2012 Mercedes-Benz C300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300: 6 recalls, 266 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #12V557000 · 2012 · 5,800 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange May crack when operated in high temperatures.
Why it matters: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which May lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
The fix: Mercedes-benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V017000 · 2017 · 104,119 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, unless included in "zone a" above mbusa is recalling certain 2009 c300 4matic, c300, c350 and c63 amg vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available.
Electrical, Airbags Vehicle recall #17V177000 · 2017 · 51 vehicles
What's wrong: Various control units on these vehicles May have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V627000 · 2017 · 495,290 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 cla250, cla250 4matic, cla45 amg 4matic, 2015-2018 gla250, gla250 4matic, gla45 amg 4matic, c300 4matic, c63s amg, 2012-2014 c250, c350, c300 4matic, e550 4matic, 2013-2014 c63 amg, 2012-2015 c250 coupe, c350 coupe, c63 amg coupe, 2013-2015 c350 4matic coupe, glk250 4matic bluetec, glk350, glk350 4matic, 2016-2017 c350e, c43 amg, 2015 c400…
Why it matters: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V010000 · 2019 · 288,779 vehicles
What's wrong: " additionally, mbusa is recalling certain 2012-2014 c250, e350 4matic coupe, sls amg cabrio, 2012-2015 c250 coupe, c350 4matic coupe, c350 coupe, c63 amg coupe, 2011 c300, 2011-2014 c300 4matic, c350, c63 amg, e350 cabrio, e350 coupe, sls amg coupe, 2015-2016 e400 4matic coupe, e400 cabrio, e400 coupe, 2011-2016 e550 cabrio, e550 coupe, 2011-2015 glk350 4matic, glk350 rwd, and 2013-2015 glk250 bluetec 4matic…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V298000 · 2020 · 640 vehicles
What's wrong: Mercedes-benz USA, LLC. (mbusa) is recalling certain 2012 c250, c250 coupe, c300, c350, c350 coupe, c63 amg, and c63 amg coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag May have been installed.
Why it matters: An incorrect passenger air bag May not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (114): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (3), fails to deploy (2).
- Suspension (69): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (56), noise or vibration (17).
- Body & structure (54): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (44), noise or vibration (10).
- Other / unknown (23): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (15), noise or vibration (4).
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 266 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 9 C300 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 386). Complaints peaked in 2022 (66 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 83,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (480 complaints, 6 recalls), 2013 (260 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems?
Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (114), suspension (69), body & structure (54).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.