How many fuel system complaints does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?

NHTSA lists 44 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 C300, which is about 9% of the 480 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300?

Yes, recall campaign 12V557000 covers the fuel system on 2011-2012 C300 and other Mercedes-Benz models, with dealers replacing the fuel filter free of charge.

At what mileage do fuel system problems usually appear on the 2011 C300?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for fuel system complaints on this model year is 80,000 miles.

Do 2011 C300 fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?

According to NHTSA data, the 44 fuel system complaints for this year report zero fires, zero crashes, and zero injuries.

Were all 2011 C300 owners covered by the fuel system recall?

No, multiple owners in NHTSA complaints report being told their vehicle was not included in recall 12V557000 despite having the same fuel leak issue.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 44 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300, about 9% of that year's 480 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,000. A related recall, campaign 12V557000, covers fuel filter replacement, though several owners report their car was excluded from it.

Fuel System complaints: 44; 9% of 480
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report a strong fuel odor inside the cabin, especially after filling the tank, often traced to a cracked or fractured fuel filter.
Several drivers describe fuel leaking from the bottom of the vehicle near the fuel tank or filler neck, visible as a puddle under the car.
Some owners say the fuel filler neck or tank seal failed, causing gas fumes and leaks around the rear passenger seat area.
Multiple complaints describe being told the vehicle qualified for NHTSA recall 12V557000 but the dealer said it was not actually covered.
One owner reported a complete loss of power linked to clogged drains allowing water to enter the fuel system, requiring a flush.

When 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 9, 2015, latest May 24, 2026.

44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2015 to May 2026; peak Aug 2022 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300

NHTSA 12V557000Dec 3, 2012Fuel System5,800 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Fuel System complaints by C300 model year

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

201026 (6%)
201144 (9%)
201212 (5%)
20133 (1%)
20141 (1%)
201570 (18%)
201666 (23%)
201733 (15%)
201810 (10%)
201912 (17%)
20203 (9%)
20213 (21%)
20227 (28%)
20231 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?: NHTSA lists 44 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 C300, which is about 9% of the 480 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300?: Yes, recall campaign 12V557000 covers the fuel system on 2011-2012 C300 and other Mercedes-Benz models, with dealers replacing the fuel filter free of charge.
At what mileage do fuel system problems usually appear on the 2011 C300?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for fuel system complaints on this model year is 80,000 miles.
Do 2011 C300 fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?: According to NHTSA data, the 44 fuel system complaints for this year report zero fires, zero crashes, and zero injuries.
Were all 2011 C300 owners covered by the fuel system recall?: No, multiple owners in NHTSA complaints report being told their vehicle was not included in recall 12V557000 despite having the same fuel leak issue.