2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
22 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
3,900 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 22 complaints (31.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 6 | 27.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 13.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 4.5% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 4.5% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 4.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 4.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 7 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Tires:Sidewall | 2 |
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 7; Electrical System: 5; Service Brakes: 5; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Engine: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Tires:Sidewall: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
2023: 10; 2024: 7; 2025: 5
Pattern summary
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11520942 · 2023-05-08 (May 8, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes C300. The contact stated that while traveling over a pedestrian crosswalk, the emergency braking mode was engaged. The accelerator pedal was applied but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle went into restricted mode. A Hyundai Elantra crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The driver in the Hyundai stated that the brake lights were not illuminated. There was no air bag deployment or fire. A police report was filed. The contact who was occupying the front passenger seat sustained an injury to her neck…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11520942 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11523001 · 2023-05-20 (May 20, 2023)
First week, the car would take off fast as soon as the brakes were released. Then first time I used the heat there was a crackling sound coming form the side of the center display and it got extremely hot, I was on the FWY driving in the rain. Brakes: Intermittently, when braking, the car speeds up as if shifting to N, problematic in the FWY traffic behind another car, sometimes the brake pedal can be heard rattling really lose underfoot, brakes also used to groan when backing up. Electrical: intermittently, the door/trunk lock, side mir…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11523001 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11555944 · 2023-11-19 (November 19, 2023)
The above multiple problems/parts at issue. To include Other/I am not sure. Started at or approximately February 2023. The (Automatic Folding Side View Folding Mirrors before resolution) Malfunctioned 3 separate times before being fixed. During that time the (Cooling System Malfunction Reduced Drive Performance Service Required), displayed 2 separate Unknown Dates on the Dashboard Screen. The MB Dealership Service Diagnostic Check made was not Able to Detect the Trouble and was Never Fixed). On Monday, 08/21/2023, by (USPS) delivered a Merc…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11555944 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11540331 · 2023-08-23 (August 23, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while reversing, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power, stalled and shutoff. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that no cause for the failure was found but updated the software. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11540331 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11544088 · 2023-09-12 (September 12, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the Intelligent Cruise Control activated, with no other vehicles or objects nearby, the vehicle inadvertently slowed down. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality but later displayed the following messages: “Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable”, and “Active Steering Assist Inoperable”. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but not yet diagnosed. Th…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11544088 at NHTSA ↗