2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 69 complaints, 17 recalls, and a complaint index of 33, ranking 11th worst out of 16 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped because of 15 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit despite a relatively low complaint index.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #11 of 16 C300 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 69
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 17
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine18 (26%)
- Electrical System14 (20%)
- Fuel System12 (17%)
- Other10 (14%)
- Structure & Body7 (10%)
- Brakes6 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (7%)
- Seat Belts5 (7%)
- Steering5 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine losing power or shutting off without warning at highway speeds, sometimes with the check engine light on.
- Some describe the engine shaking violently or making abnormal noise shortly after purchase, even at low mileage.
- Active brake assist has engaged unexpectedly during normal driving without any obstacle present.
- One owner reported the brake hold feature releasing on its own, causing the car to move and collide with another vehicle at a stop.
- Drivers noted LED headlights and taillights described as excessively bright.
- A windshield wiper blade was reported to skip and shudder in the rain, with the dealer stating no fix was available.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 recalls
17 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 22V232000Apr 8, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras126,443 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31 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.
2019 compared with other C300 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 69 complaints and a complaint index of 33 for the 2019 C300, ranking 11th worst out of 16 model years tracked. It carries a Caution verdict, driven mainly by 17 recall campaigns rather than a high complaint volume.
- What problems does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?
- The top problem area is the engine, with 18 complaints (26% share) and a median failure mileage of 5,350 miles. Electrical system issues (14 complaints) and fuel system issues (12 complaints) follow.
- Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 17 recalls for the 2019 C300, covering areas including structure and body, electrical system, fuel system, and collision avoidance cameras. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Why is the 2019 C300 rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 33 alone would suggest a lower-risk year, but the verdict is capped to Caution because of 15 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- How does the 2019 C300 compare to other years?
- The 2019 model ranks 11th worst of 16 years by complaint index. Years like 2021 and 2024 rank as Best, while 2010 and 2011 rank as Avoid with much higher complaint indexes of 100 and 93.