NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
272 reports305,000 miles · Feb 22, 2023
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal frequency sound coming from the speakers followed by a popping sound. The contact then began to smell a burning electrical wiring odor with white smoke coming from the middle dashboard speaker. The contact immediately pulle…
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The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal frequency sound coming from the speakers followed by a popping sound. The contact then began to smell a burning electrical wiring odor with white smoke coming from the middle dashboard speaker. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact called her father who towed the vehicle to her home where it remained in her possession. The contact reached out to the manufacturer by email and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 305,000.
NHTSA ODI #11508516
78,000 miles · Feb 9, 2023
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V638000 (Air Bags) and the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V638000 (Air Bags) and the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #11506437
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2022
Engine
Faulty camshaft adjusters creating timing chain to stretch and tensioners to fail , causing excessive wear to the crankshaft and wear of the teeth resulting in catastrophic damage and complete engine failure ( I have not replaced this timing chain or camshaft adjuster yet but i can hear the timing chain rattling from the defecti…
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Faulty camshaft adjusters creating timing chain to stretch and tensioners to fail , causing excessive wear to the crankshaft and wear of the teeth resulting in catastrophic damage and complete engine failure ( I have not replaced this timing chain or camshaft adjuster yet but i can hear the timing chain rattling from the defective parts from manufacturer. )
NHTSA ODI #11489131
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2022
Steering
The esl/eis failed. Turned car off and after coming back to try and turn it on, it didn't work. Steering wheel was locked and car wouldn't engage with key. After checking with mechanics and checking online, I discovered that it is a frequent issue that happens with no warning whatsoever. Which is quite worrisome to think the…
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The esl/eis failed. Turned car off and after coming back to try and turn it on, it didn't work. Steering wheel was locked and car wouldn't engage with key. After checking with mechanics and checking online, I discovered that it is a frequent issue that happens with no warning whatsoever. Which is quite worrisome to think the Steering wheel could lock at anytime without notice. My car is a 2012 Mercedes c250 coupe.
NHTSA ODI #11483194
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2022
Engine
AUTO IS LESS THAN 100K MILES EXCELLENT CONDITION HAD THE TURBO GASKET GO BAD ON THE AUTO. OIL LEAKING IN THE MAIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON GROUND DUE TO THE GASKET ISSUE. COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE AND TURBO. GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. WHILE AT THE MECHANICS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT MODEL OF MERCEDES, NOT SURE…
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AUTO IS LESS THAN 100K MILES EXCELLENT CONDITION HAD THE TURBO GASKET GO BAD ON THE AUTO. OIL LEAKING IN THE MAIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON GROUND DUE TO THE GASKET ISSUE. COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE AND TURBO. GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. WHILE AT THE MECHANICS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT MODEL OF MERCEDES, NOT SURE THE YEAR BUT IDENTICAL BODY STYLE. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON 06/07/22 COST THROUGH MECHANIC $465.00 ANY TIME DUE TO PASSING OR EXCELARTION THE ENGINE WOULD MISS OUT AND LOSE POWER FOR THE PASSING OR ESCELARTION.
NHTSA ODI #11468165
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2022
Suspension
Major rust in the welded joints of the Steel subframe. Long crack development along the seams, could have led to catastrophic lost of control of vehicle if the breaks were not found. This is an apparent flaw with the C-Class Mercedes Benz and quite surprising to the Service Reps at my dealership that this has not been a recall i…
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Major rust in the welded joints of the Steel subframe. Long crack development along the seams, could have led to catastrophic lost of control of vehicle if the breaks were not found. This is an apparent flaw with the C-Class Mercedes Benz and quite surprising to the Service Reps at my dealership that this has not been a recall issue, as they’ve replaced many. The repair is quite costly, over $5,000. There were no symptoms, warnings or messages. This was found when the vehicle was in for a 10k service. I have a video sent by the technician that show the inspection of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11463883
Mileage 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
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2022
Fuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable and dangerous in passing situ…
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2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable and dangerous in passing situations. It leaves you stranded in the passing lane with oncoming traffic with a vehicle that will not accelerate. I have submitted a request multiple times with Mercedes benz corporate who has declined my submission. This issue has been ongoing since 2016. They have offered an extended warranty on the vehicle 10 years and 120,000 miles as they know there is a defect. It is dangerous and needs to be covered for all of the affected vehicles.
NHTSA ODI #11448292
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2021
Electrical System
Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) fails and your key fob nor your keyless go button will function, rendering your car unable to start...! Usually it's the cheap toy motor that engages the moving tab that locks and unlocks the column and communicates to the ignition to start the car... You get only a message to "remove your key" and…
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Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) fails and your key fob nor your keyless go button will function, rendering your car unable to start...! Usually it's the cheap toy motor that engages the moving tab that locks and unlocks the column and communicates to the ignition to start the car... You get only a message to "remove your key" and the dash lights will not come on nor can you start the vehicle... Mercedes is aware of this, as there are thousands of complaints on this ESL issue... Mercedes needs to issue a recall and do away with this faulty ESL module...!!!! Oh by the way, they charge $1500+++ to fix it...🤬🤬🤬
NHTSA ODI #11443661
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
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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