VehicleVerdict

2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 carries two red flags at once: 128 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.6× the C 300 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the C 300 years to avoid.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (27% of the total).

128

NHTSA complaints

18

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other C 300 years?

C 300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted128 complaints2018: 128 complaints2019: 85 complaints2020: 46 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 36 complaints2024: 18 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 1 complaints
C 300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C 300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3527%
Other2318%
Body & Structure129%
Steering129%
Electrical System119%
Fuel System108%
Driver Assistance65%
Airbags43%
Tires & Wheels32%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Lighting32%
Brakes22%
Transmission22%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have recalls?

18 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.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

21V509000LightingJuly 2, 2021 · 1,467 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

21V072000OtherFebruary 12, 2021 · 67 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

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.

18V906000LightingDecember 19, 2018 · 2,364 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C300 4MATIC vehicles. The headlights on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the low beam headlight is not properly adjusted, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the setting of the headlights and adjust them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020008.

18V872000SteeringDecember 7, 2018 · 2 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe and one C300 4Matic Coupe. The steering coupling may not have been correctly locked during manufacturing.

Consequence

If the steering connection was not properly locked, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack may come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120010.

18V850000SteeringNovember 29, 2018 · 6,373 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.

Consequence

A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.

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.

18V725000Electrical SystemOctober 15, 2018 · 4,073 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.

Consequence

If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.

18V608000Visibility & WipersSeptember 11, 2018 · 387 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4MATIC, C63 AMG, and C63S AMG vehicles. Incorrect bonding of the rear window may cause the window to loosen and detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the window detaches from the vehicle, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will rework the rear window bonding, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

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.

CODE'S P052W-71 & P060A-00 THESE'S CODES HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH MERCEDES BENZ FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW... ITS BEEN COMPLAINTS AFTER COMPLAINTS AND MERCEDES BENZ HAS NOT TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE ISSUE.. THIS IS DEFINATELY A RECALL PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS I CAN BE REACH AT [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2024

My c300 2018 only has 50k and suddenly the engine light is on, when I check it shows that I need the Positive Crankcase ventilation valve replaced. it cost $2300. As I know a lot of people who own Mercedes have the same problem. Three mechanics claim it on almost all C, CLA, and GLA models. Please…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 23, 2023

I am wanting to add information to my original complaint. Tracking#11589822 When I called in the electrical issue to AAA the agent said this is a common problem on these cars. Next, I want to add photos the Mercedes of Fresno service department sent me during the 2nd time my car was taken in to be…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 1, 2023 · crash

While driving in a curved onramp connecting from one street to another the vehicle experienced a complete loss of steering ability which resulted in the vehicle continuing to move straight, off the pavement, and into a wall. The vehicle bounced off of the wall and loss of steering ability continued…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 6, 2021 · crash

I am wanting to add information to my original complaint. Tracking#11589822 When I called in the electrical issue to AAA the agent said this is a common problem on these cars. Next, I want to add photos the Mercedes of Fresno service department sent me during the 2nd time my car was taken in to be…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2023 · crash

2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 128 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 9 C 300 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the C 300 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 C 300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), other (23 complaints), body & structure (12 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300. 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 C 300 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 C 300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C 300 years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among C 300 years belongs to 2026.

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.