2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 285 16 crash 2 fire 19 injury

“I HAVE BEEN HAVING CONSTANT ISSUES WITH THE STEERING AND AIRBAG LIGHTS GOING ON. I WAS ALSO IN A BAD REAR END WRECK IN 2016 AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE BEEN CALLING SANTANDER CONSUMERS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DON'T CARE AND ARE STILL MAKING ME PAY MY MORE. THE MERCEDES DEALER HAS SAID THAT THE RECALLS ARE PENDING AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE ISSUE. SO I HAVE STOPPED MAKING PAYMENTS BECAUSE I HAVE A TODDLER AND WILL NOT DRIVE A DANGEROUS CAR AND THE CAR WAS RECENTLY REPOSSESSED LAST WEEK. THE AIRBAG DEPLOY LIGHTS CONSTANTLY STAY ON INDICATING THEY ARE NOT WORKING AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11291637, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, FLIPPED TWICE, AND CRASHED IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT SECURE BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER TIGHT ENOUGH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT PASSENGER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD. BOTH OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. IT WAS NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #10981667, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST CHESTER DEALER (1260 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382) TO BE SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE AT THAT TIME, BOTH HER DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WERE TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED AT THE TIME THAT THE DEALER'S POLICY WAS TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS TURNED OFF UNTIL THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. ON JULY 19,2020, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A SEIZURE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. DUE TO THE SEIZURE, T…”
NHTSA complaint #11343424, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 73 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 30 mph, she was depressing the brake pedal and the rear side of the vehicle shifted to the left independently, causing to impact with another vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was drivable and the driver was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the su…”
NHTSA complaint #11477297, 2022 · crash

“REAR SUB FRAME RUST NEEDS INSPECTED SUPER CLANKY”
NHTSA complaint #11742978, 2026

“Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely decayed/rusted through and not safe to continue driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11652172, 2025

Structure 70 1 crash 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10767499, 2015 · crash · fire

“ON 1/29/17 WE AWOKE TO THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM OUR GARAGE. UPON OPENING THE INSIDE DOOR TO OUR GARAGE, WE DISCOVERED THE ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ON FIRE. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS RESULTED IN AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. HOWEVER THE FIRE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE LEFT REAR DOOR WAS FOUND OPEN/AJAR? THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER 24 HOURS PRIOR AND AS RECENTLY AS 9PM THE NIGHT BEFORE ALL WAS WELL WHEN I VISITED THE GARAGE?”
NHTSA complaint #10954982, 2017 · fire

“Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to open the driver’s door from the inside. The handle broke through normal use upon trying to open the car door from the drivers side. The only way to exit the vehicle now is to roll down the window and reach around to use the exterior handle. On October 14, 2025, I spoke to two Mercedes-Benz dealerships…”
NHTSA complaint #11695491, 2025

Engine 57 2 crash 4 fire 3 injury

“The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked…”
NHTSA complaint #11478916, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADRESTS DETACHED DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, WHICH REQUIRED…”
NHTSA complaint #11267313, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10750015, 2015 · crash · fire

Steering 47 3 crash 5 injury

“I HAVE BEEN HAVING CONSTANT ISSUES WITH THE STEERING AND AIRBAG LIGHTS GOING ON. I WAS ALSO IN A BAD REAR END WRECK IN 2016 AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE BEEN CALLING SANTANDER CONSUMERS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY DON'T CARE AND ARE STILL MAKING ME PAY MY MORE. THE MERCEDES DEALER HAS SAID THAT THE RECALLS ARE PENDING AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE ISSUE. SO I HAVE STOPPED MAKING PAYMENTS BECAUSE I HAVE A TODDLER AND WILL NOT DRIVE A DANGEROUS CAR AND THE CAR WAS RECENTLY REPOSSESSED LAST WEEK. THE AIRBAG DEPLOY LIGHTS CONSTANTLY STAY ON INDICATING THEY ARE NOT WORKING AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11291637, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF S ATLANTA (3775 ROYAL S PKWY, GA 30349, PHONE: (470) 819-2400), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD N…”
NHTSA complaint #11055916, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA INFLATORS INVOLVED ON A CAR ACCIDENT ON 02/27/2017 WERE THIS VEHICLE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOYED. THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND GOT PAID OFF BY MY INSURANCE BUT I AM STILL HURT.”
NHTSA complaint #11044954, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 38 2 fire

“MY CAR BURNT YESTERDAY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK, NO WARNING, NOTHING NOTED. JUST STARTED SMOKING AND THEN FLAMES CAME UP AND BURN THE WHOLE FRONT END”
NHTSA complaint #11046069, 2017 · fire

“ON 1/29/17 WE AWOKE TO THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM OUR GARAGE. UPON OPENING THE INSIDE DOOR TO OUR GARAGE, WE DISCOVERED THE ENTIRE GARAGE WAS ON FIRE. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS RESULTED IN AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. HOWEVER THE FIRE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE LEFT REAR DOOR WAS FOUND OPEN/AJAR? THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR OVER 24 HOURS PRIOR AND AS RECENTLY AS 9PM THE NIGHT BEFORE ALL WAS WELL WHEN I VISITED THE GARAGE?”
NHTSA complaint #10954982, 2017 · fire

“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle and Recall Campaign No. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-Benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative stated it was performed; another stated no record exists. I was never notified that a recall repair had been completed. This inconsistency raises immediate concerns regarding recall documentation integrity and owner notification compliance. The identical steering colum…”
NHTSA complaint #11719825, 2024

Electrical System 34 2 fire

“LAMP CARRIER, PLUG AND CONTACT BUSHI ARE BURNT BECAUSE THE GROUND WIRE IS TOO THIN. THE PREVIOUS MODELS OF THIS CAR HAD A RECALL WHERE THEY FIXED THE ISSUE BUT IT STILL PERTAINS TO THE 2013 MODEL AND IS NOT UNDER RECALL. PART # 204-820-22-77 # 211-545-03-28 # 013-545-76-26 THESE WERE THE PART NUMBERS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THIS IS A SERIOUS FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RECORDS THAT LATEST W204 MERCEDES MODEL STILL HAS THIS PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.”
NHTSA complaint #11318805, 2020 · fire

“MY CAR BURNT YESTERDAY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK, NO WARNING, NOTHING NOTED. JUST STARTED SMOKING AND THEN FLAMES CAME UP AND BURN THE WHOLE FRONT END”
NHTSA complaint #11046069, 2017 · fire

“Over the past few weeks Ive had instances where the car has power but wont crank, Ive had the SRS light come on the dash but after it starting it goes away.”
NHTSA complaint #11744047, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 27 2 injury

“The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked…”
NHTSA complaint #11478916, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)

“Hola a todos. hace 3 meses compre un mercedes benz c250 año 2012 en argentina. A eso de tener un mes el auto salí a la ruta. (Acá en argentina es muy normal que las rutas sean de un solo carril y doble mano, por lo que hacer un adelantamiento tiene que ser una maniobra muy precisa). Al querer acelerar mi auto a fondo se me cortó la aceleración bruscamente. Perdió la potencia y me encendió la luz amarilla del check engine. Por suerte pude llegar a pasar. Legué a mi casa sorprendido e investigué en las redes. Me encuentro con que la bomba de alta presion de mi vehículo tiene una falla (aparentem…”
NHTSA complaint #11655843, 2025

“Fuel tank is leaking at connection between fill tube and tank. Multiple recalls have been issued apparently for similar problems with cars of other years. With less than 1/2 tank, the fuel leak is not as pronounced. With the tank full, the tank drips fuel. Fire department in Riverside was called and confirmed issue. Upon bringing vehicle to Clearwater Mercedes and other mechanics, the problem was confirmed. Dealership says that Mercedes Benz denies that the problem is theirs to resolve. Dealership fixed other issue that was not producing symptoms but stated that the cost to resolve was $5000.0…”
NHTSA complaint #11643602, 2024

Power Train 19 2 injury

“The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked…”
NHTSA complaint #11478916, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)

“The vehicle was represented to me as safe to drive, with no major mechanical issues, and that it would pass emissions after only a simple minor fix. After I took possession, the check engine light came on. The car began running rough and showing hesitation. A scan immediately showed a camshaft position sensor fault, cylinder misfire, lean fuel condition, and oxygen sensor/emissions faults. I was also told by a professional shop that the timing chain may be failing. I was then warned that these problems can cause power loss or engine stalling while driving, and that the vehicle in this conditi…”
NHTSA complaint #11697039, 2025

“The ESP, or Electronic Stability Control system can put the car into limp mode unexpectedly. Say you are driving on route 66 going 50 mph. The ESP system can turn off if a wheel speed sensor or yaw sensor is on the way out. This causes the car to suddenly dramatically brake and limit speed to 5 mph on the highway. Risk of high speed rear end collision and mortality to the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11561434, 2023

Service Brakes 19 6 crash 3 injury

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADRESTS DETACHED DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, WHICH REQUIRED…”
NHTSA complaint #11267313, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 09-12-16 I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION (35+ MPH). I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC (INTERSTATE HIGHWAY). MY VEHICLE WAS IN ECO MODE AND THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE HOLD FEATURE WAS ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE WAS FULLY ENGAGED/PRESSED, AND HOLD WAS DISPLAYED ON THE FORWARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. WHILE STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK MY VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. MY VEHICLE'S NECK-PRO RETRAINT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE HAZARDS ACTIVATED. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE BRAKE HOLD FEATURE DEACTIVATED AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL INTO RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. AFTER ACTIVELY PUM…”
NHTSA complaint #11019536, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED ACCELERATOR PEDAL NOT DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THEY FAILED AND DID NOT STOP NOR SLOW THE VEHICLE. CAR CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. AIR BAGS ADDITIONALLY DID NOT DEPLOY AS CAR HIT BUILDING IN CORNER AT CENTER OF FRONT. MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER FROM SEAT BELT RESTRAINT.”
NHTSA complaint #10849871, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 12 4 crash 2 injury

“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED ACCELERATOR PEDAL NOT DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THEY FAILED AND DID NOT STOP NOR SLOW THE VEHICLE. CAR CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. AIR BAGS ADDITIONALLY DID NOT DEPLOY AS CAR HIT BUILDING IN CORNER AT CENTER OF FRONT. MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER FROM SEAT BELT RESTRAINT.”
NHTSA complaint #10849871, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE EXITING THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE OVER ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CONCRETE BUILDING AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND BRUISING TO THE STOMACH, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10629113, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that while the vehicle was approaching a building ahead, she veered to the right and hit the front bumper of an occupied vehicle. The vehicle then drove over the sidewalk. The contact stated that while approaching the end of the sidewalk, she veered to the right and the vehicle stopp…”
NHTSA complaint #11578340, 2024 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6 1 crash 1 injury

“TAKATA INFLATORS INVOLVED ON A CAR ACCIDENT ON 02/27/2017 WERE THIS VEHICLE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOYED. THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND GOT PAID OFF BY MY INSURANCE BUT I AM STILL HURT.”
NHTSA complaint #11044954, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE WAS STOLEN IN FLORIDA I PURCHASED IT AFTER BEING FIXED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WHERE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND LIGHTS PERTAINING TO AIRBAGS WOULD FLASH. AFRAID BAGS WOULD GO OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11319960, 2020

“MY ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK FAILED. LUCKILY, I WAS PARKED BUT NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START, OR UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. IF THIS FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD BE A DANGER. I KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, THAT MERCEDES HAS SINCE FIXED IN ITS LATER MODELS, BUT CONTINUES TO CHARGE $2000 FOR A FIX THAT IS ONLY POSSIBLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A BAD DESIGN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11315645, 2020

Fuel System 6

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sensor in the module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the dealer confirmed that the leak was coming from the filler tube entering the fuel tank.…”
NHTSA complaint #11643606, 2024

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,775.”
NHTSA complaint #11469245, 2022

“I HAVE A HUM DEVICE ON MY VEHICLE AND IT SHOWS THAT I HAVE A CODE P0002 FUEL VOLUME REGULATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT RANGE PERFORMANCE. MY MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS 250 HAS ONLY 44614 MILES, WHEN I BOUGHT IT HAD 36.+ MILES, IF IT WASN'T FOR THE DIVORCE THAT I HAVE ON THE VEHICLE I PROBABLY WON'T KNOW UNTIL THE CAR BRAKE DOWN. WHEN I'M DRIVING THE CAR SEEMS TO LOOSE POWER THEN IT ACCELERATES LIKE IT HIT TURBO POWER. MY MECHANIC ADVISE ME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU AND SEE IF YOU CAN ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO WITH IT, BECAUSE IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. THANK AN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. MY EMAIL ADDRES…”
NHTSA complaint #11114736, 2018

Wheels 6

“I needed new tires and the tire dealer reported that my subframe is rotted bilaterally. He suggested I do not invest in tires until it is replaced and to notify Mercedes as there may be a recall. This defect caused instability of the frame that secures the tires. The safety risk should go without saying. Any rotted structure that supports the car and/or secures the tires is an obvious safety risk. After reading the multiple complaints posted under “structure” for this make and model, it appears that yes, this problem has been reproduced and confirmed by other owners and mechanics. I am pr…”
NHTSA complaint #11471103, 2022

“I noticed that my car was pulling heavy to the left when I stop and strange noise in the rear of the car, after taking the car to the mechanic he told me that the car rear subframe on my 2013 Mercedes Benz c300 was rotted, the control arm bracket completely broke off on the left side and the right side is also cracked. it appears that this is a common issue in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, the dealer told me that the car has a rotted rear subframe problem and the subframe could break out in months.”
NHTSA complaint #11457290, 2022

“Sudden steering pull when braking . Mechanic found rotten left rear suspension cross member .part number 2043500141 Mechanic reports very Common issue with this model . Mercedes Benz is aware but will not repair or supply replacement parts . Note the replacement part is not available in US currently . Stuck with unsafe auto lacking support from Mercedes Benz . Some one is going to be injured / killed as the manufacturing defect shows rust failure from inside out and not detectable during routine maintenance . Hard braking pull is first indication that the defective part failed . Should…”
NHTSA complaint #11453988, 2022

Exterior Lighting 5

“LEFT TAIL LIGHTS BURNING OUT DUE TO OVERHEATED WIRES”
NHTSA complaint #11643426, 2025

“Rear passenger side brake lights and turn signal stopped working due to ground wire burning out post. Ground wire seems to be to weak and gets overheated. I'm not the only one found this issue on YouTube with many other Mercedes C class vehicles”
NHTSA complaint #11522559, 2023

“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, (781) 229-1600) AND WAS IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11268646, 2019

Seat Belts 5 2 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, FLIPPED TWICE, AND CRASHED IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT SECURE BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER TIGHT ENOUGH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT PASSENGER STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD. BOTH OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. IT WAS NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #10981667, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, WHICH TRIPPED ALL AIRBAG & SEAT BELT SENSORS. INCLUDING THE REAR SEAT BELTS, CAUSING THEM TO NOT LOCK IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, RENDERING THE REAR SEAT TO BE UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS. THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED EXCEPT FOR THE REAR SEAT CUSHION. THE BODY SHOP HAS HAD THE SEAT CUSHION, BUT REFUSED TO INSTALL UNTIL THE INSURANCE COMPANY PAYS AN ADDITION $2000.00. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 10/14/2016. I GOT THE CAR BACK ON 12/30/2017 WITH THE ORIGINAL REAR SEAT CUSHION INSTALLED. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 4 MONTHS NOW, AND, NOBODY IS WILLING TO ASSIST ME. I HOPE I…”
NHTSA complaint #10980894, 2017 · crash

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt would not retract and was unable to lock and secure the driver. Also, the rear driver’s side seat belt ceased and was unable to pull out and lock to secure the driver’s side rear seat passenger. The rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to retract and would not secure the passenger side rear seat passenger. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11426481, 2021

Tires 4

“CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES WITH APPROX. 12,500 MILES ON THEM WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED HAS A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE BUBBLE IS WITHIN A QUARTER OF AN INCH TO THE RIM. CONTINENTAL IS TURNING A DEAF EAR TO THIS MATTER. THE FIRST AND ONLY THING THEY ARE SAYING IS IT IS FROM A POTHOLE. THESE TIRES SHOWED VIRTUALLY VERY LITTLE WEAR. I STAY ON YTOP OF MY VEHICLES CARE AND ALWAYS HAVE THE PROPER INFLATION. AS WELL AS HIGH SPEED BALANCING DONE IN ORDER TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THEM. MY CARS FRONT TIRES ARE A DIFFERENT SIZE THAN THE REAR TIRES, THEREFORE THEY CANNOT BE ROTATED. HENCE T…”
NHTSA complaint #10779590, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C300 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: 225/45R17. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE TIRES EXHIBITED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THE SAME TIRES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED TEN TIMES WITHIN 18 MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 09/11/15*LJ UPDATED 10/30/2017*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10730409, 2014

“I HIT A POTHOLE ON THE 96TH STREET TRANVERSE ROAD THROUGH CENTRAL PARK.WESTBOUND AROUND 4:30PM ON JUNE 3, 2013. AAA TOWED ME TO 54TH ST AUTO CENTER ON THE SAME DAY. BOTH RIGHT SIDE TIRES WERE DAMAGED AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THEY BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ COST OF REPAIR $734.36. CAN YOU PLEASE REIMBURSE ME ? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10515586, 2013

Visibility 4

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, and rainwater leaked from the sunroof and the front driver’s side window into the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11536988, 2023

“The glue that suppose to make sure my windshield is secure is no longer secure. The windshield moves as I am driving. It’s only on the corner of the driver side. Everything else is secured. Also my airbags (passenger and driver). There is a recall but its not showing when I run the Vin # .”
NHTSA complaint #11558051, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT FOUND WATER ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL ON THE SUN ROOF WAS PLUGGED AND CAUSED WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,234. UPDATED 06/23/17*LJ *AS”
NHTSA complaint #10990903, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. While the vehicle was started, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. In addition, the check engine and the check coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak, and that oil was leaking onto the wires. The contact was infor…”
NHTSA complaint #11687278, 2025

“The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while the independent mechanic was performing an oil change on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11636131, 2024

“2013 MERCEDES BENZ C-250 TURBBO CHARGED ENGINE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE STALLING ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, AND THEN ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AFTER THE TURN, IT FELT AS THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS ABOUT TO STALL, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO PROCEED FORWARD. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS RE-STARTING AND THEN WAS ABLE TO PROCEED FORWARD. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS A NORMAL ACTION WITH THE TURBO CHARGED ENGINE. MERCEDES BENZ REFERRED TO IT AS, TURBO LAG. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TUR…”
NHTSA complaint #10515271, 2013

Seats 2

“II WAS DRIVING AND CAR STEERING WHEEL GET STUCK DID NOT MOVE UP AND DOWN AND ALSO FRONT RIGHT SEAT DID NOT MOVE.”
NHTSA complaint #11391140, 2020

“UNDER HEAVY BRAKING FOR A VEHICLE THAT INADVERTENTLY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME MY DRIVERS SEAT APPEARED TO TORQUE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT ONE SIDE OF THE POWER SEAT IS SEEMINGLY OFF TRACK AND WILL NOT MOVE. THE SEAT IS STUCK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326733, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 2

“SUNROOF EXPLODES AND SHATTERS FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. TAKATA RECALL AS WELL.”
NHTSA complaint #11098292, 2018

“DRIVING HOME ON NORTHBOUND I-5 IN SEATTLE. VERY LOUD NOISE LIKE A SMALL EXPLOSION. THE FRONT PART OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED! THERE WERE NO OVER PASSES OR CARS NEARBY. NO OTHER APPARENT DAMAGE ANYWHERE. OUTSIDE/EXTERIOR SUNROOF LOOKED FINE (SEE PHOTOS). IT WAS RAINING AT THE TIME. THE SUNROOF, ALTHOUGH SHATTERED, DID REMAIN INTACT, HOWEVER STARTED LEAKING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM (DO ANY TYPE OF INTERNET SEARCH ON PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODING). PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10919684, 2016