2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 262 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300, 3% of the 262 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“2013 C300 4matic luxury model. 1/26 - my engine stop while waiting for traffic light. (2nd trip of the day) it's not eco stop/start kind of stop. The car won't start when I release my brake and all the warning lights at dash were on. 1/29 - today when I started the car this morning the engine stop 1-2 seconds after I started it. (2nd trip of the day) all warning light at dash were on. I took out my key then plug in to start it again. This time engine started, but both engine and car shake looks like it?s going to stop. I wait for 6-7 seconds then stop the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10495131, filed 2013-01, 2,400 miles“This is the second timing chain timing chain tensioner that has gone bad. Even thought there have been many problems reported, mercedes will not acknowledge this as a recall problem. My safty is at risk if my engine becomes disabled on the hyway.”
NHTSA complaint #11662655, filed 2025-05“rear subframe premature rust for a 2013 car I've been reading a lot many people have same problem it is a very expensive fix and I'm sure Mercedes knows about it. Also engine makes very bad rattling noise at startup which is also a very expensive fix and Mercedes issued a tsb bulletin thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11483845, filed 2022-09“I bought this car new in 2013. I maintained it at the dealer as per MB recommendations. Last service was in August 2023. Currently had 42K miles on it. Two weeks ago 2 unknown to me lights came on and I took it to the dealer. The diagnosis was total failure due to oil leaking into the computer system. Second problem was water in the subfloor affecting sensors. Coons Mercedes in Catonsville, MD has all records. I was told that the oil leak was not detected because it was internal and due to an engine design. I was informed that there are many others stuck with this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11573646, filed 2024-02“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil had traveled through the wiring harness causing the ECU to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover a portion of the repair cost. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11680900, filed 2025-08, 160,000 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
- 10058548Jun 4, 2015Xentry (daimler): stored in engine control unit are faults relating to throttle valve actuator and/or oxygen sensor due to occasional transition resistance at contacts, causing…
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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300
99 complaintsSuspension
67 complaintsBody and structure
58 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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