Vehicle structure and electrical system issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
High-quality luxury sedans can’t be found around every corner, but the 2019 Mercedes Benz C300 is meant to top the charts. The automaker claims it will help “turn a summer fling into lasting love.” However, customers have found very little to love, including the structure, electrical system and wheels.
Premium vehicles should be constructed to the highest level of quality, but the C300 suffers from a lot of problems.
Here is one Edmunds review discussing the concerns. “The building quality is slightly poor for the car. In the past 6 month, a front collision sensor and a power tailgate motor have been replaced.”
It turns out that the problems go even deeper. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V839000 shows that the seat belt pre-tensioners might not work correctly during an accident because of a defect. This problem requires new buckles, showing that Mercedes can’t even get a basic safety system done right. If the company was so concerned about “love,” it would ensure that customers could survive a crash in order to live another day.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
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Electrical System
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Service Brakes
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Engine
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Steering
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Fuel/propulsion System
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Seat Belts
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Unknown Or Other
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Communication
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Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
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Fuel System, Gasoline
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The wheels are considered part of the structure as well, but there are additional concerns with the C300.
Another Edmunds review states, “For a car with nearly 400 hp. A 225/245 width for the tires are a bit too narrow which caused the car to slide a lot on the dry roads.”
Along with the steering system, it’s important to also look at the recall for the steering system. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V850000 states that there is a locknut in the steering rack that could break when under a high load. If this occurs, the steering system could become stuck, refusing to allow the driver to change direction. If someone can’t steer the C300, an accident is imminent. At this point, it would seem that all Mercedes loves is the opportunity to get people into dangerous situations.
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One final system worth looking at is the electrical system. From the smallest parts, this system must be working correctly, but it’s not with the C300.
Here is a Cars.com review to consider. “Auto began to give problems from the 5000 mile multiple noises and check engine light. Electrical problems vibrating sound under transmission crank and now after several times on mechanical workshop need another revision.”
As far as this system is concerned, Mercedes has several recalls to focus on. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V586000 says that the 12-volt battery mounting bracket might not be secured properly. This could cause the battery to shift, which could disconnect the terminals and lead to an accident. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V449000 says that the software in the instrument cluster might lead to a faulty seat belt warning system, which could also increase the chance of injury if someone forgets to put on their seat belt. Finally, NHTSA Campaign Number 18V761000 talks about how the Central Powertrain Controller (CPC) could reset in the middle of driving. Guess what could happen if this occurs? That’s right – an accident. At this point, it seems all Mercedes really loves is recalls because the C300 is leading the pack in defects.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Mercedes-Benz pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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