Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 285 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300?

Top problems: ENGINE (78 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (35 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (33 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300?

Yes, there are 15 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY, COMMUNICATION, STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, SEATS, COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, SEATS, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 has 285 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 368. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: "takata recall" i had my 2017 mercedes benz c300 fir only a few months and i have experience 4 encounters as to where my vehicle wouldnt start back up while sitting inside of my vehicle for at least 2 to 3 mins its like being locked inside of my own car everything completely shuts down the engin. There are 15 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 15 crash reports 19 injuries

285

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

78 complaints

27%

• "TAKATA RECALL" I HAD MY 2017 MERCEDES BENZ C300 FIR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE 4 ENCOUNTERS AS TO WHERE MY VEHICLE WOULDNT START BACK UP WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MINS ITS LIKE BEING LOCKED INSIDE OF MY OWN CAR EVERYTHING COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN THE ENGIN
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR TH
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“"TAKATA RECALL" I HAD MY 2017 MERCEDES BENZ C300 FIR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE 4 ENCOUNTERS AS TO WHERE MY VEHICLE WOULDNT START BACK UP WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MINS ITS LIKE BEING LOCKED INSIDE OF MY OWN CAR EVERYTHING COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN THE ENGIN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

Based on 79 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 30K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Later than typicalmedian 42K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (15)

STRUCTURE:BODY10/07/2018

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, and C63 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a bonding issue introduced in the production process, the rear beltline trim may separate from the vehicle.

Risk: If the beltline trim were to separate from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear beltline trim and replace the trim if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz C300 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2017 C300, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 285 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: "TAKATA RECALL" I HAD MY 2017 MERCEDES BENZ C300 FIR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCE 4 ENCOUNTERS AS TO WHERE MY VEHICLE WOULDNT START BACK UP WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST 2 TO 3 MINS ITS LIKE BEING LOCKED INSIDE OF MY OWN CAR EVERYTHING COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN THE ENGIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SUNROOF EXPLOSION TOOK PLACE IN TRANSIT TO DELIVERY TO MY HOME IN CENTERVILLE, OHIO FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS. IT WAS STATIONARY INSIDE OF ENCLOSED TRANSIT VEHICLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE WITH THE MOBILE APP, SHE NOTICED A FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED MANUALLY, THE ODOR WAS NOT PRESENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PARK PLACE MOTORCARS DALLAS (LOCATED AT 6113 L
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION WHEN IGNITION SWITCH IS IN OFF POSITION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 15 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)