2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict that is capped due to 16 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit. Engine complaints lead at 35% of total complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #10 of 16 C300 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 99
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 18
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine35 (35%)
- Other24 (24%)
- Structure & Body15 (15%)
- Electrical System12 (12%)
- Steering12 (12%)
- Fuel System10 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (5%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report a complete loss of steering ability while driving, in one case leading to a crash into a wall and guardrail.
- Owners describe brake pedal traveling to the floor, later diagnosed as a rusted-through metal brake line leaking fluid.
- Some vehicles experienced a front fender partially detaching from the body of the car.
- Several owners waited weeks for recall repair parts related to steering and structure campaigns, with dealers unable to provide a repair timeline.
- One owner reported the forward collision avoidance/automatic emergency braking system did not activate as described in the vehicle literature.
- Structure and body complaints included electrical-related panel issues discovered during service visits.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 recalls
18 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V854000Dec 15, 2023Structure & Body2,976 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V509000Jul 2, 2021Electrical System1,467 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other C300 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2018 C300 has a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 10th worst among 16 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped from a better standing because of 16 recall campaigns needing a dealer visit.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 35% of complaints. Structure & body, electrical system, and steering complaints follow, each in double digits.
- Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the 2018 C300, covering areas including structure & body, electrical system, and seat belts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 C300 compare to other C300 years?
- With a Complaint Index of 40, the 2018 model sits in the middle of the range, better than years like 2010 (index 100, Avoid) but worse than 2021 (index 7, Best) and 2024 (index 13, Best).
- Were there crashes or injuries reported for the 2018 C300?
- NHTSA records 4 crashes and 1 injury tied to complaints for the 2018 C300, with 0 fires and 0 deaths reported.