C43 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Amg C43 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Amg C43 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (6 complaints), other (5 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Mercedes-Benz Amg C43 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Amg C43 years to avoid are 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Amg C43 years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.