2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 C300 years
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 has a Complaint Index of 27 and ranks 12th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other C300 years. NHTSA lists 22 complaints and 9 recalls, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues making up 45% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 22
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
Top 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Forward Collision Avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems trigger sudden, unexplained hard braking or full stops with no obstacle present.
- Phantom braking has repeated at the same highway location for one owner while cruise control was engaged.
- Brakes intermittently fail to respond or the vehicle unexpectedly speeds up when the brake pedal is released.
- A parked vehicle rolled away on a slight grade with no one inside, at a median mileage of 2,000 miles for brake-related complaints.
- The check engine light illuminated during reverse, followed by a loss of power and stall, at 3,900 miles; software update did not resolve the issue.
- A tire reportedly exploded while driving around 40 mph, preceded by a 0 PSI warning light, at 2,000 miles.
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?
- Compared with other C300 model years, 2023 rates "Good," with a Complaint Index of 27 and rank 12 of 16 years, meaning fewer reported problems than most other C300 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues are the top problem area, accounting for 45% of complaints (10 of 22), mainly involving sudden automatic braking.
- Does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2023 C300, covering electrical wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, seat belt covers, door locks, and the fuel pump; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- NHTSA has 22 complaints for the 2023 C300, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported, and a median mileage at failure of 3,900 miles.