NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
61 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 24, 2022
Engine
The engine in my car died and after inspection by a Mercedes mechanic they concluded the failure was caused by faulty camshafts that have been common in the year and model this car. Mercedes has issued and extended warranty to cover the repairs recognizing this was a manufacturing issue but they are refusing to cover the full c…
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The engine in my car died and after inspection by a Mercedes mechanic they concluded the failure was caused by faulty camshafts that have been common in the year and model this car. Mercedes has issued and extended warranty to cover the repairs recognizing this was a manufacturing issue but they are refusing to cover the full cost of repairing my car.
NHTSA ODI #11453794
52,000 miles · Nov 17, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the variable valve timing solenoid had failed and needed to be replace…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the variable valve timing solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through a voicemail message. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
NHTSA ODI #11440771
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes is aware of this and is most …
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When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes is aware of this and is most likely a defective high pressure fuel pump problem that needs replacing but there have been no recalls. I have looked it up on you tube and has been on ongoing issue with no recalls as of yet. I am taking my car to dealer on 11/15/2021 for this issue which they will charge me for even though its a safety issue
NHTSA ODI #11440301
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2021
Engine
I purchased this 2012 C250 Mercedes from Carmax of Waldorf on 04/26/2017, with 20,046 miles on it. I informed Carmax the engine light was on and the car was rattling at start. I also reported the oil dipstick was broken. When the car was returned, the dipstick was replaced, coolant light off and engine light was off; however,…
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I purchased this 2012 C250 Mercedes from Carmax of Waldorf on 04/26/2017, with 20,046 miles on it. I informed Carmax the engine light was on and the car was rattling at start. I also reported the oil dipstick was broken. When the car was returned, the dipstick was replaced, coolant light off and engine light was off; however, the rattling at start up continued. I reported the problem to Carmax several months later and they pretty much denied fault and went as far to say the car is just cold and does that at startup. For further protection I signed with carshield as my wife drives the car. The car's rattling continued at startup and eventually became difficult to start. I took it to Mercedes of Arlington, Virginia and they stated the timing gear and chain needed replacing. carshield reported back to me that it was a preexisting problem and wouldn't fix it. Meanwhile, we were stuck with a car we were paying on with no one taking the blame. Following research, I found that this is a recurring problem with the 2012 C250 model but there is no recall. I eventually paid approximately $5000 for the engine to be repaired as the engine failed. The engine is currently rattling again; with the engine light coming on constantly. this seems to be a common problem, however, with to consequences and accountability.
NHTSA ODI #11430663
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2021
EngineFire
2012 Mercedes C250 caught fire with no warning. Drove about 5 miles to the store and parked the car. A passerby said your car is on fire. Within minutes the entire front of the car was ablaze. The vehicle was towed to the city impound lot and has not been inspected by anyone.
NHTSA ODI #11422468
93,000 miles · Mar 1, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ON HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSSES POWER THIS IS DANGEROUS AT 70 PLUS MILES PER HOUR, ECM CODE READS P0002 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL REGULATOR FAILURE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON UNTIL CAR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR LONGER THAN TEN MINUTES OR IF YOU HAVE A SCANNER YOU CAN ERASE CODE AND DRI…
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WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ON HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSSES POWER THIS IS DANGEROUS AT 70 PLUS MILES PER HOUR, ECM CODE READS P0002 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL REGULATOR FAILURE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON UNTIL CAR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR LONGER THAN TEN MINUTES OR IF YOU HAVE A SCANNER YOU CAN ERASE CODE AND DRIVE THE CAR NORMAL, NO PASSING. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT CAR HAS BUCKLE WITH IMMEDIATE POWER LOSS AND WILL ONLY CREAK UP IN LIMP MODE JUST ENOUGH TO GET YOU HOME. I AM A WELL SEASON MECHANIC WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED BY THIS WHICH IS A KNOWN ISSUE GOING BACK BEFORE 2012. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS AST WEEK AND TODAY.
NHTSA ODI #11398601
117,000 miles · Dec 30, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. STARTING WITH ME NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER FROM A START, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN ENOUGH POWER TO DRIVE AT A SAFE SPEED FROM THE START, AS IF THE VEHICLE LAGS & NO MATTER THE GASOLINE OR SERVICE, THE PROBLEM NEVER CORRECTS. WHEN I'M TRYING TO GAIN SPEED TO MAINTAIN WITH …
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I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. STARTING WITH ME NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER FROM A START, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN ENOUGH POWER TO DRIVE AT A SAFE SPEED FROM THE START, AS IF THE VEHICLE LAGS & NO MATTER THE GASOLINE OR SERVICE, THE PROBLEM NEVER CORRECTS. WHEN I'M TRYING TO GAIN SPEED TO MAINTAIN WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC SAFELY THE VEHICLE LAGS NOTABLY BEFORE GAINING SPEED. I'M NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BC THE OIL COOLANT HOSE BURST WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED BUT THE ONLY NOTICE DISPLAYED ON THE DASH WAS THE ENGINE COOLANT WHEN IT WAS LOW. WHEN THE HOSE BURST WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH I HEARD A POP SOUND UNDER THE HOOD, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST, THEN A CLANKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD THAT GOT LOUDER & LOUDER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY, & THEN I NOTICED A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL ON THE GROUND THAT LEFT A TRAIL ALONG THE GROUND FROM MY VEHICLE. THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS MY VEHICLE LOST POWER DURING THAT INCIDENT. I'M TOLD BY THE MECHANIC, THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT A WARNING. THE MERCEDES BENZ IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE & RELIABLE LUXURY VEHICLE & NOT A NIGHTMARE TO HAVE FOR THE OWNER.
NHTSA ODI #11385548
85,000 miles · Sep 12, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System
COLD ENGINE VEHICLE JERKING I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES OF FORT MYERS FL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AND I TOOK IT TO SO MANY OTHER PLACES AND STILL CAN'T FIND IT I'M JUST WONDERING IF IT COULD BE A RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11354633
38,000 miles · Sep 9, 2020
Engine
2012 C250 PURCHASED NEW FROM A DEALER. RATTLING ON STARTING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND IT IS DUE TO FAULTY CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS. REPAIR WILL COST $5000 PLUS AND INVOLVES REPLACING THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS, TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED 10 DAYS AGO WITH APPROXIMATELY 38,000…
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2012 C250 PURCHASED NEW FROM A DEALER. RATTLING ON STARTING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND IT IS DUE TO FAULTY CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS. REPAIR WILL COST $5000 PLUS AND INVOLVES REPLACING THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS, TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED 10 DAYS AGO WITH APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SEEMS TO BE A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT AN EXPENSE I CAN REALLY AFFORD ON REDUCED INCOME DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR AS THIS PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND I AM REGULARLY ON THE FREEWAY. DRIVING THIS CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE. I PURCHASED A MERCEDES THINKING THEIR REPUTATION FOR SAFETY, QUALITY AND ENGINEERING WOULD PRECLUDE SUCH ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #11354072
100,000 miles · Aug 19, 2020
Engine
I WAS DRIVING A OF MAYBE TEN MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY . AS SOON AS I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY ; THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT .(MALFUNCTION). DAYS BEFORE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. AFTER THEIR RESEARCH I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE . T…
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I WAS DRIVING A OF MAYBE TEN MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY . AS SOON AS I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY ; THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT .(MALFUNCTION). DAYS BEFORE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. AFTER THEIR RESEARCH I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE . THERE ARE COMPLAINTS AFTER COMPLAINTS LISTED ONLINE IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE, CAM SHAFT ADJUSTERS ETC. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE HANDLED . THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11350193
Official recalls
5Aug 13, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
May 22, 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.
Jan 9, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Oct 6, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Jan 10, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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