NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 17 recalls and 62 owner complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300.
Complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 spread fairly evenly across engine, electrical, and structure, with no single system standing out by a wide margin. On the engine side, owners report sudden loss of acceleration while driving, check engine lights illuminating unexpectedly, and symptoms like hesitation, rough idle, and shaking, in some cases appearing after routine dealer service. A few owners specifically mention oil control valve issues flagged during diagnostics. Electrical and structural complaints are at similar volume but cover a broader mix of issues; one recurring structural note involves the sunroof failing to close fully and making abnormal sounds during operation. With only 62 total complaints across three roughly equal categories, no single failure mode dominates the picture, though the acceleration loss reports, some occurring at highway speeds, show up across more than one narrative.
62
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 17 recalls, with the most serious including a roof panel that can detach and become a road hazard, a fuel injector leak that raises the risk of fire, a software fault that can stall the engine, and a steering rack defect that can reduce steering control.
Several safety system concerns round out the higher-severity issues: seatbelt pretensioners on coupe and cabriolet variants may not tighten in a crash, and the automatic emergency braking radar can fail to apply braking as expected. A software fault can also disable electronic stability control, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to loss of traction. On the electrical side, a loose 12-volt battery mounting bracket can allow the battery to shift in a crash, cutting power to hazard lights and emergency communication. Three separate recalls cover the vehicle's automatic crash notification system, which in various failure modes can prevent occupants from reaching emergency services or send responders to the wrong location. The rearview camera can fail to display an image due to a software error, and LED headlights may have been misadjusted during a prior repair, reducing nighttime visibility. Two lower-severity recalls address seatbelt function: the front seatbelt may not fully retract to its stowed position, and on vehicles where the instrument cluster has been replaced, the seatbelt reminder chime and warning light may not work. The center console lid on certain vehicles may also fly open in a rear-end collision.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front roof panel at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error prevents the rearview camera from displaying the backup image on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost to restore the backup image display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing debris may be trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, potentially causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a repair, causing them to not meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the LED headlights at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belts may not fully retract back into their stowed position after use.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the front seat belt retraction and adjust the damping foam in the B-pillars as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center console lock mechanism may fail to lock properly, creating a potential impact hazard inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the center console storage compartment and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The replacement instrument cluster software may fail to activate the seat belt warning system correctly, showing only a steady light instead of a blinking light with sound when a seat belt is unfastened.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore proper seat belt warning operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery mounting bracket may not be properly secured, allowing the battery to shift during a crash and potentially disconnect the terminals.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the battery mounting bracket at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the radar sensor control unit may reduce or disable the Active Brake Assist system's ability to function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software at no cost to restore proper system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Electronic Stability Program software may lock the electronic parking brake, preventing it from releasing when you return to your vehicle, unless you deactivate the ESP system.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ESP system software at no cost to restore normal parking brake operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A locknut in the steering rack may break under heavy load, potentially causing the steering to lock in one position.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering rack at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seatbelt buckle may incorrectly signal that the belt is unfastened even when properly fastened, which can prevent the seat belt pre-tensioners from engaging during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckles at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Central Powertrain Controller can reset unexpectedly while driving, which may cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the CPC control unit software at no cost to restore proper operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.