2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 C300 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 ranks 9th worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 47 and a "Good" verdict relative to other C300 years. It has 99 complaints and 18 recalls, with Engine issues (35 complaints) as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 99
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30 hwy
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Some drivers report a complete loss of steering ability while driving, causing the vehicle to go off the road and crash into a wall or guardrail.
- Owners describe the forward collision avoidance system (AEB) failing to activate as described in Mercedes-Benz literature, even on a nearly new vehicle.
- Several owners report delays getting recall repairs completed because dealers said replacement parts for the steering campaign were not available.
- One owner reported a front passenger side fender becoming partially detached from the body at low mileage (7,650 miles) and being charged for the repair.
- An owner reported a rusted metal brake line leaking fluid and causing the brake pedal to go to the floor after a dealer visit for an unrelated recall, at 75,000 miles.
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?
- Compared to other C300 model years, the 2018 has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 years tracked. NHTSA lists 99 complaints and 18 recalls for this year, giving it a "Good" verdict relative to other C300 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Engine complaints make up 35% of all reported issues (35 complaints), the largest share of any problem area, at a median mileage of 34,000 miles.
- Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 have a steering recall?
- Yes, NHTSA campaign 21V509000 addresses LED headlights, and multiple owner complaints reference a steering-related recall (campaign 18V850000) where parts were reported unavailable at dealers.
- How many recalls does the 2018 C300 have?
- NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300, covering areas including Structure & Body, Electrical System, Seat Belts, and Other components.
- How does the 2018 C300 compare to other years?
- The 2018 C300 has a complaint index of 47, better than 2010 and 2011 (index 93 and 100, both "Avoid") but worse than 2021 and 2024, which rank as "Best" with indexes of 7 and 13.