2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 213 13 crash 11 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, AFTER MOVING OFF FROM A FOUR-WAY TRAFFIC STOP, A PEDESTRIAN RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND SWERVED, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID STRIKING THE PEDESTRIAN. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE PEDESTRIAN AND THE CONTACT LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET BEEN PROVIDED A COPY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A C…”
NHTSA complaint #11384577, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE EXTREMELY TIGHT TO THE SEATS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT WERE LOOSE AND THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR WERE TIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT WORK. WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGHWAY RATE OF SPEED, ANOTHER DRIVER TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATE…”
NHTSA complaint #10661748, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Airbags did not deploy after rear-ending another car. Airbags had been recalled and repaired at the Mercedes dealership. There weren't any lights on the dashboard at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11418071, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 87 1 crash 3 fire

“MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT KEEPS DIMMING AND GOING BACK BRIGHT. I THOUGHT I NEEDED A BULB BUT BUT IT GAVE ME A MESSAGE TODAY FOR EVERYTHING ON THE RIGHT SIDE BUT THEN THE MESSAGE WENT AWAY. LAST NIGHT SOMEONE TOLD ME THE RIGHT LIGHT WAS DIM THEN IT GOT BRIGHTER. I'VE BEEN SMELLING A FAINT BURNING SMELL BUT TODAY IT WAS KIND OF LOUD. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLASTIC AND WIRE IS MELTING ON RTE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11172381, 2019 · fire

“THE WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE REAR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING OFF SINCE PURCHASING THE CERTIFIED PREOWNED VEHICLE IN JUNE 2014. IT WAS RETURNED THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE ISSUE AND NEVER FIXED. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND THE WARNING SYSTEM INFORMED ME TO CHECK ALL OF MY REAR LIGHTS. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS FUNCTIONING ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND REAR FOG LAMPS WERE ALL NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN A ROAD SIDE TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE VEHICLE HE SAW BURNT WIRES AND MELTED PLASTIC ON THE LIGHTING MOUNT. THIS OCCURRED DURI…”
NHTSA complaint #10625861, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LIGHT FAILED DUE TO A MELTED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10573774, 2014 · fire

Steering 73 3 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND CHEST INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A SECOND PERSON WAS INJURED FROM THE SECOND VEHICLE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11232196, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ON JUNE 9,2019 I WAS DRIVING GOING TO GIANT GROCERY STORE IN WEST-BARD SHOPPING CENTER IN BETHESDA. .IN THE PARKING LOT I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING COLUMN.HIT A CONCRETE POLE AND PASSED OUT.ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, TIME WAS AROUND I WAS DRIVING ON CITY ROAD.FROM RIVER ROAD TO WESTBARD. I SUFFERED BRAIN,NECK,CHEST AND KNEE INJURIES. SUFFERRED TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIAF OR NEARLY 4 HOURS OR MORE. STILL RECUPERATING. LAST TWO YEARS GETTING LETTERS FOR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALLS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, DID NOT KNOW THAT STEERING COLUMN HAD ISSUES. I DID MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED SERVICE.CAR HA…”
NHTSA complaint #11229711, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I FIRST RECEIVED MY CAR. I CAME TO FIND OUT ONCE IN ACCIDENT 4/30/17 THAT THERE WERE ZERO AIRBAGS IN THE CAR AT ALL! THIS IS VERY UNACCEPTABLE”
NHTSA complaint #11046056, 2017 · crash

Exterior Lighting 50 5 fire

“The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that the wiring in the left tail light had melted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) which he linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and both informed him that the recall had been serviced prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11436910, 2021 · fire

“MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT KEEPS DIMMING AND GOING BACK BRIGHT. I THOUGHT I NEEDED A BULB BUT BUT IT GAVE ME A MESSAGE TODAY FOR EVERYTHING ON THE RIGHT SIDE BUT THEN THE MESSAGE WENT AWAY. LAST NIGHT SOMEONE TOLD ME THE RIGHT LIGHT WAS DIM THEN IT GOT BRIGHTER. I'VE BEEN SMELLING A FAINT BURNING SMELL BUT TODAY IT WAS KIND OF LOUD. I CHECKED AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLASTIC AND WIRE IS MELTING ON RTE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT.”
NHTSA complaint #11172381, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE PARKING LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10808226, 2015 · fire

Structure 35 1 crash 2 injury

“ON JUNE 9,2019 I WAS DRIVING GOING TO GIANT GROCERY STORE IN WEST-BARD SHOPPING CENTER IN BETHESDA. .IN THE PARKING LOT I LOST CONTROL OF STEERING COLUMN.HIT A CONCRETE POLE AND PASSED OUT.ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, TIME WAS AROUND I WAS DRIVING ON CITY ROAD.FROM RIVER ROAD TO WESTBARD. I SUFFERED BRAIN,NECK,CHEST AND KNEE INJURIES. SUFFERRED TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIAF OR NEARLY 4 HOURS OR MORE. STILL RECUPERATING. LAST TWO YEARS GETTING LETTERS FOR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALLS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, DID NOT KNOW THAT STEERING COLUMN HAD ISSUES. I DID MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDED SERVICE.CAR HA…”
NHTSA complaint #11229711, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I ONLY HAVE 30,000 MILES ON MY 2010 C300. THE DRIVER INTERIOR DOOR LATCH BROKE LEAVING ME UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I TOOK TO DEALER AND I EVEN HAD AN EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY TILL 60,000 MILES... THE DEALER OR THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER MY DOOR LATCH, STATING IT IS WEAR AND TEAR... THIS PART IS CHEAP PLASTIC, THAT IS PULLED ON NUMEROUS TIMES A DAY. PLASTIC IS NOT DURABLE, ESPECIALLY IN STATES WITH MULTIPLE EXTREMES IN TEMPERATURES. IT WAS $150 JUST TO REMOVE THE DOOR PANEL BY THE MERCEDES DEALER TO TELL ME THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PART IS $618 PLUS LABO…”
NHTSA complaint #10876724, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“While i have a few recalls i plan on needing service from Mercedes for, I just found out that Mercedes has a Class action lawsuit involving my C class mercedes C300 from 2010-2022 years. I was driving and ran into a pothole. My car rear started making noise and sounds. I went to the auto shop amd was told my rear subframe was damaged and would cost over 2,000. I and putting in a complaint to make sure Mercedes honor this recall/ extended warranty for my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11678959, 2025

Unknown Or Other 31 1 crash 4 injury

“SMELL IN CAR GAVE ME A SEVERE HEADACHE ALONG WITH NAUSEA AND CHEST PAINS. THERE?S BEEN A NOXIOUS ODOR IN THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS. NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. MY GRANDCHILDREN HAVE PASSED OUT IN THE CAR FROM IT AND IT IS CAUSING ME MIGRAINES AND OTHER ISSUES. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR. I NEED A SOLUTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11105040, 2018 · 3 injury(ies)

“1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be r…”
NHTSA complaint #11664539, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Rusted rear sub frame that needs to be replaced. Premature rusting that Mercedes needs to repair at no cost. Also, premature battery drain on new battery. Needs to be fixed by Mercedes at no cost.”
NHTSA complaint #11512388, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 27 1 crash

“THE FUEL TANK HAVE RUST CAUSE IT TO LEAK, A RISK OF AN ENGINE FIRE OR CRASH BECAUSE OF A FUEL TANK ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11222076, 2019 · crash

“Dealer notes, fuel tank, and hold down straps are rusted and rotted”
NHTSA complaint #11546674, 2023

“Fuel smell when gas tank is full. Engine code P0456”
NHTSA complaint #11474174, 2022

Suspension 26

“Got a car from the dealer soon weeks after the rear subframe was so corroded alignment was able to get done and was snapped on both sides airbag light came on doesn’t go away and the rear right brake like started using the fog light as a turn signal”
NHTSA complaint #11686269, 2025

“Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and it’s was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue”
NHTSA complaint #11686271, 2025

“The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300W. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. The contact was later informed that the wheel alignment was not fully completed due to extensive corrosion on the subframe. The contact picked up the vehicle and upon investigation discovered that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the corrosion of the subframe. An appointment was scheduled, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained for two weeks. The contact was later informed that the condition of the vehicle did not reach the warranty standards for repair. The vehicle rema…”
NHTSA complaint #11639841, 2024

Power Train 17 2 crash

“ON 12/22/12 AT APPROXIMATELY 9PM I WAS PARKING MY CAR HAVING ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION. I HAD ALMOST FINISHED PARKING WHEN MY MERCEDES BENZ C300, 2010 LUNCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME RESULTING IN A CHAIN RECTION. WITH THAT TRUCK SMASHING INTO THE VEHICLE INFRONT OF IT. I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND THEREFORE MUST HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. I WENT SEARCHING AND FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM A COUPLE OF OTHER OWNERS OF BENZ C300 2010 MODEL.I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA AND REPORTED AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO TAKE THE CAR IN AND PA…”
NHTSA complaint #10493628, 2012 · crash

“ON JULY 18, 2011, I WAS WAITING IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC FOR A SIGNAL LIGHT TO CHANGE, AND AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN TO MOVE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND MY 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300 LURCHED FORWARD AND REARENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE FORWARD MOTION WAS VERY FORCEFUL AND THE IMPACT WAS HEAVY. THIS WAS UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION, AS I HAD NOT DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATOR AND WHILE I AM DEEMED AT FAULT I FEEL THIS MOVEMENT IS DEFINITELY RELATED TO ANOTHER INCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE REPORTED ON MAY 21, 2011. PLEASE REFER TO ODI # 10403924. MERCEDES BENZ CORP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING…”
NHTSA complaint #10413806, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AT START-UP AND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE BATTERY FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOR A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11366537, 2020

Engine 15 1 crash

“AFTER BACKING OUT OF HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AND MOVING FORWARD AT A SLOW SPEED MY VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE FORCEFULLY ACCELERATED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE (FORCEFULLY MOVING THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY THREE FEET) THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPEED THROUGH THE HANDICAP PARKING LOT AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE WITHOUT RESULTS OF STOPPING. THIS VEHICLE RAN THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND INTO THE FRONT ENTRANCE ROAD OF THE VA HOSPITAL.( THIS ROAD HAS HEAVY TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN USAGE) THE ONLY WAY TO STOP MY VEHICLE WAS TO JUMP THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10863485, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then reached out to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner Service and Parts, located at 8545 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, and was informed about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11717513, 2024

“AUG 12, 2020 TOOK C300 TO FLETCHER JONES MOTORCARS OF FREMONT. I PAID FOR THEM TO DO AN OIL & FILTER CHANGE AFTER THEY DID PERFORM RECALL 2018120017 ~ 18P9193104 CAUSE: RECALL 2019120027. PAID $204.65 THAT DAY. 01/21/21- AFTER DRIVING, W MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AT CITY SPEED LIMIT TO FEDEX WHICH IS 1 MILE FROM MY HOUSE ON SAME STREET, AND BACK, MY SIG OTHER COULDN'T PUT BACK THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD TO DRIVE TO WORK NEXT DAY, UNSAFE...PRESSED UP AGAINST STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE I'M 6 FEET. SOMEHOW THAT WENT AWAY. 03/09/21- I TOOK IN THE CAR, BY TOW TRUCK, BACK SAME PLACE FLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11403988, 2021

Service Brakes 9

“Rear subframe rust out and rear passenger brake line corrosion. The entire subframe has to be taken apart in order to reach the brake line. The vehicle is due to get the rear subframe replaced as part of the warranty extension. The brake lines are not covered. Took it into Mercedes Benz Dealership in Santa Fe, NM. They will not even touch it because they don't even know how repair it.Also they never done this type of work.”
NHTSA complaint #11618710, 2024

“The right rear brake line had rusted out and caused complete brake failure while driving. If this occured at highway speeds it could have resulted in serious injuries. A search has shown this is widespread with the C300 and other mercedes vehicles and although mercedes has acknowledged this in other vehicles it has not done so for the C300. This is a potential for serious bodily injury and should be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11615115, 2024

“My brake line is corroded and needs replacing at a cost of $3500.00. I have an extended warranty on the rear subframe due to a recall; however, Mercedes will not cover this costly repair. I was informed by service advisor that I could still drive car with extra caution, as there are no leaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11560808, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 8

“MY VEHICLE WAS RUNNING SUPERIOR, NO WARNING SIGNALS OR STRAINING WHEN POWERING ON. PARKED CAR THEN AN HOUR LATER TRIED TURNING VEHICLE ON AND WILL NOT TURN ON FOR ANY REASON JUST RADIO WORKED. FOUND OUT IT WAS STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A HEFTY $1100. HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY 3 MONTHS AND BARELY USED IT. I BELIEVE IT'S A RECALL ON THESE ISSUES.”
NHTSA complaint #11115027, 2018

“THEY NEVER HAVE THE PART I HAVE 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C 300 I NEED IT FIX, THE LIGHTS CODES ARE ALWAYS, GOING ON AND OFF. CHECK INGINE LIGHT. NO ACCEDINT . . JUST RECALL AND NEED IT FIX PASSENGER AIR BAG”
NHTSA complaint #11110314, 2017

“STEERING WHEEL LOCK KEEPING CAR FROM STARTING HAS HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO ME ANY MANY PEOPLE WITH BENZ”
NHTSA complaint #11048756, 2017

Seats 6 1 crash 1 injury

“1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be r…”
NHTSA complaint #11664539, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Both the front seats tear at back bottom”
NHTSA complaint #11603330, 2023

“I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ FOR A REAR TAIL LIGHT RECALL. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NOTE: THIS WAS NOT HAPPENING PRIOR TO ME DROPPING MY VEHICLE OFF TO THE DEALER. I INFORMED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE DROVE MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE MECHANIC. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD ME GO TO WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS ON A LIFT. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON MY VEHICLE RUSTED (METAL LINE) OUT CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. ALSO, THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT SENSOR WENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE BACK OR FORWARD.…”
NHTSA complaint #11102704, 2018

Seat Belts 5 2 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE EXTREMELY TIGHT TO THE SEATS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT WERE LOOSE AND THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR WERE TIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT WORK. WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGHWAY RATE OF SPEED, ANOTHER DRIVER TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATE…”
NHTSA complaint #10661748, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be r…”
NHTSA complaint #11664539, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SRS LIGHT CAME ON OCTOBER 2017. I TOOK MY CAR TO MERCEDES OF SACRAMENTO . THE REPAIR TECH STATED THAT IT WASN'T THE AIRBAG. THE REPAIR TECH SAID THAT ITS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE IT IS THE AIRBAG. I NEED THIS FIXED.”
NHTSA complaint #11053438, 2017

Wheels 5

“Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and it’s was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue”
NHTSA complaint #11686271, 2025

“ON TWO OCCASIONS, WITH THE LATEST BEING ON 12/11/2018, THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COMPLETELY AFTER I PARKED IT. EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN SUBJECT TO A RECALL (2010100002), MERCEDES BENZ CHARGED ME $1255 JUST TO UNLOCK IT WITHOUT REPAIRING THE UNDERLYING CAUSE. I WANT MY MONEY BACK BECAUSE THE PROBLEM THEY REPAIRED IS PART OF THE RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11160947, 2018

“ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON LEVEL GROUND AT A SHOPPING CENTER AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND NEARLY HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED BACK INTO THE SPACE AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I REPEATED THE SEQUENCE A THIRD TIME AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED A LITTLE AND STOPPED ON ITS OWN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MERCEDES OF ANNAPOLIS AND THE SERVICE PERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE GEARS WORK ON AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND THE ISSUE WAS A 'FLUKE.' THE NEXT DAY, THE S…”
NHTSA complaint #11063724, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 4 3 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. AS A RESULT, THE TWO REAR SEAT PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR LACERATIONS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRONT END BODY DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,935. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10691139, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“AFTER BACKING OUT OF HANDICAP PARKING SPACE AND MOVING FORWARD AT A SLOW SPEED MY VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE FORCEFULLY ACCELERATED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE (FORCEFULLY MOVING THIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY THREE FEET) THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPEED THROUGH THE HANDICAP PARKING LOT AS I CONTINUED TO BRAKE WITHOUT RESULTS OF STOPPING. THIS VEHICLE RAN THROUGH A STOP SIGN AND INTO THE FRONT ENTRANCE ROAD OF THE VA HOSPITAL.( THIS ROAD HAS HEAVY TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN USAGE) THE ONLY WAY TO STOP MY VEHICLE WAS TO JUMP THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10863485, 2016 · crash

“ON JULY 18, 2011, I WAS WAITING IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC FOR A SIGNAL LIGHT TO CHANGE, AND AS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN TO MOVE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND MY 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300 LURCHED FORWARD AND REARENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE FORWARD MOTION WAS VERY FORCEFUL AND THE IMPACT WAS HEAVY. THIS WAS UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION, AS I HAD NOT DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATOR AND WHILE I AM DEEMED AT FAULT I FEEL THIS MOVEMENT IS DEFINITELY RELATED TO ANOTHER INCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE REPORTED ON MAY 21, 2011. PLEASE REFER TO ODI # 10403924. MERCEDES BENZ CORP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING…”
NHTSA complaint #10413806, 2011 · crash

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“THE MERCEDES BENZ C 300W4 2010 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INSIDE DOOR LATCH.THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED FROM THE DEALER IN 2013. IT HAS LESS THAN 15000 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY THEY KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG IMMEDIATELY. COST TO REPAIR APPROX. $1000. LOOKING ON LINE I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT. WHAT HAPPENS IN AN EMERGENCY IF YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND THE HANDLE BREAKS? IN MY HUMBLE OPINION THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10714757, 2015

“I WENT TO OPEN MY DOOR AFTER I HAD PARKED AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH BROKE. SO, I HAD TO CUT MY CAR BACK ON, ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND PULL THE LATCH FROM OUTSIDE THE DOOR. IF YOU LOOK ONLINE THIS APPEARS T BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2010 C300. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10662581, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHEN PARKED THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WILL ONLY UNLOCK WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER-SIDE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/18/10. *LJ UPDATED 03/09/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS DIFFICULTY PULLING THE KNOB ON THE REAR DOORS TO UNLOCK THEM. IT IS SMOOTHLY, SLIPPERY AND NARROW AND HE IS UNABLE TO GRASP IT. UPDATED 06/29/10.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10296738, 2009

Visibility/Wiper 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF CEASED IN THE OPEN POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,641.*PM*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11297380, 2019

“I CALLED MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TO MAKE APPOINTMENT, THEY TOOK MY INFORMATION 6 MONTHS A GO WITH OUT ANY ANSWER THE FIX THE RECALL PROBLEMS”
NHTSA complaint #11208051, 2018

“NOTICES OF RECALL; SCHEDULED WITH DEALER AND NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK TO REPLACEMENT. THE CALL SMELLS STRONGLY OF BURNT PLASTIC SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. EVERY SINGLE CAR MAINTENANCE PERSON TELLS ME THE CAR EMITS THAT SMELL.”
NHTSA complaint #11048485, 2017

Equipment 2

“The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a left turn, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle drifted farther to the left than intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed abnormal deterioration of the sub frame. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact investigated and related the failure to Manufacturer Communication NHTSA ID Number: 10233780 (Structure, Equi…”
NHTSA complaint #11533008, 2023

“VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP. HOOD WAS NOT SECURE AND SENSOR NEVER NOTIFIED DRIVER. SEAT STOPPED WORKING. BLUETOOTH IS FAULTY. THE JERKING OCCURS EVERY WEEK, AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM SO NO REPAIRS DONE. BLUETOOTH NOT FIXED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10371131, 2010

Visibility 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF CEASED IN THE OPEN POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,641.*PM*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11297380, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ 300C. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE SUN ROOF OPENED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10460235, 2012

Back Over Prevention 1

“Rear sub frame is corroded as shown to me by the Mercedes mechanic in a video he sent me.The car is available for inspection. I am nervous to drive now after hearing about the related problems others are having such as braking issues and swaying when the brakes are applied. The way I found out about the rear sub frame corrosion was when I needed work done at the dealer. This problem should not be happening to all of these vehicles. In other countries, Germany and Canada, to name a couple, Mercedes dealers are fixing this through a recall. Why not the US? The date below is when the mechanic tol…”
NHTSA complaint #11487454, 2022

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“I DROVE MY CAR TO A STORE, TURNED IT OFF AND LEFT IT FOR 10 MINUTES. WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I HAD A FRIEND TRY TO JUMP MY 1 YEAR OLD BATTERY AMD STILL NO START. MY DISPLAY SAYS TO REMOVE KEY WHEN MY KEY IS IN. LIGHTS, RADIO, AND LOCKS WORK BUT NO WINDOWS. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THIS PROBLEM IS POSTED EVERYONE ONLINE. SEEMS LIKE A COMMON THING. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'LL COST ME $1575 AND TAKE 5 DAYS TO FIX.”
NHTSA complaint #10765283, 2015

Tires 1

“ORIGINAL TIRES WITH 29000 MILES........ CONTINENTAL TIRE LEFT FRONT SHREDDED ON FREEWAY, TOTAL SEPARATION OF RUBBER FROM RIM, CONTACTED CONTINENTAL [XXX], WAS REFERRED TO CUSTOMER AND THEN TO WARRANTY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE, FILED A CLAIM WHICH WAS REJECTED AFTER 4 MONTHS BECAUSE I DIDN'T PROVIDE THE SHREDDED TIRE. CONTINENTAL REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT VIRTUALLY DISINTEGRATING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS TOTAL UNACCEPTABLE, I HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR CONTINENTAL TIRES AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANY CONTINENTAL PRODUCT AGAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…”
NHTSA complaint #10633700, 2014