Total Complaints
591 filings
MERCEDES-BENZ C300 · model year
2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300
591 NHTSA complaints, 26 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2010MERCEDES-BENZC300 carries 591 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 26 crashes, 8 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 C300 is air bags with 201 filings, followed by electrical system (80) and steering (68). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2010 C300. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
591
Complaints
26
Crashes
8
Fires
23
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
26 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 201 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 80 |
| STEERING | 68 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 44 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 27 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 26 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 24 |
| SUSPENSION | 23 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14 |
| ENGINE | 13 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 8 |
| SEATS | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 5 |
| SEAT BELTS | 5 |
Recalls (1)
19V01000009/01/2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic
Recent Complaints
20260212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then reached out to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner Service and Parts, located at 8545 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, and was informed about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 97,000
20260212ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then reached out to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner Service and Parts, located at 8545 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, and was informed about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 97,000
20260212AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then reached out to Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner Service and Parts, located at 8545 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, and was informed about a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 97,000
20251229STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts; however, the infotainment system was turned on. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact related the failure to an unknown steering coupling interlock mechanism recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Mileage: 98,000
20250910SUSPENSION
Got a car from the dealer soon weeks after the rear subframe was so corroded alignment was able to get done and was snapped on both sides airbag light came on doesnât go away and the rear right brake like started using the fog light as a turn signal
20250910AIR BAGS
Got a car from the dealer soon weeks after the rear subframe was so corroded alignment was able to get done and was snapped on both sides airbag light came on doesnât go away and the rear right brake like started using the fog light as a turn signal
20250910ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Got a car from the dealer soon weeks after the rear subframe was so corroded alignment was able to get done and was snapped on both sides airbag light came on doesnât go away and the rear right brake like started using the fog light as a turn signal
20250910WHEELS
Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and itâs was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue
20250910SUSPENSION
Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and itâs was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue
20250910AIR BAGS
Due to the corrosion in the rear subframe both side of lower control arms snapped the tires to the car are wearing out due to the corrosion in rear subframe and itâs was also hitting my gas tank if I was to go over any holes which can cause a bigger issue
20250807AIR BAGS
While i have a few recalls i plan on needing service from Mercedes for, I just found out that Mercedes has a Class action lawsuit involving my C class mercedes C300 from 2010-2022 years. I was driving and ran into a pothole. My car rear started making noise and sounds. I went to the auto shop amd was told my rear subframe was damaged and would cost over 2,000. I and putting in a complaint to make sure Mercedes honor this recall/ extended warranty for my vehicle.
20250807STRUCTURE:BODY
While i have a few recalls i plan on needing service from Mercedes for, I just found out that Mercedes has a Class action lawsuit involving my C class mercedes C300 from 2010-2022 years. I was driving and ran into a pothole. My car rear started making noise and sounds. I went to the auto shop amd was told my rear subframe was damaged and would cost over 2,000. I and putting in a complaint to make sure Mercedes honor this recall/ extended warranty for my vehicle.
20250807STEERING
While i have a few recalls i plan on needing service from Mercedes for, I just found out that Mercedes has a Class action lawsuit involving my C class mercedes C300 from 2010-2022 years. I was driving and ran into a pothole. My car rear started making noise and sounds. I went to the auto shop amd was told my rear subframe was damaged and would cost over 2,000. I and putting in a complaint to make sure Mercedes honor this recall/ extended warranty for my vehicle.
20250603CrashSEAT BELTS
1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be repair. Major safety issue
20250603CrashSEATS
1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be repair. Major safety issue
20250603CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. Driver seat back broke in a rear collision. Documented in EMS report and Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 2. Driver head rest failed, completedly came off during rear collision. Front passenger side did not fail. Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation photos. 3. Driver side seat belt failed, completedly came off during rear collision.Documented in Kentucky State Police official investigation report and photos. Driver sustained massive and severe injuries. Prior issues: both front door and left rear door handle interior plastic broke and had to be repair. Major safety issue
20250409AIR BAGS
Passenger side front airbag reports as inoperable.
20250131SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300W. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. The contact was later informed that the wheel alignment was not fully completed due to extensive corrosion on the subframe. The contact picked up the vehicle and upon investigation discovered that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the corrosion of the subframe. An appointment was scheduled, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained for two weeks. The contact was later informed that the condition of the vehicle did not reach the warranty standards for repair. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that dealers were independently owned and made their own decisions on warranty repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Mileage: 63,000
20250131STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300W. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. The contact was later informed that the wheel alignment was not fully completed due to extensive corrosion on the subframe. The contact picked up the vehicle and upon investigation discovered that there was a warranty on the vehicle for the corrosion of the subframe. An appointment was scheduled, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it remained for two weeks. The contact was later informed that the condition of the vehicle did not reach the warranty standards for repair. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that dealers were independently owned and made their own decisions on warranty repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Mileage: 63,000
20241106STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned, and diagnostic trouble codes indicating the TRP and Power Steering failure were retrieved. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and required to be towed. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle remained parked in the storage. The contact related the failure to an unidentified recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
Compare 2010MERCEDES-BENZC300 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 have?▼
The 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 has 591 NHTSA complaints, 26 crashes, 8 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300?▼
Yes, the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300?▼
The most-complained component for the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 is AIR BAGS with 201 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.