2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 269 12 crash 10 injury

“AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, A DEER RAN ACROSS THE OPPOSITE SIDE LANE OF TRAFFIC AND COLLIDED WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND WINDSHIELD. THE ENTIRE DEER LANDED IN DRIVERS LAP AND PASSENGERS SIDE SEATS. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. STATEFARM AND STATE TROOPER REPORTS WITH PHOTOS TAKEN. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE TAKEN TO ER BY AMBULANCE AND TREATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11222296, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. There was a recall on airbags for the Mercedes C300 within the year my vehicle was made, however, the recall did not include my VIN. Also, the sunroof drain is faulty, which was also recalled on other Mercedes C300s within the same production year, again not my VIN, but upon inspection by a certified dealership, it appears to be the same issue as other recalled vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11582626, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The airbags were supposed to have been fixed per recall by carriage house Mercedes in new London ct. my son was in a horrible front in collision and they did not deploy. None of them did. Accident happened 3 days ago insurance will pick up car today. I’d like this noted incase they need evidence”
NHTSA complaint #11561237, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 62 3 injury

“The subframe has rusted/fallen off. This is incredibly risky as the car cannot be driven safely and it happened without warning. My mechanic said it is not due to any driving incidents but through rust occurring on Mercedes' subframes, which are flimsy. It has been inspected professionally by a mechanic. There are NO warning lamps. This could kill someone on the highway as while braking the car veered left and right. I had small children in the car we all neck pain from the car veering while stopping on the highway. I have taken good care of my vehicle and have all maintenance current. This is…”
NHTSA complaint #11553395, 2023 · 3 injury(ies)

“Subframe rusted resulting in failure of left rear suspension mount causing dangerous loss of control of car under braking.”
NHTSA complaint #11623710, 2024

“I just purchased a 2011 Mercedes C300. I was told that for the past 2-3 years the vehicle would constantly bald out the rear 2 tires and would need replaced every 3 months. As I was driving the vehicle I noticed that the rear tires would make weird noises as if it was hutting something. Upon further investigation the rear sub frame is rotted, which based on research appears to be a very common problem with these vehicles. The rear sub frame is rotted in which caused the lower control arms to completely rot off of the frame posing as a serious safety issue for me when driving with my children a…”
NHTSA complaint #11618212, 2024

Structure 50 1 crash 4 injury

“The subframe has rusted/fallen off. This is incredibly risky as the car cannot be driven safely and it happened without warning. My mechanic said it is not due to any driving incidents but through rust occurring on Mercedes' subframes, which are flimsy. It has been inspected professionally by a mechanic. There are NO warning lamps. This could kill someone on the highway as while braking the car veered left and right. I had small children in the car we all neck pain from the car veering while stopping on the highway. I have taken good care of my vehicle and have all maintenance current. This is…”
NHTSA complaint #11553395, 2023 · 3 injury(ies)

“THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ACCIDENT AS IT INVOLVED A POLICE CHASE OF A FELON WHO RAN A RED LIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND IS DEEMED TOTALED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN MY VEHICLE AND I REQUIRED EMERGENCY TRANSPORT TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. THIS ALSO INVOLVED A POLICE SHOOTING INCIDENT WITH THE DEATH OF THE OTHER DRIVER. THE VEHICLE IS PENDING TOWING TO A SALVAGE YARD.THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS A QUESTION OF DEFECTIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FUTURE POTENTIAL INJURY TO OTHERS.”
NHTSA complaint #10762414, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Rear subframe , so I went in for an alignment and was quickly notified and denied service due to my rear sub frame being broken. Car is reported to be unsafe by the tire company.no lights etc. My family and I could of seriously been hurt. I can retrieve a statement from dun tire in auburn and from mercedes. They are charging me 641.00 and I'm without a vehicle for 2wks”
NHTSA complaint #11624585, 2024

Electrical System 46 4 fire

“PASSENGER SIDE LOWBEAM LIGHT BURNT OUT APPROX 2 MONTHS AGO, BULB REPLACED. FIVE DAYS AGO PASSENGER SIDE LOWBEAM LIGHT BURNT OUT AGAIN. PARKED CAR AFTER ABOUT A 15 MILE DRIVE, WITHIN 30 MINUTES CAR WAS ON FIRE AND ENTIRE FRONT END BURNT COMPLETELY. SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL FROM MERCEDES FOR FAULTY WIRING TO HEADLIGHTS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR THEIR HOME DESTROYED IF FIRE STARTS WHILE CAR PARKED IN GARAGE?”
NHTSA complaint #11073386, 2018 · fire

“WE HAVE THE RECALL AND I AM SORRY I DO NOT HAVE THE NUMBER WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE TAIL LAMPS COULD MELT CATCHING FIRE CAUSING THE REAR LAMP TO GO OUT. MINE HAS DONE SO. MY WIFE DRIVES 35 MILES 1 WAY TO WORK EACH DAY AND BECAUSE IT WAS AT NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAD TO GO OUT ON I-64 WHICH IS A 70MPH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND DO A TEMP FIX SO SEE COULD GET HOME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHICH AT TIME PARTS WERE NOT AVAILED AND THE DEALER WAS TO CONTACT ME WHEN THEY RE AVAILED, WHICH THE YOUNG LADY EVEN WHEN THEY SENT OUT THE CONTACT BUT DID NOT BOTHER TO TELL THE REST. IT HAD BEEN S…”
NHTSA complaint #11054431, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INSKIP MERCEDES, LOCATED AT 1557 BALD HILL ROAD, WARWICK, RI 02886, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION MODULE MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,282.”
NHTSA complaint #10993753, 2017 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 43

“Strong fu Smell after filling tank recently. Checked under the passenger side rear seat and there is some fuel on the top of tank. Local mechanic confirmed and mentioned not to fill tank more than half. Requires replacement of fuel tank to fix it”
NHTSA complaint #11739814, 2026

“The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I found that it was a problem many Mercedes Benz owners have had and it's an expensive one. It's not just with my particular model and it's not limited to older models of the brand either.”
NHTSA complaint #11682861, 2025

“1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel system failure is a highly critical safety concern, and my life is at risk. It causes malfunctions with the vehicle, for example, the OBD-based emissions test has flagged a lot of (codes P219A, P0300, P0304, P0410, P0305, P0303, P0171, P0301) 5 of the cylinder misfire codes with the check engine light on, as well affecting other parts in the vehicle function properly, acceleration issues, car stalling as though it’s going to shut off. This is a serious matter and Mercedes-Benz is faili…”
NHTSA complaint #11621516, 2024

Unknown Or Other 37 2 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I was in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. There was a recall on airbags for the Mercedes C300 within the year my vehicle was made, however, the recall did not include my VIN. Also, the sunroof drain is faulty, which was also recalled on other Mercedes C300s within the same production year, again not my VIN, but upon inspection by a certified dealership, it appears to be the same issue as other recalled vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11582626, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ACCIDENT AS IT INVOLVED A POLICE CHASE OF A FELON WHO RAN A RED LIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND IS DEEMED TOTALED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN MY VEHICLE AND I REQUIRED EMERGENCY TRANSPORT TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. THIS ALSO INVOLVED A POLICE SHOOTING INCIDENT WITH THE DEATH OF THE OTHER DRIVER. THE VEHICLE IS PENDING TOWING TO A SALVAGE YARD.THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS A QUESTION OF DEFECTIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FUTURE POTENTIAL INJURY TO OTHERS.”
NHTSA complaint #10762414, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SUDDEN HUGE CAR FIRE WITH LOUD EXPLOSIONS. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR GOT TOTALLY BURNED DOWN. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE FRONT OF THE STORE WITH ENGINE RUNNING.”
NHTSA complaint #11082418, 2018 · fire

Steering 35 1 crash 1 injury

“THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ACCIDENT AS IT INVOLVED A POLICE CHASE OF A FELON WHO RAN A RED LIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND IS DEEMED TOTALED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN MY VEHICLE AND I REQUIRED EMERGENCY TRANSPORT TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. THIS ALSO INVOLVED A POLICE SHOOTING INCIDENT WITH THE DEATH OF THE OTHER DRIVER. THE VEHICLE IS PENDING TOWING TO A SALVAGE YARD.THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS A QUESTION OF DEFECTIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FUTURE POTENTIAL INJURY TO OTHERS.”
NHTSA complaint #10762414, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I found that it was a problem many Mercedes Benz owners have had and it's an expensive one. It's not just with my particular model and it's not limited to older models of the brand either.”
NHTSA complaint #11682861, 2025

“I drove vehicle to Publix with no problems. When i tried to start vehicle, key turns but car does not start. There is no cranking sound. I called a mechanic friend and after extensive diagnosis he determined it was the ESL Module which controls the steering. Fortunately i was not driving the vehicle when the ESL Module failed. There is a recall on Mercedes Benz c300 from 2012-2017 for the ESL Module problems but the 2011 is not included. It should be recalled since it is a safety hazard and it appears others have had similar problems according to comments on Google. I have a handicapped wife…”
NHTSA complaint #11666460, 2025

Exterior Lighting 21 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN THE MULTIPLE "LIGHTS OUT" WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE BROWN WIRE WAS MELTED AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002:(856) 663-3200), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE "LIGHT ASSEMBLY UNIT" TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH N…”
NHTSA complaint #11386823, 2020 · fire

“MY FRONT PASSENGER HEAD LAMP CAUGHT FIRE ONE OF THE PARKING BULBS. ALL TJE WIRING IS EXPOSED AND MY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ONE OF THE BULBS GOT OVER HEATED AND HAD TO TAKE OFF THE BULB.”
NHTSA complaint #11206355, 2018 · fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear lights became inoperable and failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that rear lighting wires were burned, causing an electrical failure within the rear light assemblies. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11628770, 2024

Service Brakes 13 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING COLUMN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10762315, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CURB AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF A BUILDING. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT SUCH A SLOW RATE OF SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE BUT CONTINUED ROLLING AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10445099, 2012 · crash

“Rear brakes backing plates rotted prematurely despite garage kept and well maintained status. While driving, noticed loud scraping and grinding noises from the rear left wheel. Took to mechanic and he found severe rust, with deep corrosion and flaking "rotted". He said I was lucky because this was very close to causing the entire brake assembly to fail, which would lead to serious braking problems or "locked out wheel" and loss of control on a highway which would have put me and others at risk. Had similar rust issues with this car that were fixed in the recent past including rusted brake line…”
NHTSA complaint #11711917, 2026

Engine 11 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH the check engine began flashing and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and smoke was observed emanating from the front driver's tire. The contact stated that the fire exploded from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that she was locked in the vehicle by the driver's seatbelt, but was able to get out of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and a report was taken. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a salv…”
NHTSA complaint #11522090, 2023 · fire

“The car is not starting. no dashboard no lights no window function no seat function no radio. nothing. Ignition lights are not turning on and the car is dead. Car batteries were newly replaced but understand this could be EIS and Steering lock issues which is common in Mercedes Benz models. Why is Manufacturer not compensating / correcting for common errors on his Models?”
NHTSA complaint #11593432, 2024

“There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.”
NHTSA complaint #11533738, 2023

Power Train 10

“Electronic steering locks are failing in these cars at an alarming rate. When it fails, the car will be stranded or if driving the car will completely lock the steering and take away control from the driver. This is a safety issue that Mercedes should be recalling and fixing because it will take people's lives away. Mercedes is aware of this issue but is failing to recall it and considering it as non-safety. When manufacturing the Electronic Steering lock, Mercedes used cheap parts that are prone to failure. This issue affected many years and models of their cars but only recalled a few cars.…”
NHTSA complaint #11505048, 2023

“The subframe and the brake lines are very faulty in this car when it comes to its design. The subframe and brake lines rust easily and are cheaply made for this car. My car break down while driving making it hard to have pressure on the brakes. My incident was around the school area. There were no accidents or collisions Involved. It could happen to adults and children. The dealer never confirmed this problem before selling it to me. Another manufacturer told me about this problem. The car showed warning signs like the braking system and brake fluid. The brake fuel was leaking. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11495007, 2022

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the tire pressure and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was rebuilt. The contact then had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle. The rear axle was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11462604, 2022

Fuel System 8

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after adding more than 3 gallons of fuel to the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and was making him unwell. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11552746, 2023

“The contact's client owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle's owner had complained of an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that fuel was spraying out of the fuel pump onto the exhaust. The contact was able to replace the fuel pump and correct the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11481256, 2022

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated as he entered the vehicle, he could still smell the strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,861.”
NHTSA complaint #11479850, 2022

Seats 4

“While I was driving, my seat back suddenly started reclining backward. I could not make the seat stop or go forward with pushing the power seat button control. It kept reclining back, pushing into the back seat and would not stop until there was no power left. Had my child been in the seat behind me, instead of behind the passenger seat, her legs would have been crushed. I took it to a vehicle repair shop and they were able to manually put the seat back to an upright position. I have not let my child ride in the back seat after that incident yet. I just dropped the car off to the Mercede…”
NHTSA complaint #11604383, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADREST AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11230531, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE HEADREST AIR BAGS BURST ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO W.I. SIMONSON MERCEDES-BENZ (LOCATED AT 1626 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403, (855) 677-2690), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,352.”
NHTSA complaint #11233810, 2016

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly. The contact had to pump the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The cruise control, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with the electronic stabilizing program control unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance.…”
NHTSA complaint #11590636, 2024

“IT WAS MY IPHONE THAT GOT HACKED FIRST, THERE WERE THESE HEAT LASERS STARTED TO TARGET ME, ONE DAY I WAS SLEEPING IN MY CAR, THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST STARTED DEFROSTING. YES, MY DEFROSTS CAME ON AND MY WINDOWS BEGIN TO FOG UP. NEXT, I STARTED TO NOTICE THOSE SAME "HEAT LASERS" THAT WERE TARGETING ME FROM MY IPHONE ARE CONSTANT ON MY HEAD AND STOMACH WHILE I'M DRIVING MY CAR. ALSO, A SYMBOL STARTED TO APPEAR ON MY DASHBOARD, LATER DISCOVER IT WAS THE "AUXILIARY BATTERY" ., THEN MY LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS FLICKING, AND WHEN I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint #11322396, 2020

“THE RINGS USED TO DETERMINE WHEEL SPEED FOR THE STABILITY SYSTEM FAIL, THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO MY CAR AND CAN RESULT IN THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO TAKATA AIR BAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED IN THE THREE YEARS AFTER THE RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11185047, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 3 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE AT A STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING COLUMN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10762315, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCLERATED OVER A CEMENT PARKING BARRIER AND INTO A TREE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11361835, 2020 · crash

“1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel system failure is a highly critical safety concern, and my life is at risk. It causes malfunctions with the vehicle, for example, the OBD-based emissions test has flagged a lot of (codes P219A, P0300, P0304, P0410, P0305, P0303, P0171, P0301) 5 of the cylinder misfire codes with the check engine light on, as well affecting other parts in the vehicle function properly, acceleration issues, car stalling as though it’s going to shut off. This is a serious matter and Mercedes-Benz is faili…”
NHTSA complaint #11621516, 2024

Seat Belts 2

“MY 2011 C-300 HAS TWO RECALLS PENDING FOR BOTH AIR BAGS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER). I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MBUSA FOR OVER 2 YEARS TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. TO THIS DAY 11/06/2017 MBUSA HAD MADE NO ATTEMPT TO CONTACT ME OR PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE REAR SEAT-BELTS LOCKUP ON PASSENGERS AND RATCHET DOWN CONSISTENTLY WITH LITTLE MOVEMENT THEREBY REQUIRING THE PASSENGERS TO UNFASTEN THEIR BELTS AND RIDE WITHOUT THE SEAT BELT BEING FASTENED. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND BOTH PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN EXISTING FROM THE PURCHASE DATE MARCH 2011”
NHTSA complaint #11043957, 2011

Wheels 2

“Rear brakes backing plates rotted prematurely despite garage kept and well maintained status. While driving, noticed loud scraping and grinding noises from the rear left wheel. Took to mechanic and he found severe rust, with deep corrosion and flaking "rotted". He said I was lucky because this was very close to causing the entire brake assembly to fail, which would lead to serious braking problems or "locked out wheel" and loss of control on a highway which would have put me and others at risk. Had similar rust issues with this car that were fixed in the recent past including rusted brake line…”
NHTSA complaint #11711917, 2026

“The rear subframe is rusted and broken, alignment is out, and steering wheel is off centered. Given the history of this model car, it has been under recall in multiple countries outside the United States. This is a common and very dangerous issue that needs to be addressed in the United States because if you call any auto shop or Mercedes they all say it is a common problem with 2008-2014 C-class models. When you look up this issue with this car it has multiple threads saying that the rear subframe has rusted and broke when it is not supposed to.”
NHTSA complaint #11472694, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2011. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS, STARTED NOTICING A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING FROM MY CAR. THE SMELL SEEMS TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. USUALLY OCCURS WHEN I'M GOING 45MPH OR MORE GOING UP A HILL ON A HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK, SO THEY TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE AND SAID THEY FOUND NO ODORS WHICH I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY? THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE TYPE OF FUEL I USE FOR THE CAR MAY AFFECT IT, BUT I USE PREMIUM GAS ONLY FROM CHEVRON. MERCEDES REALLY NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS, BECAUSE THE SMELL IS HORRIBLE! I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS SMELL FOR ALMOST THREE Y…”
NHTSA complaint #10608253, 2012

Tires 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL SPORT UHP (NA) TIRES, SIZE 245/40RI7 (NA), MODEL: F40247034. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY MULTIBLE CRACKS LOCATED ON THE OUTER WALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TIRES THAT ALLOWED AIR TO LEAK OUT. THE FAILURES WERE NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAG…”
NHTSA complaint #10980792, 2016

Visibility 1

“The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed that the inside of the vehicle was flooded with water. The contact then stated that he noticed that water had leaked from the sunroof and entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was severely damaged and could not be repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was…”
NHTSA complaint #11514167, 2021