NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
This page covers 5 recalls and 94 owner complaints for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 centers on the airbag system, which accounts for roughly half of all owner reports. Owners frequently describe unexpected airbag or seatbelt pretensioner warning lights appearing on the dash, and several report headrest airbags deploying without any collision or obvious trigger. The electronic steering lock is the next most-reported concern, owners describe the vehicle failing to start because the steering lock engages and won't release, leaving them stranded even when the battery and key fob check out fine. Steering and suspension complaints are also present in smaller numbers, with a handful of owners describing subframe or suspension component failures that caused the car to pull or feel unstable during braking. The no-start condition tied to the electronic steering lock tends to be the most disruptive day-to-day issue owners mention, often requiring dealer reprogramming to resolve.
94
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the passenger-side front airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death to occupants.
A separate airbag concern affects the driver's side: the driver airbag can deploy without warning while the vehicle is in normal operation, which raises the risk of injury and loss of vehicle control. Both of these airbag issues are among the most critical recalls on this vehicle. There is also a software fault affecting the airbag control system that can prevent airbags from deploying correctly in a crash, reducing the protection they are meant to provide. On the steering side, a bolt connecting the steering coupling may not have been tightened adequately during assembly, and if it works loose, the driver can lose steering control entirely, with no ability to direct the vehicle. Rounding out the recalls, a software fault in the emergency call system can cause it to report the wrong date, time, and location when placing an automatic distress call after a crash, which may cause emergency responders to arrive late or go to the wrong place.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
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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 the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering coupling may not be tight enough, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering coupling bolt as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.