2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300 has 3 complaints and 206 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report problems related to the engine cylinder head. These reports discuss issues with premature failure of the cylinder head, sometimes shortly after the factory warranty expires, causing rough running, overheating, and check engine warnings.
Common Issues
- Cylinder head failure. Multiple owners report the cylinder head on the M264 engine developing defects around 35,000 to 42,000 miles. This failure causes engine roughness, overheating, and illumination of the check engine light. Replacement parts are reportedly also defective, and the problem is acknowledged by garages familiar with Mercedes 4-cylinder engines from 2017 onward.
There are 206 recalls affecting various systems in the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300. These recalls address issues in fuel delivery, safety restraints, emergency communication, electrical systems, and rear visibility among others.
Recalls
- Fuel pump defect. (NHTSA 23V445000) About 143,551 vehicles are affected by a fuel pump shutdown issue causing loss of drive power and increased crash risk. Dealers replace the fuel pump free of charge. No "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" advisory was issued.
- Rearview camera display failure. (NHTSA 22V232000) A software defect in approximately 126,443 vehicles prevents the rearview camera image from displaying. This reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. Dealers update the software at no cost.
- Emergency call system failure. (NHTSA 22V365000, 21V058000) Over 1.2 million vehicles, including the C 300, have a SIM card software error disabling the eCall system. This prevents occupants from contacting emergency services in a crash, potentially delaying responders. The fix involves dealer or over-the-air software updates free of charge.
- Rear headrest mounting defect. (NHTSA 21V406000) A small number of vehicles have rear headrests incorrectly mounted, risking detachment in a crash and possible injury. Dealers inspect and replace guide bushings if needed at no cost.
- Front seat belt retractor issue. (NHTSA 21V032000) Approximately 24,550 vehicles have front seat belts that may not fully retract, potentially discouraging use and increasing injury risk. Dealers inspect and adjust the retraction mechanism free of charge.
- Seat position switch fault. (NHTSA 21V230000) About 8,634 vehicles have electrical faults in the seat position switch that may disable airbags and seat belt limiters during a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers replace the switches free of charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs or unresolved safety recall issues with the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300 might have rights under their state’s lemon law. Those dealing with safety defects or multiple recall notifications should consider consulting a qualified consumer protection attorney for guidance.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300 Summary
2021
Model Year
3
Total Complaints
7
Total Recalls
1838376
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
143551 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
126443 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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."
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
242722 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
218 vehicles affected
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.
Risk: Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
24550 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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."
Risk: If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
8634 vehicles affected
SEATS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
1292258 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Complaints
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
ID: 2117369POWER TRAIN
My C300 only had about 42,000 miles and was less than 5 years old. Just after the factory warranty expired, the engine was running rough and hot, and "check engine" light illuminated. My local garage quickly diagnosed the problem as a failed cylinder head, stated that it is common with Mercedes 4-cylinder engines from about 2017, and said Mercedes may cover it since it is a "known problem" and shouldn't happen with that mileage. I was charged $7,860 by my local Mercedes dealer, and despite multiple contacts with MercedezUSA, they refuse to acknowledge this is a problem or cover the cost, although in on-line the forums some people were arbitrarily reimbursed. There should be a recall to check for this obvious defect and should be covered. This defect can cause sudden engine failure and is a significant hazard to the driving public.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
ID: 2117368ENGINE
My C300 only had about 42,000 miles and was less than 5 years old. Just after the factory warranty expired, the engine was running rough and hot, and "check engine" light illuminated. My local garage quickly diagnosed the problem as a failed cylinder head, stated that it is common with Mercedes 4-cylinder engines from about 2017, and said Mercedes may cover it since it is a "known problem" and shouldn't happen with that mileage. I was charged $7,860 by my local Mercedes dealer, and despite multiple contacts with MercedezUSA, they refuse to acknowledge this is a problem or cover the cost, although in on-line the forums some people were arbitrarily reimbursed. There should be a recall to check for this obvious defect and should be covered. This defect can cause sudden engine failure and is a significant hazard to the driving public.
2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300
ID: 2066020ENGINE
Cylinder head needed to be replaced on the M264 engine at 35,000 miles. The replacement part is also known to be defective for the same reasons. This is a common defect known to the manufacturer and they have not issued a recall. My concern is that of a roadside breakdown that would endanger my wife and myself. Thank you for your consideration.