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2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

127 NHTSA owner complaints
5 crash 2 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~14.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 9 of 15 Mercedes-Benz C-Class years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, cited in 39 of 127 filed complaints (31%).

Structure is next (17 complaints, 13%), followed by Steering (13), Electrical System (12), Fuel/Propulsion System (9).

Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 2 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Steering: 1 crash, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 127.

Engine 39

“Check engine light comes on, Error Code P052E, after a lot of research, this is a known defective part by Benz. Huge safety issue not addressed by them. Very costly to fix for a customer. There is a new and improved replacement part from Benz indicating they are aware of the faulty old parts that are currently in those cars but yet they have failed to do a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11709871, 2026

“My vehicle only had 31,000 miles and I experienced engine failure. I bought a new engine for 16, 500. 00 dollars. Mercedes Benz did nothing. I almost got in to several accidents because the engine completely stop on the interstate. Almost got hit by several cars. This is unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #11695170, 2025

“The engine light is on with only 35000 miles. Upon using an OBD2 scanner, error code P052e positive crankcase ventilation(PCV) malfunction was detected. It's a problem that I researched and noticed a lot of people having the same issue. I was told that this can cause the car to stall or shut down? This causes serious risk and safety issues to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. With so many complains about this problem, I believe the manufacturer and dealers should take responsibility before tragedies happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11640265, 2025

Unknown Or Other 26

“2018 Mercedes C300 - a hole rusted through the rear subframe causing structural safety concerns. This car has been routinely washed weekly and the frame should not have rusted through within only 8 years. This also led to a large repair bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11752562, 2026

“Transmission failed, yes available for inspection Very bad safety issue Yes it has been confirmed by dealship Yes by the deanship Yes there was warning lamps that appeared in January 2026”
NHTSA complaint #11744612, 2026

“When I decelerate my brake lights don’t flash to warn the driver behind me that I am potentially slowing down .”
NHTSA complaint #11733648, 2026

Structure 17 2 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 checked. I honestly don't remember off hand when the collision occurred, I have that paper work somewhere. I will find it and send it in also. I will also get paper work from the auto body place that fixed as much of the wiring that it could. There was also a video on line I will try to find again…”
NHTSA complaint #11591967, 2023 · crash

“While I was driving to work in a heavy rain my abs malfunction light came on in my car. I decided to take it to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Fresno. They said it was the ABS module that needed to be replaced. After being in the shop for almost 3 weeks they said it was fixed. When I went to pick it up, the moment I turned it on the ABS malfunction light came on again. I was told that it was okay to drive and they would have somebody come check it out at my work the next day. My car went back into the shop for another week and they could not figure out what was wrong with it. They did take pi…”
NHTSA complaint #11589822, 2023 · crash

“I have begun noticing symptoms of the adhesive failing, such as excessive wind noise coming from the front roof area and visible gaps/separation between the panel and the vehicle body. This poses a severe safety risk, as the panel could completely detach while driving and become a high-speed road hazard. No warning lights have appeared. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request.”
NHTSA complaint #11753879, 2026

Steering 13 1 crash 1 injury

“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 and the vehicle could not be controlled, crossed the road, went over a guardrail, and down an embankment until it came to a stop (approx 100ft). The vehicle engine never turned off until it came to a stop at which point the vehicle was manually turned off. No airbags deployed. There were no warning…”
NHTSA complaint #11423998, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“car has less than 34,000 miles on it. One day went to drive and the vehicle wouldn't turn and an error message popped up "power steering malfunction, check owners manual" Had it towed to dealer and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. According to the dealer, no sign of wear and tear, no physical damage,”
NHTSA complaint #11613561, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving at various speeds, the contact could hear an abnormal sound from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer for diagnosis, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11610269, 2023

Electrical System 12 1 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 checked. I honestly don't remember off hand when the collision occurred, I have that paper work somewhere. I will find it and send it in also. I will also get paper work from the auto body place that fixed as much of the wiring that it could. There was also a video on line I will try to find again…”
NHTSA complaint #11591967, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a message was displayed that there was a light bulb malfunction. The contact stated that the rear turn signal lights and brake lights were not operating properly. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel door failed to operate properly, and occasionally opened independently while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cause of the electrical issues was water in the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11564953, 2023

“Hello My c300 2018 only have 79k and suddenly the engine light on, when I check it show that I need Positive Crankcase ventilation valve replace. it cost $2300. As I know a lot of people who own Merced have the same problem so should have a recall for that Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11540537, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 9

“The engine light is on with only 35000 miles. Upon using an OBD2 scanner, error code P052e positive crankcase ventilation(PCV) malfunction was detected. It's a problem that I researched and noticed a lot of people having the same issue. I was told that this can cause the car to stall or shut down? This causes serious risk and safety issues to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. With so many complains about this problem, I believe the manufacturer and dealers should take responsibility before tragedies happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11640265, 2025

“Positive crankcase ventilation assembly replacement. Pollutes the environment.”
NHTSA complaint #11569234, 2024

“Check engine light came on. Had a diagnostic check and was told that the crankcase ventilation sensor needs to be replaced which will cost $1200.”
NHTSA complaint #11534679, 2023

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Power Train 6

“I have a 2018 Mercedes Benz c63 amg which I purchased new in 2018. I have only 61,230 miles yesterday 11/10/2025 it started making a loud noise coming from the right rear. I drove to the Mercedes dealership in Belmont,Ca the technician mechanic told me that the rear differential was bad and need to be replace. Cost $7,000. I don't understand only 61,230 miles why did it go out so soon I always had the maintenance done. My warranty has expired. I did some research and found that there was a recall for 2018 Mercedes Benz c63 amg related to the rear differential. The recall was issued due to pote…”
NHTSA complaint #11700378, 2025

“Error Code P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulation Valve Performance”
NHTSA complaint #11503405, 2023

“CYLINDER 1 SPARK PLUGS IS DAMAGED DUE TO PISTON DAMAGE, HOLE IN PISTON. IF EXTRA DAMAGE IS FOUND ON TEAR DOWN, COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. This is direct from the repair facilities reports. While driving my 2018 C-300 there was smoking out of tail pipe, a rough vibration, hard to control the vehicle and it was starting to lose power. Not a good situation, had to pull over and have vehicle towed to the dealership. Worst part is this is a vehicle used to transport my 5 children to and from school and activities. My 16 year old also drives this vehicle, had he been driving this with this happen…”
NHTSA complaint #11446178, 2021

Air Bags 5 1 crash 1 injury

“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 and the vehicle could not be controlled, crossed the road, went over a guardrail, and down an embankment until it came to a stop (approx 100ft). The vehicle engine never turned off until it came to a stop at which point the vehicle was manually turned off. No airbags deployed. There were no warning…”
NHTSA complaint #11423998, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V850000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF COCONUT CREEK (LOCATED AT 4250 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954)406-1167) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11244881, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C300W. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V850000 (STEERING) AND 18V838000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ORANGE PARK (7018 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, (904) 777-5900) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT, RESPE…”
NHTSA complaint #11190243, 2019

Communication 5

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the S.O.S. Not Active message displayed. The contact was concerned that in the event of an emergency, the emergency services function would be inoperable. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11511208, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the SOS warning light was illuminated. Upon testing the SOS system, the contact stated that the system failed to operate as needed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on multiple occasion for multiple repairs related to the failure. Recently, the contact was informed that the Hermes control unit was defective. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11475159, 2021

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic. 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 local dealer was contacted and stated that the equipment needed to perform the repair was not available. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was an over-the-air software update. The vehicle was not yet repaired, nor was there any way to confirm that the software update was completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded…”
NHTSA complaint #11418776, 2021

Tires 5 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 1, AT ABOUT 45 MPH, ON MY WAY TO WORK IN A LIGHT RAIN. I MAY HAVE JUST TRANSITIONED INTO THE #1 LANE OF TRAFFIC AS I WAS ABOUT 500 FEET FROM THE RED LEFT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT WHERE I MAKE MY NORMAL TURN. I JUST REMEMBER MY CAR SUDDENLY HYDROPLANED ACROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE INTO THE ONCOMING LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HITTING THE OPPOSITE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. MY CAR ENDED UP IN A DITCH. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 0630 IN THE MORNING AND NO ONE WAS INJURED AS THIS IS A BUSY ROADWAY. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE CENTER TREAD AREA OF MY TIRES WAS BALD, BUT THE OUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11291914, 2019 · crash

“In August 2024, a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Salisbury, MD installed the wrong type of rear tires on my vehicle. I was not informed they were mismatched or inappropriate for my vehicle. I later drove across the country with my infant child in the backseat, believing the tires were new and safe. On April 17, 2025, a certified tire shop in Texas (Discount Tire) inspected the tires and told me they were not suitable for my car and were already too old to be considered new — despite having been installed just 8 months earlier. They refused to buy them back or reinstall them due to the age and mi…”
NHTSA complaint #11663518, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C63S EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PILOT SPORT TIRES, SIZE: 285/30/ZR19 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHANTILLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,077 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11268993, 2019

Wheels 5

“Headlight is out and there is no replacement; dealer says they are having significant issues with headlamps. Also, tire safety monitoring system is always on, even though there is a proper air pressure amount.”
NHTSA complaint #11478151, 2022

“THE VEHICLE HAD A FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CRACKED RIM AND DAMAGED RUN FLAT TIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11413199, 2021

“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 ROAD WILL SAVES LIVES. CAR ONLY HAS 6000 MILES ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11202678, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 2 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 checked. I honestly don't remember off hand when the collision occurred, I have that paper work somewhere. I will find it and send it in also. I will also get paper work from the auto body place that fixed as much of the wiring that it could. There was also a video on line I will try to find again…”
NHTSA complaint #11591967, 2023 · crash

“While I was driving to work in a heavy rain my abs malfunction light came on in my car. I decided to take it to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Fresno. They said it was the ABS module that needed to be replaced. After being in the shop for almost 3 weeks they said it was fixed. When I went to pick it up, the moment I turned it on the ABS malfunction light came on again. I was told that it was okay to drive and they would have somebody come check it out at my work the next day. My car went back into the shop for another week and they could not figure out what was wrong with it. They did take pi…”
NHTSA complaint #11589822, 2023 · crash

“DATE: APRIL 13, 2021. MODEL: C300 YEAR : 2018 MILAGE: 16,000. TIME: 2.30 P.M. WHETHER: SUNNY. ROAD CONDITION: SMOOTH PROBLEM: WHILE DRIVING ON 405 SOUTH AT SPEED OF APPROX 65 TO 70 MPH FOR NO APPARENT REASON , THE CAR UDDENLY , UNEXPECTEDLY, AND FORCEFULLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ( 65 TO 0 MPH) IN MATTER OF SECONDS, AND LOCKED ITS WHEELS. LEFT ME STOCK ON THE FWY. THE MOST SCARIEST EXPERIENCE AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON OR WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO . LUCKILY THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN MY CLOSE PROXIMITY OR WE COULD HAVE DIED ! THE WARNING SIGNS WERE ON " INOPERATIVE BREAK ASSIST SYS…”
NHTSA complaint #11413726, 2021

Seat Belts 3

“I have noticed the driver seat belt not retracting after usage. Upon looking online I saw a post about a recall. Called local Benz dealership and BenzUSA customer service both said my Vin is not part of the specified recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11689895, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic. The contact stated that the front passenger's and driver's side seat belts had failed to retract and return to the stowed position. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V032000 (Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there would be a cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11637991, 2024

“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 front seat belt retractor. The dealers are refusing to fix this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11469200, 2022

Service Brakes 3 1 crash 1 injury

“I BOUGHT A CAR IN APRIL 2018. THE FIRST ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY IN MAY 2018. I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 75 KM / H. I SAW THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AND I ALSO STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, BUT MY CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, ALTHOUGH THE CAR COLLIDED WITH THE CAR AS IT WAS. IN JULY 2018, THE SECOND ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT OF THE APARTMENT WHERE I LIVE. I STARTED THE CAR, I SAW A CAR IN FRONT OF 60M. AS SOON AS I FOUND THE CAR AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTED TO RU…”
NHTSA complaint #11153227, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DATE: APRIL 13, 2021. MODEL: C300 YEAR : 2018 MILAGE: 16,000. TIME: 2.30 P.M. WHETHER: SUNNY. ROAD CONDITION: SMOOTH PROBLEM: WHILE DRIVING ON 405 SOUTH AT SPEED OF APPROX 65 TO 70 MPH FOR NO APPARENT REASON , THE CAR UDDENLY , UNEXPECTEDLY, AND FORCEFULLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ( 65 TO 0 MPH) IN MATTER OF SECONDS, AND LOCKED ITS WHEELS. LEFT ME STOCK ON THE FWY. THE MOST SCARIEST EXPERIENCE AS YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON OR WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO . LUCKILY THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN MY CLOSE PROXIMITY OR WE COULD HAVE DIED ! THE WARNING SIGNS WERE ON " INOPERATIVE BREAK ASSIST SYS…”
NHTSA complaint #11413726, 2021

“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 THE CAR OFF TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR BACK TO THE MECHANIC. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT, IRONICALLY, THE BRAKE LINE RUSTED (METAL LINE) OUT CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. ALSO, PASSENGER FRONT SEAT SENSOR WENT. SEAT WILL NOT MOVE BACK OR FORWARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11102627, 2018

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear window glass which was not properly bonded had become loosened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V608000 (VISIBILITY). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11617349, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the rear windshield had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield bonding had detached and needed to be responded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V608000 (Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11559736, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR LEFT REARVIEW MIRRORS FAILED TO PROVIDE THE APPROPRIATE VISIBILITY. OBJECTS APPEARED AS THE MIRROR READS TO BE CLOSER ARE FURTHER AWAY, WHICH IMPACTED THE DRIVER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. IT FAILS EVERYDAY.*BF CONSUMER STAED THE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR SAY OBJECTS MAY BE CLOSER IT'S ALWAYS BEEN TRUE UNTIL 2018- NOW THE MIRROR SHOWS CARS FURTHER AWAY. THE REAR VIEW AND LEFT SIDE MIRROR IS ACCURATE. CONSUMER DOES NOT USE SIDE MIRROR.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11193561, 2019

Exterior Lighting 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a message was displayed that there was a light bulb malfunction. The contact stated that the rear turn signal lights and brake lights were not operating properly. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel door failed to operate properly, and occasionally opened independently while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cause of the electrical issues was water in the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11564953, 2023

“Headlight is out and there is no replacement; dealer says they are having significant issues with headlamps. Also, tire safety monitoring system is always on, even though there is a proper air pressure amount.”
NHTSA complaint #11478151, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 2

“I have begun noticing symptoms of the adhesive failing, such as excessive wind noise coming from the front roof area and visible gaps/separation between the panel and the vehicle body. This poses a severe safety risk, as the panel could completely detach while driving and become a high-speed road hazard. No warning lights have appeared. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request.”
NHTSA complaint #11753879, 2026

“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 dealership refused to correct the defect, informed I would have to pay $3,000.00 to correct the failure of the bonding.”
NHTSA complaint #11538137, 2022

Back Over Prevention 1

“I recently purchased a 2018 Mercedes C300 and I noticed the rear view camera will not show an image. It mechanically will open and all other cameras are fully functional but the image will not show instead I see a icon of a camera in a red crossed circle. When doing VIN serch on my vehicle I don't see any open recalls. However, I noticed that NHTSA campaign number 22V232000 has recalled this exact issue. Although the report 573 says for it applying to 2019 models but with a production date between 2017 to 2021 vehicles applying. So I believe this recall should also apply to my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11647340, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was white smoke coming from exhaust. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle the smoke cleared. The vehicle was towed to dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11459021, 2022

Equipment 1

“Under hot ambient condition center console touchpad glass crack. There is a service bulletin TSB LI54.21-P-068464 for the issue but MB would not replace the part.”
NHTSA complaint #11459798, 2022

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the garage, there was a strong fuel odor inside the garage. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,300.”
NHTSA complaint #11642176, 2024

Interior Lighting 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V850000 (STEERING) AND 18V906000 (INTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE HOUSE OF IMPORTS (6862 AUTO CENTER DR, BUENA PARK, CA 90621, (714) 627-5553) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11180275, 2019

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel tank door would not open unless the excessive force was used. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank door failure was a known manufacturing failure. The fuel tank door was replaced by the dealer on several occasions but the failure recurred. The vehicle was temporarily repaired with wiring to prevent the fuel tank door from closing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11606763, 2021

Seats 1

“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 THE CAR OFF TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR BACK TO THE MECHANIC. I WAS THEN TOLD THAT, IRONICALLY, THE BRAKE LINE RUSTED (METAL LINE) OUT CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. ALSO, PASSENGER FRONT SEAT SENSOR WENT. SEAT WILL NOT MOVE BACK OR FORWARD.”
NHTSA complaint #11102627, 2018

Suspension 1

“2018 Mercedes C300 - a hole rusted through the rear subframe causing structural safety concerns. This car has been routinely washed weekly and the frame should not have rusted through within only 8 years. This also led to a large repair bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11752562, 2026

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class draws about 14.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 9 of 15 among the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

SaveVIN

Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.