Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Electrical system5
- Service brakes5
- Unknown or other4
- Engine2
- Tires2
- Power train1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Structure1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010970 | Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY21-25 C-Class, CLA, EQB, EQE, EQS, G-Class, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, GT, S-Class, and SL (206, 118, 243, 294, 296, 465, 247, 254, 167, 192, 223, and 232 platform) vehicles, the MBUX multimedia system does not correspond with the latest series production configuration. The MBUX multimedia system control unit will receive an OTA software update. MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customers vehicle free of charge and do n |
| 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 |
| 11010648 | Complaint Transfer of selected user-defined scene/ animation (Mercedes-Benz Phone App) from HU to ECU software fails to start. Charging bar stops at 0%. (Picture in attachment) Cause Communication between headlight control unit and HU. Remedy Update the software of the following control units to the latest version: - A26/17 - MBUX multimedia system (head unit) - E1n14 - Front left digital headlight control unit (DHLS-CU-VL) - E2n14 - Front right digital headlight control unit (DHLS-CU-VR) |
| 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 |
| 11010450 | Complaint When using the offroad display in the MBUX, the "Transparent hood" function cannot be activated using the camera symbol. Cause MBUX FUP5 software: E504.3 (A 297 904 97 00) E504.4 (A 297 904 03 01) Remedy Update of head unit A26/17 to the new software: E504.5 (A 297 904 09 01) |
| 11010443 | Complaint Check engine light on. Engine in limp-home mode. Rough running. Low fuel rail pressure fault code P008700 stored in MRG2 control unit. Additional faults below may be stored in MRG2 control unit: Misfire- P030000, P030100, P030200, P030300, P030400, P030084, P030004 Mixture adaptation- P217800 P218762, P017100, P017200, P217700 Injector malfunction- P02EE00, P02EF00, P02F000, P02F100, P214601, P214901 Cause Gas bubbles forming in low pressure fuel system due to fuel boiling. Remedy Check if symptom can be reproduced during normal drive cycle. -If reproducible, diagnose the cause of lo |
| 11010435 | Complaint -Check engine light(MIL) is ON. -Current and stored fault code in DCCU and PTCU : P2E9873 The position sensor of the exterior socket flap of the vehicle socket (direct current) has an electrical fault. The actuator does not open. -Starting the vehicle or Charging the vehicle is normal without any issues. Cause Software in the "N116/5 - Direct current charge connection unit (DCCU)" control unit. Remedy SW remedy for N116/5(DC-Charging control unit box) is in progress. Once the software is available, update the software for N116/5 and perform SCN coding of N116/5 For this issue, the ve |
| 11009552 | Complaint Engine idle fluctuates or stumbles at approximately 5-10 second intervals. No relevant fault codes are stored. Cause Under analysis Remedy Do not replace parts or perform control unit software updates/adaptations. Create a TIPS case and submit to the powertrain team with the below information: -Video showing the tachometer or actual values from XENTRY diagnosis when symptom present -Quick test -N3/10 MRG2 control unit log -N73/3 EZS control unit log |
| 11009517 | Complaint Engine is making abnormal noise at idle. May be described as rattle, tapping, or knocking. Cause Various Remedy If necessary compare the noise to a like vehicle and if determined to be abnormal proceed with below steps. Submit a TIPS case to the powertrain team with details from the below checks: Check engine maintenance history and oil level. Determine location where noise is most noticeable on engine. Does noise change with engine RPM? Record a video of the noise. Switch off injectors with XENTRY diagnosis one at a time and check if noise changes. Borescope cylinders with pistons a |
| 11009138 | Complaint Message in instrument cluster "Adaptive high beams assistant not available/inoperative" or "DIGITAL LIGHT reduced range of functions" in relation to "FC151E29- The level sensor at front left has a malfunction. There is an invalid signal" in the HLI control unit. Cause Older software release, HLI control units Remedy Update of HLI control units (E1n9 / E2n9) |
| 11009125 | Complaint During cold starting, a tortoise symbol may be displayed in the event of reduced engine output. (see attachment) For "non-hybrid vehicles", the thermostat symbol must be displayed. (see attachment) Cause SCN Coding of the N133/1 IC-Instrument-Cluster Remedy Perform N133/1 IC-Instrument-Cluster manual SCN coding. |
| 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 |
| 11009036 | Complaint "Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable" and "Active Steering Assist Inoperative" instrument cluster messages along with Tire Pressure Light on in Instrument Cluster. Cause Both systems are temporarily unavailable due to low tire pressures. An active tire pressure monitor light may result in some assistance features being temporarily unavailable until tire pressures are corrected. Remedy Check/adjust tire pressures and reset monitoring through the instrument cluster. |
| 11008977 | Complaint Combustion engine could no longer be started, only electric driving possible. Cause High-voltage belt-driven starter-alternator faulty. Remedy Requirement: Prior to the implementation of the test work, it must be ensured that the person carrying out this work has successfully completed the required HV qualification to work on HV system. |
| 11008885 | Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2023 2024 C-Class (206 platform) and GLC (254 platform) vehicles, the door control unit software does not correspond to current production specifications. In this case, the 12V starter battery may sporadically discharge. MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the door control unit software. |
| 11008883 | Complaint Play/noise at height adjuster or in seat guide rail on front seats Cause Tolerances and variations in the manufacturing process Remedy Review of barcode adhesive label on air intake pipe of height adjuster. The seat frame base with the height adjuster motor can be replaced if the production status is lower than E105 (pic.1: seat label) If the production status is higher than or equal to E105, please create a TIPS case with videos and photos and send to B/C/E inbox. In isolated cases, the label may be located on the inside of the air intake pipe; for this, the seat cushion must be rem |
| 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 |
| 11008879 | Complaint This document applies to vehicles of model series 206 and 254 from SOP (start of production) with NTG7, that do not have SA code 367: The Live Traffic Information Digital Extra is missing, is not available or does not work, even though the license has been purchased from the Mercedes me Store. Cause Problem with the store's offer provision for Digital Extras. Remedy Remedial action is currently being prepared. For the time being, do not undertake any work (SW updates, commissioning, hardware exchanges and similar). These are not effective, as an adaptation of the back end needs to be |
| 11008875 | Complaint Sliding sunroof panel of panoramic sliding sunroof reversed (temporarily, once, multiple times) during closing process without entrapment event. Cause It is not possible to save the relearning process for force progression after each actuation. A, e.g. mechanical sluggishness caused by aging cannot be compensated for here. Remedy Perform commissioning of panoramic roof control unit (PSD, A98, TSSR223). Reference to escalation closing during reversing processes (also described in Operators Manual), if vehicle in customer possession (see Video_1): If the panoramic roof blocks up when c |
| 11008873 | Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain originates as a result of the "release" of energy stored when braking through the force-free switch after stopping. It is suspected that the longitudinal bearing is being placed under tension here as a result of the vehicle "dropping off". Remedy 1. Mark the installation position of the joint prior to the removal (picture a+b). This is important for vehicles with a weighted drivetrain ex factory to ensure correct instal |
| 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 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)