Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine17
- Electrical system13
- Unknown or other8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Structure7
- Power train6
- Service brakes6
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Seat belts5
- Steering5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 vehicles. The center console lock-system might not lock properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection In Interior Impact."
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 C300, C300 4MATIC, and C43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured. This may allow the battery to shift, possibly disconnecting the terminals in the event of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2019 C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, C300 4MATIC, C300 4MATIC Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 4MATIC Cabrio, and C300 vehicles. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may prevent the electronic parking brake from being disengaged when returning to the vehicle, unless the ESP system is deactivated.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG Coupe, E450 Coupe, E53 AMG Cabriolet, S450, S560, E450 Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG Coupe, S450 4Matic, S560 4Matic, S63 AMG and S65 AMG vehicles and Mercedes-Mayback S650 and S560 4 Matic vehicles. A correctly fastened seatbelt may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, preventing the seat belt pre-tensioners from activating in the event of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4Matic, C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG Coupe, CLS450, CLS450 4Matic, CLS53 AMG 4Matic, E53 AMG 4Matic, E450 4Matic, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG 4Matic Coupe, G550, and G63 AMG vehicles. The Central Powertrain Controller (CPC) control unit could reset while driving, possibly causing an engine stall.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010907 | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel. This happens several times during the trip. The customer notices the sound of opening and closing. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. The reversing camera or the 360 system functions normally when activated manually or by engaging drive range "R". This behavior occurs again during each driving cycle. Cause This is not a malfunction, but an intended system behavior: Calibration of the reversing camera is in progress. For this, the cover on the camera is opened for max. 5 cumulative minutes i |
| 11010818 | Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy It is important that LI54.15-P-057373 is processed before replacing any component parts (transmission 722.9). After processing and complying with the above documents, perform a reset on the transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (VGS) (ignition reset), check that the transmission connector is seated correctly and inspect the PINs for concerns. If communication with the VGS cannot be established |
| 11010755 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11010494 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 11010455 | Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present, process them as per the guided test |
| 11009122 | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer l |
| 11008880 | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. In vehicles with "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)": The message "SOS - service not activated" permanently lights up in the instrument cluster AND the actual value "Error when replacing certificate (CEP.36)" is displayed in the actual values for the activation status under "Registration status" (see |
| 11008712 | Complaint Check engine light on. One of the below fault codes is current in the engine control module (N3/10). P04DB29, P04DB31, P04DB79 Cause Open circuit or high resistance to crankcase vent line contact Remedy 1. Check the electrical connector for the relevant vent line contact switch noted below. Refer to attached photos of connection locations. 2. Ensure the bolted connection is secure and bolt can be torqued (9Nm). 3. Check continuity from vent line connection to ME control unit. Repair wire if damage is found. The circuit from ME provides 5V and is pulled to 0V when the ground connecti |
| 11008323 | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases can penetrate into the headlamp. This can lead to the formation of condensation on the lens of the headlamp. The headlamps comply with all applicable US standards and regulations. Remedy Check housing cover of lamp unit for natural fogging or condensation as per LI82.10-P-078301. If a reduction in the degree of fogging is visible, the desiccant packs can be used once the condensation has completely evaporated. Note: O |
| 11008091 | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protrudin |
| 11008056 | Complaint Check engine light on. Fault code P207273 - "Throttle actuator valve is blocked due to ice" stored. Engine may crank and not start. Fault code P210185 may also be stored. Cause Moisture freezing on throttle actuator during extreme low ambient temperatures. Remedy Update software of engine control module. Software increases throttle valve flapping after engine turned off to prevent moisture buildup. |
| 11007974 | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for cor |
| 11007790 | Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to the housing cover with pressure compensation diaphragm, the headlamps are a "closed system". This means that the headlamps are protected against acid gases, dirt and exhaust gas. However, moisture can still enter from two sources. Through absorption and desorption (the commonest cause) or through permeation. Moisture is either absorbed by the plastic material and, when the light source is switched on, it is released from the plastic by desorption, or the moisture penetrates through the plastic materials of the headlamp from outside |
| 11007753 | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an eng |
| 11007728 | Complaint To insure vehicle down time is kept at a minimum and all required information is available when case is escalated, as well as assist technicians with checks that may help lead in resolving issue without case creation. THIS LI IS NOT TO BE USED AS A REASON FOR CASE CREATION BUT AS A GUIDE IF A CASE IS NEEDED Cause There are, at times, additional steps workshops can do to help diagnose and rectify transmission complaints. Remedy When opening a case for transmissions a EEPROM, Quick Test, and VGS CUL are absolutely necessary Please also check for any relevant LIs before opening case. Al |
| 11005344 | Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G-TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the on-going quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative impact o |
| 11005331 | Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present, process them as per the guided test |
| 11005314 | Complaint Yellow Coolant warning comes on in cluster Fault codes below are current or stored in MED41 P0A0500- The actuation of the circulation pump for the low-temperature circuit has an open circuit. P00B700- The coolant flow is too low. P0C7300- Circulation pump 1 for the low-temperature circuit has a malfunction. Cause Air may be trapped in the coolant circuit for transmission cooler Remedy Check coolant level. -If coolant level is low, locate source of leak and correct. -If coolant level is ok, perform procedure in attached instructions to bleed the coolant circuit to transmission cooler. |
| 11005313 | Complaint Check engine light on and fault code P019185 current or stored in MED41 control unit. Adaptation and misfire faults may also be stored. Vehicle may enter limp home mode. Cause False detection of rail pressure sensor out of range. Remedy Update software of engine control module N3/10. Reset mixture adaptation and clear fault codes. |
| 11005294 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 11000598 | Complaint Noticeable vibrations at the steering wheel: At speeds between 40mph and 75mph On straight stretches of road and in long corners With driver assistance systems switched on Cause Control oscillations in the electric power steering. Remedy Perform software update of electric power steering (N68). Note: Please ensure newest Xentry release software is installed and all addons are updated. After the software update, teach in the steering limitations of the electric power steering again: 1. Start engine 2. Turn steering wheel all the way to the left and briefly hold at the steering limi |
| 10252777 | Tailgate opens unintentionally. Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. E.g. when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double-clicking on the button instead. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add AO code O19 in VeDoc (O as in the letter "O" for Oscar, not the number "0"/zero) 2. EZS N73: Perform SCN coding 3. Deactivate the vehicle key (a successful deactivation is indic |
| 10249726 | Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that in certain MY 2017-2021 C-Class, CLA, CLS, E-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS, AMG GT, S-Class, SL, and SLC (205, 117, 257, 213/238, 253, 166/292, 190/290,217/222, 231, 172) vehicles, the software of the communication module does not correspond with the latest series production configuration. This free of charge update includes quality-enhancing optimizations for the communication module to improve the system stability and better availability of the Mercedes me services. The update is downloaded and installed in the background |
| 10249495 | Noises in the steering column area when steering. Under analysis. Check which area of the steering column the noises occur in. Do the noises tend to occur at the bottom in the driver footwell or do they tend to occur in the area of the steering column switch module (MRSM/SCCM)? If the noises occur in the area of the MRSM/SCCM, work through the following points: - Loosen screws of the MRSM/SCCM and steering wheel, re-align the MRSM/SCCM, and re-fasten the screws (see WIS). Sometimes there is stress at the MRSM/SCCM and noises occur. - If noises continue to occur, swap the MRSM/SCCM |
| 10249482 | The steering wheel generates grinding noises between the steering wheel and steering column switch module during steering maneuvers See example file in the attachments area: Lenkrad-Schleifgerusch_SteeringWheel-GrindingNoises.mp4 The plastic cover on the back of the steering wheel is not positioned correctly and may therefore rub against the steering column switch module Please use the following noise files for the damaged part analysis: 1. Grinding noise | pot. cause: steering wheel | see attachment: Lenkrad-Schleifgerusch_SteeringWheel-GrindingNoises. mp4 2. Creaking/cracking noi |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)