The Used Car Index

2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems

NHTSA lists 266 complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 5 of them mention a crash and 4 mention a fire. 5 complaints mention an injury, with 6 injuries and 1 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES-BENZ C300.

At a glance

Complaints
266
With crash
5
With fire
4
With injury (complaints)
5
Injuries
6
Deaths
1
Recalls
6
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
495,290
Investigations
1
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
103

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
AIR BAGS11442.9%
SUSPENSION6925.9%
STRUCTURE5420.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER238.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM124.5%
SERVICE BRAKES124.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM93.4%
STEERING83.0%
ENGINE51.9%
POWER TRAIN51.9%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY31
STRUCTUREFRAME AND MEMBERS18
SUSPENSIONSUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
AIR BAGSFRONTAL1
SUSPENSIONREAR1
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
restraint or airbag10478.2%0.92
unclear75.3%0.99
electrical electronic53.8%0.80
loss of control43.0%0.95
fire or overheating32.3%0.97
mechanical failure32.3%0.98
structural or corrosion32.3%1.00
visibility or lighting21.5%0.74
fluid or fuel leak10.8%1.00
noise or comfort10.8%0.99
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
low7657.1%0.69
moderate4634.6%0.79
high64.5%0.93
none43.0%0.60
critical10.8%0.99

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 133 tagged complaints of 266 complaints (50.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

6 recalls.

20V298000

Date: 2020-05-22. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.

Consequence: An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

19V010000

Date: 2019-01-09. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ev (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V627000

Date: 2017-10-06. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AM (excerpt)

Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V177000

Date: 2017-03-14. Systems: AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016 (excerpt)

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V017000

Date: 2017-01-10. Systems: AIR BAGS.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South (excerpt)

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V557000

Date: 2012-12-03. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 1 open.

EA21002

Opened: 2021-09-17. Closed: Not listed.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupt

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

103 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
EQUIPMENT11
POWER TRAIN11
SUSPENSION8
STEERING7
STRUCTURE6
ENGINE5

11038186

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibra

11036101

Date: 2026-08-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. a ? If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary

11035005

Date: 2026-07-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n

11034932

Date: 2026-07-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnos

11032875

Date: 2026-05-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY/WIPER.

Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar

11032684

Date: 2026-05-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing t

11032599

Date: 2026-05-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnos

11031580

Date: 2026-04-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l

11029959

Date: 2026-03-09. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the la

11029025

Date: 2026-02-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Complaint Headlamp, 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. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the la

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
C300266

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mercedes-Benz models

Other Mercedes-Benz models, 2012

Sources

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