How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300?

NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2010 C300, which is 4% of the 453 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2010 C300 engine problems?

No related recalls are listed in the data for this engine issue, though one owner complaint references a camshaft adjustment solenoid recall that the dealer said was already closed.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2010 C300?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 C300 is 66,500 miles.

Did the 2010 C300 engine issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to reports in this engine complaint set, with no fires reported.

What kind of engine failures do owners report most on the 2010 C300?

Owners most often describe unintended acceleration or surging at high RPM and serpentine belt tensioner failures that shred the belt and disable power steering.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, 4% of all 453 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 66,500. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue. Reported crashes reached 3, with 2 injuries.

Engine complaints: 16; 4% of 453 complaints
All complaints this year: 453
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 66,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden unintended forward acceleration or lurching from a stop, in some cases leading to a rear-end collision.
Some report the engine surging to high RPM on the highway, forcing the driver to coast and let off the accelerator repeatedly before regaining normal control.
Several describe the serpentine belt tensioner seizing or shredding, which knocks out power steering and the alternator and leaves the car immobile.
Owners mention the vehicle stalling or stopping suddenly in the middle of the road without warning.
Some report the check engine light coming on with a fuel odor entering the cabin, with dealers unable to duplicate the failure on first inspection.
One owner mentions a camshaft adjustment solenoid recall that the dealer said was already closed, despite continuing engine concerns.

When 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 31, 2011, latest Feb 12, 2026.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2011 to Feb 2026; peak Jul 2016 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by C300 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201016 (4%)
201114 (3%)
20126 (2%)
201315 (6%)
20145 (5%)
2015133 (35%)
201696 (34%)
201781 (38%)
201835 (35%)
201918 (26%)
20209 (27%)
20218 (57%)
20223 (12%)
20232 (9%)
20242 (18%)
20251 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300?: NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2010 C300, which is 4% of the 453 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2010 C300 engine problems?: No related recalls are listed in the data for this engine issue, though one owner complaint references a camshaft adjustment solenoid recall that the dealer said was already closed.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2010 C300?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2010 C300 is 66,500 miles.
Did the 2010 C300 engine issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to reports in this engine complaint set, with no fires reported.
What kind of engine failures do owners report most on the 2010 C300?: Owners most often describe unintended acceleration or surging at high RPM and serpentine belt tensioner failures that shred the belt and disable power steering.