Mercedes definitely went above and beyond in making the 2011 C300 as reliable as it is luxurious. Sadly, their efforts did not fully prevent all the issues, as many slipped through the cracks and weren’t found until after the cars were sold. In response, recalls are issued where the repairs are performed free of charge.
Does the 2011 Mercedes C300 have any recalls on the books?
Yes, as of August 2020, there are four separate recalls, which are:
- Airbags with inflators that could explode
- Incorrect software for the airbag control unit
- Dim or malfunctioning tail lights
- Leaking gas from the fuel filter
Thankfully, in this article, we intend to help you understand all the 2011 Mercedes C300 recalls. Then, you can use that info to seek the proper repairs and get back on the road in no time flat.
Metal Fragments Could Explode Out of Defective Takata Airbags
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V010000
The 2011 C300 is one of many vehicles that had defective Takata airbags installed. These airbags were built using a propellant in the inflator that can degrade with exposure to heat and humidity.
If that happens, the airbags can suddenly deploy without cause and spray out metal shards in every direction. If they deploy during an accident, they also tend to send metal shrapnel flying.
To remedy this issue, technicians just have to replace the passenger-side airbag with a different one. The new airbags use a different propellant that stays stable despite exposure to all temperatures and humidity levels.
Installation of Incorrect Airbag Control Software
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V177000
Airbags only deploy once sensors detect an impact and send a message to the airbag control unit. The software inside the airbag control unit then tells the airbags if they need to deploy and protect the occupants from harm.
Unfortunately, in the 2011 C300, this might not happen due to the installation of incorrect software in the control unit. Thankfully, all it takes is a quick update to the right software type and version to restore the full functionality of the airbags.
Taillights May Dim or Fail to Illuminate
NHTSA Recall ID: 14V177000
When you press the brake pedal, your tail lights should illuminate to let other motorists know you are slowing down or stopping. To operate correctly, they need to have a complete electrical circuit, including power and ground.
On these cars, the ground connection may not be up to the task, letting your tail lights look dim or fail to light up altogether.
To resolve this problem, technicians have to replace the bulb holders for each taillight. Then, they must inspect the connectors and replace any that look corroded. Once they have finished, they will test your taillights to make sure they illuminate brightly each time the brakes are pressed.
Fuel Filter Flange Might Crack and Let Gas Leak out
NHTSA Recall ID: 12V557000
An integrated flange holds the fuel filter in the hole at the top of the fuel tank to keep that part securely in place.
The flange was created using an injection molding process that quickly creates complex parts out of plastic. During that process, the plastic material did not flow into all the right places in the mold, causing the upper bracket to come out weak and prone to breakage.
If the flange breaks, gas can leak out, leaving your engine starved of fuel. Your engine may then stall out unexpectedly and potentially cause an accident. Furthermore, the fuel could catch fire if it leaks onto a hot part or comes near a spark.
Fixing the problem is as easy as replacing the fuel filter, which comes with a new flange. The new part does not have the same defect as the old one, greatly reducing its risk of breaking and leaking.
What’s the Best Way to Handle a 2011 Mercedes C300 Recall?
To find out if your 2011 Mercedes C300 has any open recalls, just visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Then, type your vehicle year, make, and model or the VIN into the textbox to receive a list of applicable recalls.
Upon finding out that your car needs recall repairs, call the Mercedes customer service team at 1-800-367-6372. They will tell you which authorized shop can service your vehicle and what to expect while you’re there.
