2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300

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2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:41.356Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
33
Recalls
9

Campaigns on file for 2020

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 98 complaints 2019: 69 complaints 2020: 33 complaints 2020 33 2021: 14 complaints 2022: 25 complaints 2023: 22 complaints 2023 2024: 11 complaints 2025: 4 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint
2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 98 complaints 2018 2019: 69 complaints 2019 2020: 33 complaints 2020 33 2021: 14 complaints 2021 2022: 25 complaints 2022 2023: 22 complaints 2023 2024: 11 complaints 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint 2026
2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 98 complaints 2018 2019: 69 complaints 2019 2020: 33 complaints 2020 33 2021: 14 complaints 2021 2022: 25 complaints 2022 2023: 22 complaints 2023 2024: 11 complaints 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025 2026: 1 complaint 2026

2020: 33 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20172
201898
201969
202033
202114
202225
202322
202411
20254
20261

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

24% · 8 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Cylinder head is defective. Service advisor told me it was a known issue in which exhaust valves within cylinder head are prone to premature wear. If left unaddressed it leads to inevitable engine failure. I was quoted $12,000.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-31

Structure

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing trunk lid and body.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I own a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with a power trunk. On July 22, 2026, I took my vehicle to Annapolis Mercedes-Benz because the power trunk was repeatedly closing on its own while people were standing in the trunk opening.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-02

Forward collision avoidance

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

9% · 3 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-04-14Communication20V068000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.

  2. R
    2020-08-17Engine and engine cooling20V364000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  3. R
    2021-02-26Seat belts21V032000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021.

  4. R
    2021-03-12Communication, electrical system21V058000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

  5. R
    2021-09-03Structure21V197000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020...

    Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge.

  6. R
    2022-01-07Exterior lighting21V509000 Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available.

  7. R
    2022-07-08Communication, electrical system22V365000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles.

    Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022.

  8. R
    2022-07-15Back over prevention22V232000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

  9. R
    2024-03-22Structure23V854000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Forward collision avoidance: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 20V068000 · Communication
  • Recall 20V364000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 21V032000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 21V058000 · Communication, electrical system
  • Recall 21V197000 · Structure
  • Recall 21V509000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 22V365000 · Communication, electrical system
  • Recall 22V232000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 23V854000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.