2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300: complaints, problems and recalls
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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11520487 · 2023-05-04 (May 4, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. The failure occurred on three separate occasions and each time no other vehicle or object was nearby to cause the Forward Collision Avoidance system to become activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced sensors and recalibrated the Forward Collision Avoidance system, but the failure persisted. The ma…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11520487 at NHTSA ↗
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 11524034 · 2023-05-26 (May 26, 2023)
- December 5, 2022, while driving on I-20 East in Atlanta, Georgia in the evening, at a speed of 15-20 mph my vehicle abruptly came to a stop in the middle of traffic with no warning and no action prompted by me while driving. There were vehicles positioned in front and behind my vehicle. Thankfully, the vehicle behind me was able to slam on its breaks to prevent colliding into my vehicle. - April 7, 2023, while driving in southwest Atlanta in a residential area at a speed of 15-20 mph, while on the phone with one of my work colleagues, my vehi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11524034 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11528225 · 2023-06-21 (June 21, 2023)
The Mercedes just slams on the brakes for no reason. It's happened 3x and is very scary. According to Internet posts this is a common problem because of collision assist malfunction
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11528225 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11532743 · 2023-07-17 (July 17, 2023)
Major safety issue - PHANTOM BRAKING. On 2 separate occasions the vehicle engaged emergency braking while there was no apparent hazard. This phantom braking was very dangerous. This car has adaptive cruise control. It occurred in the exact same spot on Interstate-84 and NE 21st Avenue in Portland, Oregon while traveling east bound. The cruise control was on and engaged in incident 1. Cruise control was on, but not set, in the second incident. First incident was approximately 6/1/23. Second incident was 7/16/23. I have reported to Mercedes Benz …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11532743 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 11543206 · 2023-09-07 (September 7, 2023)
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with Bridgestone RFT Tires, Tire Line: Turanza 100, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VRJ7V4Y. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side tire exploded. The contact stated that a "0 PSI driver side front tire" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he observed that the driver's side tire had a portion blown out on the sidewall of the tire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the blowout had been due to exter…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11543206 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
23V445000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-06-26 (June 26, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V462000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2023-06-30 (June 30, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission wiring harness routing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070015.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V463000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2023-06-30 (June 30, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating.
Consequence: An overheated wiring harness can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023070016, 2023070017, 2023070018, and 2024070016.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V880000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2023-12-21 (December 21, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V115000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers
Reported: 2024-02-16 (February 16, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
Consequence: An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V446000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers
Reported: 2024-06-14 (June 14, 2024)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C 300 vehicles. The bolt securing the electrical wire to the pre-fuse box could be improperly tightened, causing the wire to overheat. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024070005.
Consequence: An overheated wire can cause a fire and a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and rework the wiring harness, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2024. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V253000 · Seat Belts:Front
Reported: 2025-05-02 (May 2, 2025)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
Consequence: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V255000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers
Reported: 2025-05-12 (May 12, 2025)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
Consequence: An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050003/4.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V481000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock
Reported: 2026-07-24 (July 24, 2026)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗