2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 recalls and problems

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 9 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
9
Complaints
34
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 recalls

Recall 23V-854: Structure

Reported Dec 15, 2023 · 2,976 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

Recall 22V-365: Communication, Electrical System

Reported May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Recall 22V-232: Back Over Prevention

Reported Apr 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

Recall 21V-509: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 2, 2021 · 1,467 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 21V-197: Structure

Reported Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 21V-058: Communication, Electrical System

Reported Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Recall 21V-032: Seat Belts

Reported Jan 29, 2021 · 24,550 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.

Recall 20V-364: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 22, 2020 · 90 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.

Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.

Recall 20V-068: Communication

Reported Feb 7, 2020 · 239 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine8
Unknown or Other5
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Power Train4
Structure4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Electrical System3
Visibility3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Lane Departure2
Steering2

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 34,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 122,820 miles · reported Nov 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal was abnormally difficult to depress. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the footwell. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure then reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, several unknown warning lights…
Structure · reported Aug 2, 2026
I own a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with a power trunk. On July 22, 2026, I took my vehicle to Annapolis Mercedes-Benz because the power trunk was repeatedly closing on its own while people were standing in the trunk opening. I specifically reported that the trunk was unexpectedly closing while I, my child, or another individual was loading or unloading the vehicle and expressed concern that someone could be injured. The dealership kept the vehicle for several hours but advised me that no malfunction could be found. I was told the trunk had been reset and that there were no problems with…
Structure · reported Jul 1, 2026
Automatic trunk closing mechanism caused the trunk hood to close on my head as I was putting groceries in the trunk. This has occurred several times in the past but this time it hit my head with more force. I have not brought it to a dealer and it has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or any other entity. There was no warning or alarm before it closed. This could cause serious head injury to an individual on blood thinners.
Electrical System · reported Apr 23, 2026
Vehicle has ongoing and recurring electrical and engine-related defects that affect safe operation. The primary systems involved are the electrical system, engine ignition system, and powertrain. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior service records show issues beginning in 2020 involving repeated electronic system failures requiring multiple repairs and component replacements. Since purchasing the vehicle in April 2023, the vehicle has developed more serious failures, including: – September 2024: Check engine light with loss of power and inability to exceed safe…
Engine · at 100,000 miles · reported Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Other Mercedes-Benz C 300 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz C 300 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300: 23V-854 (structure), 22V-365 (communication, electrical system), 22V-232 (back over prevention), 21V-509 (exterior lighting), 21V-197 (structure) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300?

Owners report engine problems most often (8 reports), followed by unknown or other (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 34,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.