Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a message was displayed that there was a light bulb malfunction. The contact stated that the rear turn signal lights and brake lights were not operating properly. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel door failed to operate properly, and occasionally opened independently while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cause of the electrical issues was water in the spare tire compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,800.
Headlight is out and there is no replacement; dealer says they are having significant issues with headlamps. Also, tire safety monitoring system is always on, even though there is a proper air pressure amount.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driving assist and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the turn signal and steering wheel modules needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
I received a warning that my left front headlight was not working. I took the car to my dealer to have the light replaced. I was told that because this is an LCG assembly the entire assembly unit needed to be replaced and the cost would be $3,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving at an unknown speed, the passenger side tail light illuminated intermittently. In addition, the check passenger side tail lamp, brake lamp, check rear passenger side turn signal, and check rear reverse signal warning indicators illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness was overheating and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called Mercedes-Benz of burlington (80 cambridge st, burlington, ma 01803, [phone]) and was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he smelled a rubber burning odor. A message indicating that the turn signal was inoperable was displayed. The contact stated that he pulled to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was smoke coming from the rear passenger's side taillight. The contact stated that he opened the taillight panel and noticed that the interior and the bolt had melted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to Mercedes-Benz Campaign Number: 2014050001; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side rear taillight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired since the VIN nor the model year was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the rear lights became inoperable and failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that rear lighting wires were burned, causing an electrical failure within the rear light assemblies. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Related recalls (4)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair.
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C300 4MATIC vehicles. The headlights on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated…
Remedy: MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the setting of the headlights and adjust them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2019.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 and C400 vehicles manufactured from June 18, 2014, through September 5, 2014, that fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The affected vehicles were…
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the horizontal adjustment mechanisms on the headlamps with sealing caps on the affected vehicles. The recall began May 23, 2016.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. The recall began on August, 18, 2014.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz C300 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (118), 2008 (108), 2010 (48) and 2011 (20) model years. Headlight complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz C300 headlight problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 21V-509 (headlights, Jul 2, 2021); 18V-906 (headlights, Dec 19, 2018); 15V-087 (headlights, Feb 11, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz C300 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tail lights (8 mentions), followed by the headlights (5).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.