2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

7 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (8 reports).

7Recalls
14Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your C 300?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 recalls

Fuel Pump May Shut Off, Causing Loss of Power

Recall 23V445Jun 26, 2023143,551 vehicles affected

The fuel pump in these vehicles may shut down while driving.

Emergency call system may fail to connect in a crash

Recall 22V365May 20, 2022242,722 vehicles affected

A software error in the communication module's SIM card can cause a mobile network connection failure.

Rearview camera may show no image, raising crash risk

Recall 22V232Apr 8, 2022126,443 vehicles affected

The rearview camera may fail to display the rear view because of a software error.

Rear Headrests May Detach in a Crash

Recall 21V406May 28, 2021218 vehicles affected

Certain 2021 Mercedes-Benz convertibles may have rear head restraints that are not mounted correctly to the seatbacks.

Air Bags and Seat Belts May Not Deploy in a Crash

Recall 21V230Apr 1, 20218,634 vehicles affected

A faulty electrical contact in the seat position switch can stop the driver and passenger air bags and the seat belt force limiters from activating properly during a crash.

Crash Alert May Send Responders to Wrong Location

Recall 21V058Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehicles affected

Certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a software problem in the communication module that runs the automatic crash notification (eCall) system.

Front seat belts may not fully retract, raising injury risk

Recall 21V032Jan 29, 202124,550 vehicles affected

Certain Mercedes-Benz C300, AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles may have front seat belts that do not fully retract to their stowed position.

Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems

Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine8
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Back Over Prevention1
Power Train1
Visibility1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

What owners report

2026-08-07, Engine
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 was determined that the spawn rod was fractured, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was previously repaired because of the head gasket failure in 2024. The manufacturer was informed of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
2026-05-19, Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz C. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle began to lose power, riding rough. The check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel injection failure. The vehicle read diagnostic code P1CEF85. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
2026-01-20, Visibility
I am reporting a safety defect involving the panoramic sunroof on my 2021Mercedes-Benz Coop vehicle. The panoramic sunroof has malfunctioned due to an apparent design or manufacturing defect. The sunroof fails to open / close and makes grinding or popping noises which malfunctioned unexpectedly. This issue occurred without misuse and during normal operation of the vehicle. The defect creates a safety concern because it can distract the driver, allow water intrusion that may affect electrical components, and/or cause sudden glass or mechanical failure while driving. The vehicle has been taken to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for diagnosis and the issue was not resolved due to denied coverage.
2025-12-22, Engine
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 light, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided, and the contact was informed that
2025-11-25, Engine
2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 with M254 2.0L turbo engine experienced sudden cylinder head failure at 44,000 miles due to manufacturing porosity in the cylinder head and camshaft bore scoring. Dealer confirmed defect. This is a known, recurring issue on 2021–2023 M254 engines with multiple documented failures under 50k miles. Sudden loss of compression and misfires create a safety risk of engine failure or fire while driving. TSB NUMBER LI07.16-P-074000 (February 2023, updated multiple times). This is a known production/early break-in issue with the M254 engine, not the result of owner misuse or delayed maintenance.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 questions

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300: Fuel Pump May Shut Off, Causing Loss of Power; Emergency call system may fail to connect in a crash; Rearview camera may show no image, raising crash risk; Rear Headrests May Detach in a Crash; Air Bags and Seat Belts May Not Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300?

Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (8), Fuel/Propulsion System (2), Air Bags (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Mercedes-Benz C 300 years

Other 2021 Mercedes-Benz models