2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 12V557000Dec 3, 20125,800 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

  Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

  Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

What owners say

1. Filed May 24, 2026NJFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Strong fu Smell after filling tank recently. Checked under the passenger side rear seat and there is some fuel on the top of tank. Local mechanic confirmed and mentioned not to fill tank more than half. Requires replacement of fuel tank to fix it

   NHTSA complaint #11739814 · source
2. Filed Aug 25, 2025TNElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I found that it was a problem many Mercedes Benz owners have had and it's an expensive one. It's not just with my particular model and it's not limited to older models of the brand either.

   NHTSA complaint #11682861 · source
3. Filed Oct 23, 2024TNAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel system failure is a highly critical safety concern, and my life is at risk. It causes malfunctions with the vehicle, for example, the OBD-based emissions test has flagged a lot of (codes P219A, P0300, P0304, P0410, P0305, P0303, P0171, P0301) 5 of the cylinder misfire codes with the check engine light on, as well affecting other parts in the vehicle function…

   NHTSA complaint #11621516 · source
4. Filed Oct 30, 2023WAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated after adding more than 3 gallons of fuel to the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and was making him unwell. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11552746 · source
5. Filed Sep 7, 2023CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   On 8/3/2023 we could smell a strong gasoline smell inside and outside our 2011 Mercedes C300. We towed the car to a Mercedes specialty repair shop for inspection. The found that the passenger side fuel pump cover (which is a large cylinder assembly actually) was leaking due to cracked plastic. Gas vapors could be detected outside the car, in the trunk, and in the car as the gas tank is right under the back seat. Our mechanic said he had just fixed another Mercedes with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11543139 · source
6. Filed Jul 21, 2023VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   There is a crack in the flange causing a fuel leak in my C300 2011 Mercedes-Benz built March 2011. A strong gas smell fills the car. This situation is extremely dangerous and should be included in the recall that was approved for vehicles C300 manufactured from April 2011-July 2011. Please include my vehicle in this recall. There is only a one month difference.

   NHTSA complaint #11533738 · source
7. Filed Jul 21, 2023SCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I suspect a failure in the fuel tank / system seal, which is allowing gas fumes into the cabin. There is a strong smell of gasoline inside the cabin especially after a full tank refill. This issue was also a problem for my 2008 Mercedes Benz E350. It has not been inspected but since my E350 had a similar extended warranty repair, I assume this would be similar. The strong fumes and odor in the cabin is a health risk of breathing the fumes or explosion. There are no warning…

   NHTSA complaint #11533736 · source
8. Filed Jul 21, 2023VAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Each time I filled my gas tank, there was an overpowering odor of gasoline inside the car and outside on the passenger side. Once the tank would get down below 3/4 of a tank, the odor would dissipate until down to a 1/4 of a tank it would go away completely.

   NHTSA complaint #11533725 · source
9. Filed Jun 21, 2023KYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My check engine light came on approximately one month ago. Once tested it indicated a fuel vapor leak. I pulled out of a driveway and a large stream of fuel spilled all over the roadway. Approximately 7 feet in length about 5 inches in width was on the road. I took it to a Mercedes repair shop and they informed me I had a fuel leak and that it was not safe to drive. There was corrosion and rust forming on the tank which seems very odd since the car is garage kept and we…

   NHTSA complaint #11528210 · source
10. Filed Oct 5, 2022PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    When fuel tank is greater than approximately 3/4 full there is a strong fuel odor that seems to emanate from the rear passenger side of the vehicle; at lesser fuel quantities the odor is not noticeable. On one occasion I detected what appeared to be fuel dripping from underneath the vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership for troubleshooting and was informed "fuel leaks at the fuel pump" and it was recommended that the fuel pump and fuel sender be replaced. Additionally, the…

    NHTSA complaint #11488047 · source
11. Filed Aug 26, 2022RIFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I started to smell gas after filling my tank. Once the gas level went down, the odor disappeared. I took car to dealer who said car needs new gas tank (issue on top of tank) and cost is approx $5K for parts and labor. I started reading about same exact issue on same C300 model and year 2011. I was advised that car with high mileage of 114,000 was not worth repairing even though there are no dents, cosmetically very nice, new tires, always dealer maintained. I have the dealer…

    NHTSA complaint #11481477 · source
12. Filed Aug 25, 2022142,000 miOKFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact's client owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle's owner had complained of an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that fuel was spraying out of the fuel pump onto the exhaust. The contact was able to replace the fuel pump and correct the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System,…

    NHTSA complaint #11481256 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology