2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 2 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.
“On a 4 lane boulevard close to home I pulled out to pass a slow car and noticed a car coming up from behind at a high rate. I pushed the accelerator to the floor, the car started accelerating then lost all power. The engine had cut off and all the dash lights were on. I rolled to a stop, as far off the road as I could. After a few seconds I restarted the car and drove home. Similar incidents can be found on you tube but not for a C300. The ones I found were for a c240 mercedes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11301296, filed 2020-01, 47,600 miles“While my car was running in my driveway prior to driving, the engine caught fire, totaling the vehicle. There are no open recalls on this specific car, but was told by the fire investigator that it was either electrical or fuel pump related.”
NHTSA complaint #10689919, filed 2015-02, 45,000 miles“My car caught on fire. I am not sure exactly what caused it or where it started, but there were flames coming out between the tire and the door frame. The car was on while I was parked in a driveway. I ran a report on my vehicle and the tensioner had been replaced before I purchased it and also after I purchased it. I believe it may have something to do with the v-belt tensioner as it was always making screeching sounds. I just want to know how to have my car investigated for the cause of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11052062, filed 2017-12, 60,000 miles“Steering wheel lock after vehicle is shut down. When you return to the vehicle insert the key the instrument cluster, speedo, steering wheel is unresponsive which will not allow you to turn the engine. This should be a recall it's a electronic steering lock that fails on several mercedes benz causing the owner to tow the vehicle to the dealership for a 2,000 dollar repair. It happens several times before it completely fails.”
NHTSA complaint #11124614, filed 2018-09, 90,000 miles“Gradually as the car is accelerating it makes a terrible grinding noise and shakes also jerks when changing gears, confirmed it is a failed transmission, the car has had all the appropriate maintenance just not at a mb dealer and there is a service bulletin on the transmission just not official recall and mercedes is claiming no responsibility as it was not serviced at mb dealer since 2014. Clearly the service announcement is recognition of a problem”
NHTSA complaint #10954830, filed 2017-02, 53,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10160738Apr 11, 2019Update engine electronics (ME-SFI) control unit software
- 10158329Oct 9, 2017Oil in engine wiring harness
- 10056233Mar 13, 2014Xentry (mercedes): in the instrument cluster, an esp warning due to implausible accelerator pedal signal received from engine control unit. Model 2012 172, 212, 218, 207, 204.
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
114 complaintsSuspension
69 complaintsBody and structure
55 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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