2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 480 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2% of the 480 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata inflators the first recall was february 2016 for the driver side airbag a reasonable amount of time is past the parts were promised in september 2018 and no delivery. Now a new recall of january 2019 for the passenger side airbag inflator has been issued I'm told by Mercedes-Benz USA that the parts will be available september 2019 . This is an unreasonable amount of time given the three years of the previous recall not being remedied. Also I'm told by the dealership that the motor mounts are collapsed I can't help but think that this is a defect also subject to recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11180305, filed 2019-02, 50,000 miles“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz c300w. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v363000 (air bags) and 16v081000 (air bags). The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. In addition, the air bag indicator illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11179815, filed 2019-02, 47,000 miles“There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.”
NHTSA complaint #11533738, filed 2023-07“My car sound like the power steering has gone it's very loud. Also secondary air flow just replaced and now it's going to need another one at 2000 a pop. Finally the electrics is very weird. Lights will go out then come back on. My day time running lights stay on day and night no matter where I turn the light switch. The day time running light is on even when I turn on high beams. No matter if it's moving or not all these things are happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11282812, filed 2019-11“The car is not starting. no dashboard no lights no window function no seat function no radio. nothing. Ignition lights are not turning on and the car is dead. Car batteries were newly replaced but understand this could be EIS and Steering lock issues which is common in Mercedes Benz models. Why is Manufacturer not compensating / correcting for common errors on his Models?”
NHTSA complaint #11593432, filed 2024-06Related service bulletins
- 11017039Apr 1, 2025Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the coolant…
- 11008064Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class…
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
- 10044601Aug 13, 2013Xentry (mercedes): check engine light (cel) is activated; stored in engine control unit is very fine leak. Automatic fuel tank leak test software is sensitive and can produces an…
- 10059560Apr 18, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 18% |
| 2023 | 2 | 9% |
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 8 | 57% |
| 2020 | 8 | 24% |
| 2019 | 17 | 25% |
| 2018 | 34 | 34% |
| 2017 | 77 | 36% |
| 2016 | 94 | 32% |
| 2015 | 127 | 33% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 13 | 3% |
| 2009 | 16 | 3% |
| 2008 | 31 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300
250 complaintsSuspension
60 complaintsBody and structure
49 complaintsFuel system
44 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology