2021 Mercedes-Benz C300Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300, most often about the engine. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-232 the manufacturer reports only 89% of affected cars repaired.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C300

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 has problems

15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine90
Fuel/propulsion system20
Electrical system10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Power train10
Air bags10
Visibility10
Back over prevention10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2021 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.

91%repaired · 2026 Q2

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles · 219,931 repaired

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

89%repaired · 2024 Q2

Back over prevention: display function

Recall 22V-232 · Apr 8, 2022 · 126,443 vehicles · 112,211 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2023 Q2

Mid/rear assembly: head restraint

Recall 21V-406 · May 28, 2021 · 218 vehicles · 209 repaired

Risk. Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
94%repaired · 2023 Q1

Sensor: occupant classification

Recall 21V-230 · Apr 1, 2021 · 8,634 vehicles · 8,093 repaired

Risk. Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

95%repaired · 2023 Q4

Communication: auto crash notification

Recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles · 1,231,020 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2022 Q4

Front: retractor

Recall 21V-032 · Jan 29, 2021 · 24,550 vehicles · 22,048 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2021 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
In owners' words

What C300 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I am reporting a potentially serious safety problem involving sudden loss of engine power and an unresponsive accelerator. On August 30, 2026, while I was driving on the highway with my child in the vehicle, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. Pressing the accelerator did not restore…
Complaint 11774726 · Oct 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it…
Complaint 11755408 · Aug 7, 2026 · 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 30 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not require a restart. The contact also stated that while stopped at a traffic…
Complaint 11706514 · Dec 22, 2025 · 86,078 miles

Own a 2021 C300?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.