Mercedes-Benz C300 years to avoid
The Mercedes-Benz C300 years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2014 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2020 is the cleanest year on record.
4,644
Total complaints
28
Recall campaigns
2008–2020
Years covered
9
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
C300 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | High complaints + open investigation | 942 | |
| 2009 | High complaints + open investigation | 846 | |
| 2010 | High complaints + open investigation | 593 | |
| 2011 | High complaints + open investigation | 585 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 514 | |
| 2016 | Open safety investigation | 368 | |
| 2013 | Open safety investigation | 342 | |
| 2012 | Open safety investigation | 334 | |
| 2014 | Open safety investigation | 120 |
Every C300 year
Common questions
What are the worst Mercedes-Benz C300 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the C300 years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest year on record is 2020.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz C300?
By complaint volume, 2020 has the cleanest NHTSA record among C300 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C300 have?
Across all model years, the C300 has 28 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 4,644 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.