2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,790miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,790 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.
“2012 mercedes benz C300 - rear tail light tail light failure, found burn marks in the vehicle bulb assembly (bulb panel) and burned wires it has a complete loss of tail light lamps function.”
NHTSA complaint #11154248, filed 2018-11, 79,580 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear taillight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired since the VIN nor the model year was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11597459, filed 2024-06, 180,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he smelled a rubber burning odor. A message indicating that the turn signal was inoperable was displayed. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was smoke coming from the rear passenger's side taillight. The contact stated that he opened the taillight panel and noticed that the interior and the bolt had melted. The contact was able to continue driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11544614, filed 2023-09, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a burning type odor was present inside the vehicle. Whiling inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that rear driver and passenger side tail light plugs had melted. Also, after turning the front driver seat heater on a burning odor was present and the seat felt extremely hotter the normal. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 70,000. ## VIN passed ## Mercedes-Benz 2012 C300 ##”
NHTSA complaint #11413896, filed 2021-04, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11010494Nov 13, 2024Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to…
- 11007974Sep 21, 2024Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11008323Sep 10, 2024Complaint Headlamps fogged or droplets forming. Cause Due to its outlet openings, the headlamp is an "open system". This means that acidic gases, moisture, dirt and exhaust gases…
- 11007753Sep 10, 2024Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead…
- 11005294Jul 23, 2024Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2011 | 20 | 4% |
| 2010 | 48 | 11% |
| 2009 | 118 | 20% |
| 2008 | 108 | 16% |
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 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 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 31, 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