Mercedes-Benz C300 Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 750 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 750 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Mercedes-Benz C300 across 18 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (228). The words owners use most often: “steering lock” (14% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Steering lock: mentioned in 104 of 750 complaints (14%)
  • Ignition switch: mentioned in 70 of 750 complaints (9%)
  • Rear tail: mentioned in 42 of 750 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Mercedes-Benz C300 at $1,900, and half of them between $1,650 and $2,750.

Based on 34 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2023), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 527 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles28 · 5%
10k–25k miles20 · 4%
25k–50k miles77 · 15%
50k–75k miles169 · 32%
75k–100k miles129 · 24%
100k–150k miles84 · 16%
150k+ miles20 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 750 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 36 a fire, 9 an injury.

Mercedes-Benz C300 electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2008, with 228 complaints
2008: 22820082282009: 1981982010: 842010842011: 43432012: 122012122013: 19192014: 9201492015: 50502016: 322016322017: 31312018: 102018102019: 13132020: 3202032021: 112022: 7202272023: 552024: 4202442025: 11

n = 750 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 C300125%—
2024 C300436%—
2023 C300523%6,000
2022 C300728%5,500
2021 C30017%—
2020 C30039%6,000
2019 C3001319%31,002
2018 C3001010%52,800
2017 C3003114%44,771
2016 C3003211%10,500
2015 C3005013%20,010
2014 C300910%56,291
2013 C300197%68,675
2012 C300125%83,500
2011 C300439%75,000
2010 C3008419%69,000
2009 C30019834%70,400
2008 C30022834%79,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 125 complaints
2010: 1201012012: 772013: 692013692014: 1251252015: 11220151122016: 81812017: 752017752018: 52522019: 392019392020: 27272021: 322021322022: 24242023: 322023322024: 29292025: 272025272026: 1818

n = 750 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (16)

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelMay 1, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V281000 · 144,049 vehicles

Model years: 2025, 2026

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.

Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2026. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2026050004. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 8, 2026.

Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersMay 12, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V255000 · 443 vehicles

Model years: 2023

Problem: 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.

Risk: An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050003/4.

Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersJun 14, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V446000 · 1,058 vehicles

Model years: 2022, 2023

Problem: 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.

Risk: An overheated wire can cause a fire and a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and rework the wiring harness, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2024. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakersFeb 16, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V115000 · 31,848 vehicles

Model years: 2023, 2024

Problem: 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.

Risk: An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.

Electrical system:wiringJun 30, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V463000 · 1,558 vehicles

Model years: 2022, 2023

Problem: 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.

Risk: An overheated wiring harness can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023070016, 2023070017, 2023070018, and 2024070016.

Electrical system:wiringJun 30, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V462000 · 8,178 vehicles

Model years: 2022, 2023

Problem: 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.

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission wiring harness routing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070015.

Electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunkSep 12, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V678000 · 6,752 vehicles

Model years: 2022

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 C300 vehicles. Moisture accumulation in the trunk may leak into the signal acquisition module (SAM), causing an electrical short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short circuit in the SAM could lead to various malfunctions, such as rear exterior lighting failure, unintentional rear seat folding, and rearview camera failure, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. In addition, an electrical short circuit might increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a cover for the SAM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022090011.

Electrical system:software; communication: auto crash notificationMay 20, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles

Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Problem: 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.

Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Communication: auto crash notification; electrical system:softwareFeb 5, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles

Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Problem: 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.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Electrical system:software; seat belts:front:warning light/devicesJul 31, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V449000 · 56 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.

Risk: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v batteryAug 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V586000 · 26,584 vehicles

Model years: 2018, 2019

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 C300, C300 4MATIC, and C43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured. This may allow the battery to shift, possibly disconnecting the terminals in the event of a crash.

Risk: Loss of power from the battery can impair post-crash functions, such as communicating with emergency services and activating hazard lights. The battery may also detach and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery mounting bracket, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090010.

Electrical system:software; parking brakeDec 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V909000 · 675 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2019 C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, C300 4MATIC, C300 4MATIC Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 4MATIC Cabrio, and C300 vehicles. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may prevent the electronic parking brake from being disengaged when returning to the vehicle, unless the ESP system is deactivated.

Risk: Driving the vehicle with the ESP system deactivated could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the ESP system software, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2018120025.

Electrical system:softwareOct 29, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V761000 · 119 vehicles

Model years: 2019

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4Matic, C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG Coupe, CLS450, CLS450 4Matic, CLS53 AMG 4Matic, E53 AMG 4Matic, E450 4Matic, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG 4Matic Coupe, G550, and G63 AMG vehicles. The Central Powertrain Controller (CPC) control unit could reset while driving, possibly causing an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the CPC control unit software, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030012.

Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesOct 15, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V725000 · 4,073 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.

Risk: If the battery is shorted, the emergency door unlocking would be deactivated for an outside responder and the short circuit could increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.

Electrical system:software; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveMar 14, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V177000 · 51 vehicles

Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:starter assembly; engine and engine cooling:engineFeb 23, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V114000 · 307,629 vehicles

Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.

Risk: If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

All of the lights in my rear driver side taillight stopped working. I had it looked at and there was oxidation at the ground connection which caused overheating and melted the plastic, leaving burn marks on the gray plastic piece. I see a safety bulletin for this exact issue for model years…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770173

The factory infotainment system (Mercedes NTG 5.5 head unit) displays Android Auto incorrectly. Instead of using the full width of the center display, Android Auto is cropped into a reduced window on the right side of the screen. The remaining roughly one-third of the screen shows a static logo…

Received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766218

The vehicle experienced a severe safety issue involving a sudden loss of motive power in active traffic. 1. Initial Symptoms & Diagnosis: Recently, the Check Engine Light illuminated. Although the light turned off before my scheduled appointment, I still brought the vehicle to an authorized…

Received Sep 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764481

While I am driving my car it will make a loud crackling sound then my screens go black and warning sounds go off! This is not normal and I read there are recalls but when I entered my vin# nothing came up. Not to mention since I bought the car last February, I have had nothing but issues with my AC…

Received Jul 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749373

Throttle body and accelerator pedal position sensors failed. Component is available for inspection upon request. Independent service center confirmed failure on 1/3/2026 with 6 stored fault codes: P2101, P0122, P0222, P0123, P0223, P2135. Vehicle shuts off while driving without warning at various…

Received Jul 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747712

Frequently asked questions

Do all Mercedes-Benz C300s have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 750 owner complaints about electrical system for the Mercedes-Benz C300. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Mercedes-Benz C300 electrical system?

Yes: 16 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Mercedes-Benz C300?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,900 (half paid between $1,650 and $2,750), from 34 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Mercedes-Benz C300?

The most frequent phrase is “steering lock”, in 104 of 750 complaints, followed by “ignition switch” (70).

Other Mercedes-Benz C300 problems

See all Mercedes-Benz C300 problems.