repaired · 2022 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C300Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 267 owner complaints about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-017 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 has problems
267 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
114Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
69Suspension
55Structure1 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes
12Electrical system
9Fuel/propulsion system
8Steering
5Engine
5Power train
2211 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 114 | 3 |
| Suspension | 69 | 0 |
| Structure | 55 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 1 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 2 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 22 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Structure
8 owners mentioned a cost$5,350median
Middle half: $5,000 – $5,925
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other C300 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C300 median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What C300 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I was driving normally last week when the driver's head restraint system (known by Mercedes as Neck Pro) unexpectedly and without warning blew at my head. The noise was very loud, and the headrest slammed against my head. Luckily, I was driving approximately 20-25 miles per hour, daytime, on a…
3 signal Signal light comes one saying abs, another SRS MALFUNCTION, also crushed control inoperable. Car will come one as normal next day car comes on no lights not 1 button work turn signals didn’t work then my car fan came on in the engines the also the when they the electric isn’t working i…
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who cleared the code. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware…
Own a 2012 C300?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.