NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 9 recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300.
Engine and forward collision avoidance complaints lead the 2020 C300 owner reports. On the engine side, owners describe failures ranging from a complete inability to accelerate from a stop with no warning lights present, to a more severe case of cylinder-related internal failure causing a sudden loss of power while driving. The forward collision avoidance complaints center on a persistent warning message indicating the automatic emergency braking system is limited or disabled, appearing during normal driving and not clearing on its own. Visibility rounds out the top reported systems, though the complaint volume there is small. A single report mentions an airbag warning light present at the time of purchase with no prior disclosure. The recurring automatic emergency braking limitation warning, where the system flags itself as degraded during ordinary driving, is the most consistent pattern owners describe across multiple reports.
31
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 9 recalls, the most serious involving a front roof panel that can detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, and a turbocharger oil leak that can ignite near hot engine components and cause a fire.
The roof panel issue has two related recalls: one covering vehicles where the original bonding may have deteriorated, and one where a prior repair attempt may not have correctly re-bonded the panel. Both carry the same risk of the panel separating at speed. On the engine side, loose screws on the turbocharger oil lines can allow oil to drip onto hot exhaust components.
Three recalls affect the emergency communication system, where software faults can prevent the automatic crash notification feature from working correctly or cause it to report an inaccurate vehicle location, potentially sending emergency responders to the wrong place. The rearview camera can also fail to display an image due to a software error, reducing rear visibility when backing up.
On the safety equipment side, the front seatbelts may not retract fully, which can make them awkward to use and discourage the occupant from wearing the belt. There is also a recall covering LED headlights that may have been aimed incorrectly during a prior repair, reducing road illumination at night.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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
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 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 screws holding the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not be tight enough, which could cause oil to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten the screws as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical circuit in the Emergency Call System communication module may be damaged, causing the system to send an inaccurate vehicle location during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the communication module at no cost to restore accurate location transmission.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.