What 73 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-benz C-class Coupe

The manufacturer recalled car due communication module's SIM card software problem more than 2 years ago. I went to the dealer where I bought the car and also contacted the manufacturer several times but still have not been able to solve the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11625732

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was scanned, and the mechanic retrieved fault codes indicating a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,945.

NHTSA ODI 11624818

I was leaving a gas station after pumping gas, and as I began to turn onto the road my car failed to respond in any way. It would not accelerate or break, the wipers suddenly came on and the headlights and emergency lights began blinking off and on. I was 1/2 second from being t-boned in the driver-side door by an oncoming Ford F350. The Ford F350 driver lost control of their vehicle trying to swerve to avoid hitting my car and did a 360-degree turn in the middle of the road, almost being hit multiple times by other vehicles because the Ford F350 ended up in the lane of oncoming traffic. Only by the Grace of God no one was seriously injured or killed. The SC State Trooper coincidently witnessed the incident and said I should contact the NHTSA, to report what happened when I understood what would cause the car to become incapacitated mid-operation. My car would not turn off and NONE of the controls to anything in the car would work. It took the tow truck driver over 2 hours to figure out what fuse to pull to force the car to turn off before it could be towed. It was towed to the Mercedes dealership on Laurens Road, Greenville SC. 9 weeks later, last week, I got a call from the service tech, he explained to me the drain tubes in my sunroof were clogged, which caused water to flood the front seat floor subcompartments. He said so much water had flooded the subfloor that even 9 weeks later over 3 gallons of water were vacuumed out. The water had caused major damage to the electrical junction boxes in the subfloor and caused them to short out, incapacitating my car while driving. The tech explained there was no way I could have prevented the damage or even known the tubes were clogged, or the subfloor was becoming flooded. There are no maintenance requirements listed for the drain tubes that could have made me aware that the car could become incapacitated while in drive causing serious risk to myself and other drivers. This should be looked into ASAP.

NHTSA ODI 11624574

Gas smell coming from engine area when car has been sitting overnight. Smell comes from driver's side of engine compartment. Gas smell does not happen when car is running. Smell fills up our 2-car garage causing concern when we start the car in the morning.

NHTSA ODI 11611601

The seal around the sunroof on the driver front side is compromised causing air to flow aggressively through it when going above 40+ MPH. Its affecting the car's overall performance and safety, especially on highways, and the wind makes in very noisy in the vehicle. I have an appointment with MBUSA dealership on Monday, August 12th to have it further inspected. I do see that there was a similar recall for my class of car filed in December 2023 that appears to be related 23V85400.

NHTSA ODI 11607593

1) A panel on the roof of my vehicle fully detached as it was not appropriately secured in place by the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz). The part is not available for inspection as it flew off of my vehicle on the highway, but I have pictures available. 2) The panel flew off my vehicle at high speed and increased the risk of a crash or injury for other drivers. 3) I have confirmed with my local Mercedes dealership that this is the same issue mentioned in NHTSA recall 21V-197. The make (Mercedes), model (C300), year (2019), and part number (A2057800022) all match what is mentioned in the recall. However, for some reason my VIN number was not associated with the recall and Mercedes is using this as a reason to withhold a refund for the repair work they performed, despite the fact that I experienced the exact issue mentioned in the recall. 4) No. 5) No, not applicable. In summary, I experienced the exact issue noted in NHTSA recall 21V-197, however as my VIN number was not associated with the recall, Mercedes is not refunding me for the repair work. I'd like to get my VIN number added to the recall list for NHTSA 21V-197.

NHTSA ODI 11591410

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front passenger's side wheel well. The vehicle was driven to the residence. Upon arriving at the residence, the contact raised the hood, and became that clear liquid was burning on the engine. The contact stated that after completing an investigation, it was determined that the clear liquid was the result of a leaking fuel line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574692

On the afternoon of February 6, 2024, as I was turning into my driveway to park in front of the garage, my car unexpectedly accelerated despite my foot being on the brake pedal. Despite my attempts to brake, the pedal didn't respond, causing the car to collide with the garage door and subsequently damage storage shelves and containers inside. My mother and two brothers were passengers, returning from my mother's doctor appointment, and she became trapped inside due to the garage door collapsing onto the car. Emergency services were called, and both the fire department and police assisted in freeing my mother from the vehicle. However, the police did not file an accident report since it occurred on private property. Subsequently, I contacted my insurance agent, and the car was towed to a repair shop recommended by the dealer. Today, I was informed by the repair shop that the damages are extensive enough for the car to be considered totaled by the insurance company. Fortunately, the incident did not occur while driving on the freeway or public roads earlier that day, potentially averting a more serious accident. Nevertheless, the ordeal has caused considerable stress and sleep loss for all involved. I have since reached out to the repair shop and dealer to conduct a thorough diagnostic analysis to determine the cause of the malfunction. I've requested copies of the data captured by the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system and Event Data Recorder (EDR), emphasizing that this data should not be deleted without my consent. However, I am uncertain about the next steps if the insurance company removes the car from the repair shop and how to access the requested data. Upon researching online, I've discovered numerous similar cases involving Mercedes-Benz cars, with over 20 incidents reported and 11 specifically concerning the same model as mine.

NHTSA ODI 11574602

Our vehicle, VIN [XXX] , is a 2019 Mercedes C300 2 door coupe. We purchased it as a certified preowned vehicle from Mercedes of Bellevue in Washington State last March 2023. We noticed soon after taking possession of the vehicle that the front driver and passenger seat belts were not retracting into the resting place when not in use. We took it to the service department. The service team there told us that it was an "inherent" problem with a series of vehicles including ours and the there was nothing they could do to fix it. We didn't accept this explanation and returned the car to the dealer service department with the demand that it be fixed. In the meantime, I found a NHTSA recall # 21V-032 that addresses the exact issue for this car model within the production dates that it falls. However, a search of the vehicle VIN [XXX] comes up with zero Unrepaired Recalls. This must be an error. As stated above, the symptom that the vehicle is demonstrating is exactly that described in the recall notice. Given this data, we have pause about driving the vehicle until the seat belt is repaired. The dealer is working on a repair with assistance from Mercedes Engineering. According to them, the prescribed repair in the recall notice does not apply since this vehicle doesn't have the mentioned "damping foam". I am requesting support from the NHTSA to make sure all Mercedes vehicles that suffer this deficiency are included in the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11564415

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off soon after being cold started with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic test showed that the fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact drove the vehicle for a few days after the diagnostic test but experienced the failure a second time. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where the contact was given the same diagnostic result; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact went back to the dealer but was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 25,751

NHTSA ODI 11559107

On Tuesday, the steering wheel failed to operate while making a left turn. While making a left turn the steering wheel locked and the brakes did not function to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued to steer to the left and I almost hit another vehicle head on. What stopped my vehicle was the emergency brake system activated by almost hitting the other vehicle head on. They luckily saw me head on and tried to quickly move out the way. This happened two times the second time Thursday, there was a school bus to the left of me my car. I was not making a left turn but on a road that the curve went left and the steering wheel locked in that position. My wheel was locked and failed to stop for about 45 seconds with no car in front to trigger the emergency brakes. Immediately to my left was a school bus. The school Bus was not expecting my vehicle to cut them off in this manor, the bus had to make a hard stop to not crash into me. I feel my life and the life of the individuals in the other vehicle and school bus were all put at risk. I towed my car to the dealer and was advised that they did not see any recalls for my vehicle. They also advised me that based on the inspection and the incident details that they would need to replace the steering rack and pinion. My vehicle was operating as it normally did and did not have any system warning prior.

NHTSA ODI 11559214

When depressing the throttle, occasionally there is no response form the engine or a significant delay coupled with erratic engine revving behavior. When this happens the car has no drive power, but power brakes and steering are unaffected. The engine sits at idle speed. This has happened on multiple occasions when in or crossing traffic. The issue may present and then disappear after 15-45 seconds with no other action being taken.

NHTSA ODI 11549824

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving normally one day, the vehicle randomly lost power steering. There were messages for the brake assist and the rear sensors displayed. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the repair because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11541866

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a left turn, the steering made an abnormal sound. The contact pulled into the nearest parking lot, where the steering wheel locked. There were messages for the brake assist and the rear sensors displayed. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not cover the repair because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ODI 11531402

I drive 40-50 miles per day in this vehicle. I noticed a wobble develop last week, so I stopped into a local service shop to see if maybe a tire weight fell off. They brought me into the garage and spun all four tires individually in front of me...Every one of them was no longer a circle, more oval shaped. All four rims lost their shape. I drive this car on a highway to work every day with occasional potholes and rough concrete connections, but nothing notable over the last 11k miles I have put on the car in 8 months of ownership. The wheel repair shop who rolled them back in to shape told me "Mercedes-Benz and BMW are our most frequent customers" either for dents, cracks, or curb rash. He even went on to say "AMG rims may be the softest on the road. Even a speed bump going a little too fast will destroy an AMG rim." Sure enough, another C43 AMG was parked next to me in the parking lot when I picked my car up and a 2011-2013 C250 with the AMG sport styling package had just parked. I think seeing three AMG products in for the same reason is more than a coincidence. Furthermore, all four wheels to have lost their shape at only 33k miles total on the car is also hard to believe. After further research, it seems many Mercedes-Benz, especially AMG, drivers are facing similar problems; C43 with 5 cracked rims over 2 years, C43 with 1 rim replaced after 1 month of ownership, C43 with all new wheels after owner discovered 3 cracked rims out of the 4. Many stories. Given the violent wobble at highway speeds, it is scary to think that potholes could render these cars undrivable. These cars are advertised with performance in mind, yet rims that crumble under normal driving conditions, such as my 22 mile drive to work every day. Marketing speed and hardcore driving is reckless for cars prone to develop oval shaped wheels under these conditions. Specifically, the 19" AMG sport rims like the package on my car. No warning lights or anything either.

NHTSA ODI 11498249

This is actually the second time I met the issue within the four years I own the car. After some researches, I decide to file this complain so some 3rd party can investigate into it. I have a Mercedes AMG C63s 2019 version with 19 inch OEM wheel. Firstly, it was a low tire pressure light. The dealership confirmed the tire was fine and there was actually a crack on the inner portion of the wheel that was causing the tire to leak air. I did not remember hitting a pothole or anything, and the tire showed no signs of damage so the wheels must be defective. But the dealership did not recognize it and would charge $1500/wheel to replace it. Please investigate into the Mercerdes AMG C-class OEM wheel rim as I also saw tons of people complaining this issue in a MB forum. The tricky part is that when another driver argued with the dealership that if they were not responsible for the wheel crack, he would take the wheel for a full evaluation. Then the dealership was willing to replace the wheel for free for the driver. Please investigate into this issue as wheel crack is serious safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11496477

1) SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING TO PROPER POSITION CAUSING BREAKAGE 2) BELT STOPPER BROKE OFF 2X. REPLACED 1X AND BROKEN AGAIN

NHTSA ODI 11492140

I own a 2019 Mercedes AMG C43. I had 2 cracked rims which the insurance company claims that it is a manufacturers defect and not due to hitting holes in the road. The city of Chicago, where I reside, has many pothole problems. Which can be tough to avoid. After reading Mercedes Benz forums and finding there are many people having issues with these rims cracking. Most of my driving is in the city and not high speed but others have reported that the rims have cracked during highway driving and they have had tire losses as well. I believe there to be a risk with these rims cracking so easily, and causing damage to tires as well. Thought I should pass this on

NHTSA ODI 11478570

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V232000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11467309

i was involve in a accident, i was Tbone and the driver side airbags didnt deploy.

NHTSA ODI 11457824

On both front seatbelts. After disconnecting, they both do not retract. Often they get stuck hanging below door after closing the door (both sides). I have brought the car to Mercedes Benz service dept in Mobile AL. I am told that as long as I can manually feed them back there is no problem. This explanation is absurd!

NHTSA ODI 11452804

I have 2 cracks in my wheels that needed repair. These cracks were 180degrees from each other. No tire damage

NHTSA ODI 11448698

The steering wheel tilt no longer works

NHTSA ODI 11447433

Mercedes C300 4Matic 2019 model, active brake assist malfunction (not working )

NHTSA ODI 11446532

I got my Mercedes C300 4Matic 2019 model car back in 2019 August and since the purchase, I have unfortunately visited the service center more times than I would ideally want and lack of product safety (tires) endangers my life on the road. I'm listing out all the visits for your reference. 10th Feb 2020 (at 3,683 Miles) Left front tire. 23rd Mar 2021 (at 14,002 Miles) Left front, also change Right front to balance the car. 13th Nov 2021 (at 19,984 Miles) Right front tire. 28th Dec 2021 (at 21,084 Miles) Left front tire. "Front Tire Details: Continental 225/40R19 Y XL"

NHTSA ODI 11446535