Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints
3,817 consumer complaints on file.
- #11591764May 31, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I opened my panoramic sunroof it didn’t open all the way and slammed shut . It didn’t break but if it had there would have been injuries. This is a known problem with this years car . And it needs to corrected .
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11591772May 31, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY
The driver side indoor handle keeps breaking. I have repaired mine 4 times but still keep breaking. The connector attached to the handle is so fragile it cant withstand regular use. why hasnt this been recalled by mercedes? One repair costs 1400 dollars.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11591521May 30, 2024SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s and front passenger’s side seat belts malfunctioned and failed to properly retract. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V032000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 48,956.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11591531May 30, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY
1. the component that failed was the front stationary sunroof panel, and what failed on it was the adhesive which leads to it leaking water, and the potential of even falling off while driving 2. it could lead to falling off on the highway which could lead to damages to it or other vehicles around it 3. Unknown 4. Yes it was inspected at a nearby dealer ship in which they stated that the glue was failing on that part of the car and would need to be replaced 5. No warnings for this issue, i was only able to notice it because when it rains now if not under cover that part of the car will allow water to leak into the vehicles inside There was a recall campain in which the number is 2021070010 and it included 2014-2020 mercedes C class which my vehicle matches said description but when i have tried to get this issue resolved but my vehicles vin number was not apart of this recall as it shows across multiple sources
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11591312May 29, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The complaint is about the sunroof which has an open recall with all warning signs and risks exactly identical to my make, year and model (2016 mercedes benz c300). More than 15,000 vehicles have been affected by this problem and the warning signs suddenly appear with the vehicle. Mercedes Benz after their investigation after several reports were filed, later found that the sunroof glass panels were installed without prior application of the primer (bonding agent) which was supposed to ensure the specified strength of the bonded joint. NHTSA received several complaints concerning this issue where the sunroof suddenly began shaking and rattling which began with the driver noticing excessive wind noises in the area of the sunroof while driving indicating that the panel might be partially separated from the vehicle. I began noticing this on Tuesday May 28th, 2024, when my sunroof tilted open on the left side and failed to open properly. Upon closing it, I began to drive, and the wind noise and excessive rattling was immediately noticeable. It sounded like the wind was forcing open my sunroof and was almost like the wind was about to pull it out. In fear, I slowed down to about 20mph, but it was still very noticeable. I got scared and immediately pulled to the side of the freeway and parked. Then I immediately looked up the issue on google and noticed that there was an open recall for the exact same issue, for my make, model and year. It was noted that the roofs if not fixed will eventually pull out and flyaway posing a safety risk to the driver and other motorists who may crash as they try to avoid the debris or if the panel hits them. Luckily, I pulled over quicky out of fear for it felt like my sunroof was literally about to pull off by the wind. Now I am unable to drive my vehicle because of fear for my safety. Please I would appreciate if this were resolved and for my vehicle to be recalled and fixed immediately as soon as possible. Thanks.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11591410May 29, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY
1) A panel on the roof of my vehicle fully detached as it was not appropriately secured in place by the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz). The part is not available for inspection as it flew off of my vehicle on the highway, but I have pictures available. 2) The panel flew off my vehicle at high speed and increased the risk of a crash or injury for other drivers. 3) I have confirmed with my local Mercedes dealership that this is the same issue mentioned in NHTSA recall 21V-197. The make (Mercedes), model (C300), year (2019), and part number (A2057800022) all match what is mentioned in the recall. However, for some reason my VIN number was not associated with the recall and Mercedes is using this as a reason to withhold a refund for the repair work they performed, despite the fact that I experienced the exact issue mentioned in the recall. 4) No. 5) No, not applicable. In summary, I experienced the exact issue noted in NHTSA recall 21V-197, however as my VIN number was not associated with the recall, Mercedes is not refunding me for the repair work. I'd like to get my VIN number added to the recall list for NHTSA 21V-197.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11590907May 27, 2024ENGINE
Car needs an engine rebuild at 90K miles due to a cracked piston #1, a problem with a car that received regular oil change intervals and proper service should not have
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11590636May 24, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly. The contact had to pump the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The cruise control, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with the electronic stabilizing program control unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589816May 21, 2024FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Unknown
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589822May 21, 2024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, STRUCTURE:BODY
While I was driving to work in a heavy rain my abs malfunction light came on in my car. I decided to take it to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Fresno. They said it was the ABS module that needed to be replaced. After being in the shop for almost 3 weeks they said it was fixed. When I went to pick it up, the moment I turned it on the ABS malfunction light came on again. I was told that it was okay to drive and they would have somebody come check it out at my work the next day. My car went back into the shop for another week and they could not figure out what was wrong with it. They did take pictures and the second time I took it in they noticed a bunch of water underneath the floorboard. By this time, I had lost confidence in them fixing my car the manager basically kicked me off the lot and told me never to go back again. So I continued to drive my car since I was told it was okay first time they fixed it. Short while later, I rear-ended another car. The ABS system did not warn me that I was too close. When I took my car in to get the body work fixed I was also given a name of somebody who would be able to fix the electrical problems and insurance would pay for it. He was able to fix the ABS system but could not find where the short was that controlled the passenger seat and the driver side back seat window and for the needle that tells me if my car is overheating. Nobody could figure out where the water had been coming from. It wasn't until recently when we just had a heavy storm that I noticed water leaking from inside the car through a seam. The running boards on the top of my car were not installed correctly so water seeps in there during rains and then it travels down underneath my floorboards and sits which was the cause of the shorts in my electrical system. My concern is that I don't know how bad other components of the car might be that one of the wires might at any of the wires might short while I'm driving now but unable to download receipts which I have
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589855May 21, 2024SERVICE BRAKES
The brake lines have corroded in multiple places causing brake fluid to leak, potentially creating a safety risk had the problem not been immediately observed and corrected. An independent service center confirmed the problem and replaced all the brake lines and hoses. There were no warning lamps or signals. A puddle of brake fluid under the car was the first indication of a problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589443May 18, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY
This is a low mileage car with odometer reading of 25668 (less than 2000 miles per year), used sparingly and always parked in the garage. On 05/07/2024 I noticed brake fluid flowing from the left rear side of the car; on examination this seemed to come from the flexible hose that connects the brake fluid line to the brake caliper. I called my Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer and arranged for further inspection and service. The technician identified that the brake fluid lines to the rear were both totally corroded and in need of immediate replacement. Since the lines were embedded behind the subframe it necissated lowering the subframe to access. Other parts were also severely corroded and required replacement. (see attached PDF of Invoice) The total cost of the repair was $4,592.93. The dealership applied a discount of $150.00 to this for an amount due of $4,442.93. As an engineer, I believe the material used for the brake fluid lines were unsuitable and furthermore were unprotected for the harsh environment experienced under the car, and I believe MB with all their experience in automobiles manufacturing over the years clearly should have known and forseen this fact; I do believe that MB is responsible for this premature failure of the brake lines of my car aven driven only 25,666 miles to date. I am therefore requesting NHTSA to require MB to reimburse me for the unnecessary expense of the costly repairs. It is only fortunate that this failure was identified in my garage and not on the highway. Please advise me of your resolution. Thank you.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589214May 17, 2024POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My wife was driving our 2020 Mercedes Benz C300 coupe near our house and the engine light came on. Then the car could not be driven over the speed of 30 miles per hour. Then it stopped and had to be towed. Fortunately, she was able to avoid being hit by other vehicles.The car only has 25219 miles. It was towed to a mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which provided a series of codes regarding the malfunction. Three codes were related to the CAMTRONIC camshaft system and its Solenoid ( Codes: P003C-53; P34AE-00; P34AD-09). Camshaft position actuators Failure codes: P34AD; P34AE. The way it happened could have resulted in damage, serious injury or death since the car suddenly stopped. The car is well maintained. We believe that there is a manufacturer's defect since this is a garaged vehicle that is well maintained and has low mileage.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11589349May 17, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the highway, I tried to open my panoramic sunroof, it made a grinding sound and was stuck in the open position with one corner for the sunroof slanted higher than the other. I was afraid that the sunroof would shatter or that the wind would blow off components. Afterward, the sunroof would not close even after I took it to the dealership. They informed me that they could not close the sunroof and my only option was to repair it for $4,000 or buy another car. After looking at the costs of replacement cars, I decided to pay for the repairs out of pocket. I found on multiple reddit and mercedes forums that this is a common issue in Mercedes C class vehicles made on and around 2016. My service advisor told me that he has so many customers from these panoramic sunroofs failing due to a cost cutting measure from Mercedes who decided to use plastic tracks instead of metal. He also informed me that they went back to metal a few years after my car was manufactured. This leads me to believe that Mercedes acknowledged the issue and is trying to hide it from NHTSA. Here is a link to a forum post that has a similar picture to how mine looked, notice that one side is stuck in a higher position. [XXX] Here is another post with others with similar issues [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588668May 14, 2024AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the seat belt also failed to restrain the contact during the crash. Due to both failures, the contact's head and chest hit the steering wheel. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and given an X-ray exam. The contact was treated for lacerations to the forehead and suffered pain to the head, neck, back, and chest. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic and later back to the contact's home where it remained in the contact's possession. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588738May 14, 2024ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? As I started my car from a cold start and even when starting the engine, the car was creating this tractor like sound. No system has failed but I read the camshaft adjuster and tensioner pulley has come out of site, which can ruin the engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was audible by the dealer but I was told that it would be a normal issue on a cold start. Now they will charge $200 for a service diagnosis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Mercedes Benz gave an extended warranty on the program for extension of 10 years but the problem has been happening for multiple people and it has been happening again that this warrants a recall over a poorly designed part that can destroy the car’s engine. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No such codes or messages. Which is why this is so scary. This incident has been happening for the past 8 months or so and besides a letter about a warranty no such information.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588793May 14, 2024SUSPENSION
Subframe rusted and broke. It is available for inspection. Burlington Mercedes inspected the vehicle and told me it was not safe to drive. Mercedes-Benz USA is aware of the problem. They issued a letter extending the warranty covering only the subframe to twenty years and unlimited miles. Burlington Mercedes refused to do the subframe replacement without installing all new arms, which are currently not damaged. The cost to install all new arms is $2826.54. Mercedes-Benz USA is offering a warranty extension that their dealerships refuse to honor. This needs to be turned into a recall instead of a warranty extension. This subframe issue is dangerous. It affects Mercedes vehicles dating back to 2005 and encompasses many of their models including: SLK- Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class C-Class Sedan/Coupe, GLK-Class E-Class Sedan/Wagon, E-Class Coupe/Cabrio
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588398May 13, 2024FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated but then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed actuator. The contact was informed that an actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588272May 11, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle was in drive, as I was turning right, the vehicle shifted from p(park) to n(netural) on the roadway. The car would not allow me to shift back to drive. I had to literally turn the car off and then back on in the middle of the road in order to put it back in drive Thankfully, there was not a vehicle nearby at the time, which could have caused a major accident or lost of life. At the time there was not a warning message at the time. Three days later tire pressure warning with fluctuating numbers occurred. I have only had this vehicle, purchased new for under five months. The vehicle is currently sitting in the service department at the Mercedes dealership waiting on a diagnosis(4) days so far. I will no longer feel safe and fear for my safety in that vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11588052May 10, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my ESL (electronic steering lock. ) has went out when I did research this something that always happened please fix
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0