NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
259 reports47,574 miles · Aug 17, 2026
Service BrakesStructure
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk…
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch was enabled; however the trunk failed to open or close. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed subframe and brake line. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not being released because the vehicle was deemed unsafe. The contact was informed that the subframe repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The contact requested a quote for the additional repair. The dealer then requested that the contact remove the vehicle from the dealer lot. The vehicle was towed to an alternative dealer. The contact was disabled and was without transportation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 47,574.
NHTSA ODI #11757525
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2026
SteeringUnknown Or Other
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle and Recall Campaign No. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-Benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative…
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I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle and Recall Campaign No. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-Benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative stated it was performed; another stated no record exists. I was never notified that a recall repair had been completed. This inconsistency raises immediate concerns regarding recall documentation integrity and owner notification compliance. The identical steering column system has now failed again, resulting in a complete steering column lock and vehicle immobilization. The repair estimate exceeds $2,500. A total steering lock is a critical safety failure with clear risk implications. If the recall repair was completed, recurrence of the exact same safety-critical component failure within only a few years strongly indicates that the original recall remedy was either improperly performed, defective in itself, or fundamentally inadequate to eliminate the defect. Steering column assemblies are not routine wear items. Mercedes-trained master technicians have confirmed that such failures are rare over a vehicle’s lifetime and highly unusual shortly after replacement. Federal safety recall law requires manufacturers to fully and permanently remedy safety defects at no cost to the consumer. A failed recall remedy that results in repeat failure of the same component shifts the burden improperly onto the owner and undermines the purpose of the recall system. I respectfully request that NHTSA formally investigate whether Recall 2017120022 has resulted in recurring steering column failures following recall repairs, evaluate the sufficiency of the remedy, review Mercedes-Benz USA’s recall tracking and notification procedures, and require reimbursement if the defect represents a failed recall correction.This matter shows a serious vehicle safety concern.
NHTSA ODI #11719825
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2025
Air Bags
I had just gotten off the highway it was a rainy day and pulled into my driveway when airbag deployed on its own. I am lucky to be alive. I purchased this vehicle about 2 yrs or so ago and ran carfax that showed recall was fixed by manufacturer. I contacted Mercedes corporate office and it’s been almost two weeks with me call…
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I had just gotten off the highway it was a rainy day and pulled into my driveway when airbag deployed on its own. I am lucky to be alive. I purchased this vehicle about 2 yrs or so ago and ran carfax that showed recall was fixed by manufacturer. I contacted Mercedes corporate office and it’s been almost two weeks with me calling and emailing w no call backs or any resolution. I don’t have a car and could have been seriously injured. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11696593
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2025
Structure
Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to open the driver’s door from the …
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Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to open the driver’s door from the inside. The handle broke through normal use upon trying to open the car door from the drivers side. The only way to exit the vehicle now is to roll down the window and reach around to use the exterior handle. On October 14, 2025, I spoke to two Mercedes-Benz dealerships in my area. They both confirmed this is a recurring problem on this model but stated there is no recall. One of them physically inspected the vehicle door problem. I believe the actual broken replacement part costs about $50. However, according to these same authorized Mercedes Benz repair shops I spoke to, Mercedes-Benz REQUIRES replacing the entire door panel assembly, which costs between $950 and $1,480 in labor and parts. This is not a reasonable or safe solution for such a critical component. This poses a serious safety hazard. In the event of a fire, collision, electrical failure, or if the windows become inoperable, the driver (myself) could become trapped inside the vehicle, leading to potential injury or death! I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this recurring defect, as it directly affects occupant safety and the ability to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Universal Imports, Rochester, NY – Inspected and confirmed recurring problem, no recall, verbal repair estimate $950, and Mercedes‑Benz of Rochester (West Herr Automotive), NY] – Confirmed recurring problem, verbal repair estimate $1480 Requested Action: Please investigate whether this defect warrants a safety recall or mandatory manufacturer repair campaign. The interior door handle failure on Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles represents a clear safety risk to occupants.
NHTSA ODI #11695491
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2025
Structure
The interior door handle of the driver's side door snapped, which does not allow the driver to open the door at all. In the event of a crash, fire, or emergency, the door can only be opened from the exterior. This is a widespread issue with this model of car, which Mercedes-Benz is very aware of. There are hundreds of videos an…
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The interior door handle of the driver's side door snapped, which does not allow the driver to open the door at all. In the event of a crash, fire, or emergency, the door can only be opened from the exterior. This is a widespread issue with this model of car, which Mercedes-Benz is very aware of. There are hundreds of videos and online discussions of this common saferty issue that Mercedes refuses to make right. This is a risk for the safety of all drivers of these vehicles. The car has been inspected and confirmed by a MB dealer. There were no warning indications before or after this happened. Mercedes Benz wants $1200 to fix this obvious defect.
NHTSA ODI #11681819
160,000 miles · Aug 15, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil had traveled through the wiring …
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil had traveled through the wiring harness causing the ECU to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover a portion of the repair cost. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #11680900
60,000 miles · May 22, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensi…
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensioners were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had experienced the failure with the timing chain tensioner on three separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11662663
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2025
Engine
THIS IS THE SECOND TIMING CHAIN TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER THAT HAS GONE BAD. EVEN THOUGHT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS REPORTED, MERCEDES WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A RECALL PROBLEM. MY SAFTY IS AT RISK IF MY ENGINE BECOMES DISABLED ON THE HYWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11662655
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2025
Suspension
Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely decayed/rusted through and not saf…
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Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely decayed/rusted through and not safe to continue driving.
NHTSA ODI #11652172
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2025
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The security alert warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the …
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The security alert warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the anti-theft module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11648959
Official recalls
6Nov 1, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Jan 9, 2019
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 ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Jan 10, 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350, SLS Coupe, SLS AMG GT Coupe, and SLS Roadster vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2010 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, E550 Coupe, GLK350, and GLK350 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2009 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. Mercedes issued an interim notification to owners on February 23, 2018. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Oct 6, 2017
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 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
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.
Apr 12, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mar 14, 2017
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, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
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.
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
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, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
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.
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.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
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, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
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.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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