2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 22 NHTSA complaints and 9 recall campaigns, giving it a complaint index of 27 and a Caution verdict, ranked 12th worst out of 16 model years. Its cap comes from the recall count, not the complaint volume, which is relatively low.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 27/100
- #12 of 16 C300 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (45%)
- Brakes5 (23%)
- Electrical System5 (23%)
- Other4 (18%)
- Engine2 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (9%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Forward Collision Avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems trigger phantom braking, causing sudden stops with no obstacle present.
- Emergency braking mode engaged unexpectedly at a crosswalk, cutting throttle response and leading to a rear-end crash by another driver.
- A parked vehicle reportedly rolled downhill on its own with no one inside, striking a neighboring structure.
- Engine lost power and stalled while reversing, with the check engine light illuminating; a software update did not fix the recurring issue.
- A tire reportedly exploded while driving around 40 MPH, preceded by a 0 PSI warning.
- Adaptive cruise control decelerated abruptly, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Structure & Body310,667 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V255000May 12, 2025Electrical System443 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
Risk: An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050003/4.
- NHTSA 25V253000May 2, 2025Seat Belts46 vehicles
Seat belts:front
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
Risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040012.
2023 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.
2023 compared with other C300 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 C300 has a complaint index of 27, ranked 12th out of 16 model years, with a Caution verdict.
- Why is the 2023 C300 rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its verdict is capped at Caution because it has 9 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, even though its complaint index alone is fairly low.
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2023 C300?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints make up 45% of all complaints, mostly related to phantom braking, at a median mileage of 6,000 miles.
- Does the 2023 C300 have any electrical recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists several electrical recalls for the 2023 C300, including issues with fuse boxes, wiring harness ground connections, and transmission wiring harness length.
- How does the 2023 C300 compare to other years?
- The 2023 C300 ranks better than earlier years like 2010 and 2011 (complaint index 100 and 93, both Avoid) but worse than 2021 and 2024, which both earned Best verdicts.