Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Mercedes-Benz C204 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

15 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

82,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2011 to 2014 model years. Data updated: . 8 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 15 complaints (40.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior426.7%
Electrical and battery issues213.3%
Fuel system concerns16.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
6
Electrical System
4
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
Steering
3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
2
Engine
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags6
Electrical System4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Steering3
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
Engine1
Unknown Or Other1

Air Bags: 6; Electrical System: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Steering: 3; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Engine: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2017
1
2018
1
2019
7
2020
6
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20171
20181
20197
20206

2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 7; 2020: 6

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11290261 · 2019-12-20 (December 20, 2019)

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11311991 · 2020-02-28 (February 28, 2020)

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 MY VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING IN ORDER TO TAKE ME HOME AT 9:40 PM. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ESL IN THE STEERING COLUMN I AM NOW FORCED TO WAIT HERE UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COMES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS LOCATION AND WISH MY VEHICLE WOULD START KNOWING THAT IT HAS THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF VOLTAGE AT THE BATTERY.

Owner-reported narrative. 105,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11311991 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11281869 · 2019-11-22 (November 22, 2019)

THERE ARE SMALL CRACKS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS ALLOWS FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND POOL IN THE CENTER OF THE PUMP WHERE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ARE SUBMERGED IN FUEL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM AS THERE IS A REAL POTENTIAL FOR IGNITION OF THE LEAKED FUEL WHICH IS RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE MY 5 YEAR OLD'S CHILD SEAT IS LOCATED. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR WHICH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE LIGHT HE…

Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11281869 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2011
0
2012
0
2013
0
2014
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
20110
20120
20130
20140

2011: 0; 2012: 0; 2013: 0; 2014: 0

Year-by-year records

Mercedes-Benz C204 model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
201120Not available
2012400
2013400
2014500
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

15 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

53.3%Usable mileage8 / 15 records
100.0%Valid incident date15 / 15 records
100.0%Valid filing date15 / 15 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates15 / 15 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2011201220132014
Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11044523

I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TAKATA RECALL FOR MY MERCEDES-BENZ'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT.

Look up ODI 11044523 at NHTSA ↗

375.0%
ODI 11152372 · 119,000 mi

MERCEDES-BENZ CONTACTED ME ABOUT THE RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT THE RECALL STATES 'RECALL INCOMPLETE REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE'. IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN WHY DID THEY CONTACT ME TO SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE ISSUE?

Look up ODI 11152372 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11183587

TAKATA RECALL IT IS TAKING TOO LONG FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS RECALL. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR A YEAR NOW, AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT.

Look up ODI 11183587 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
150.0%
ODI 11311991 · 105,000 mi

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 MY VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING IN ORDER TO TAKE ME HOME AT 9:40 PM. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ESL IN THE STEERING COLUMN I AM NOW FORCED TO WAIT HERE UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COMES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS LOCATION AND WISH MY VEHICLE WOULD START KNOWING THAT IT HAS THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF VOLTAGE AT THE BATTERY.

Look up ODI 11311991 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 11289022

THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) GOING BAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS DANGER EXACT FAILURE. THE CAR JUST HIT 80,000 MILES AND THIS FAILURE HAPPENED. WHEN THERE ESL LOCKS, YOU CANNOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO ANYTHING. I HAPPENED TO BE OUT OF TOWN AND I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED HOME WHICH COSTED ME OVER $400 AND DIVER THE STEERING WAS LOCKED THEY HAD TO USE SPECIAL DOLLIES TO TOW MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $2200 TO DO THE REPAIR WHICH IS UNHEARD OF AND IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STA…

Look up ODI 11289022 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11281869 · 27,000 mi

THERE ARE SMALL CRACKS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS ALLOWS FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND POOL IN THE CENTER OF THE PUMP WHERE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ARE SUBMERGED IN FUEL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM AS THERE IS A REAL POTENTIAL FOR IGNITION OF THE LEAKED FUEL WHICH IS RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE MY 5 YEAR OLD'S CHILD SEAT IS LOCATED. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR WHICH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE LIGHT HE…

Look up ODI 11281869 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

360.0%
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

Steering
150.0%
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11289022

THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) GOING BAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS DANGER EXACT FAILURE. THE CAR JUST HIT 80,000 MILES AND THIS FAILURE HAPPENED. WHEN THERE ESL LOCKS, YOU CANNOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO ANYTHING. I HAPPENED TO BE OUT OF TOWN AND I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED HOME WHICH COSTED ME OVER $400 AND DIVER THE STEERING WAS LOCKED THEY HAD TO USE SPECIAL DOLLIES TO TOW MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $2200 TO DO THE REPAIR WHICH IS UNHEARD OF AND IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STA…

Look up ODI 11289022 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
150.0%
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air BagsToo few reports for a range119,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11152372 · 119,000 mi

MERCEDES-BENZ CONTACTED ME ABOUT THE RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT THE RECALL STATES 'RECALL INCOMPLETE REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE'. IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN WHY DID THEY CONTACT ME TO SUPPOSEDLY FIX THE ISSUE?

Look up ODI 11152372 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range105,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11311991 · 105,000 mi

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020 MY VEHICLE WAS NOT STARTING IN ORDER TO TAKE ME HOME AT 9:40 PM. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ESL IN THE STEERING COLUMN I AM NOW FORCED TO WAIT HERE UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COMES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS LOCATION AND WISH MY VEHICLE WOULD START KNOWING THAT IT HAS THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF VOLTAGE AT THE BATTERY.

Look up ODI 11311991 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11307113 · 82,000 mi

ESL SUDDEN FAILURE, APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR YEARS NOW WITH NO ACTION TO RECALL OR ADDRESS THE DESIGN OF THIS PART. CAR IS IMMOBILIZED AND MUST BE TOWED, BUT ONLY TO DEALER WHO MUST PROGRAM THE PART BUT NOT SELL IT TO CUSTOMER OR OTHER SERVICE CENTER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.

Look up ODI 11307113 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range75,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11281869 · 27,000 mi

THERE ARE SMALL CRACKS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS ALLOWS FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND POOL IN THE CENTER OF THE PUMP WHERE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ARE SUBMERGED IN FUEL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM AS THERE IS A REAL POTENTIAL FOR IGNITION OF THE LEAKED FUEL WHICH IS RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE MY 5 YEAR OLD'S CHILD SEAT IS LOCATED. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR WHICH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE LIGHT HE…

Look up ODI 11281869 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11288512 · 82,000 mi

P0002 FUEL VOLUME REGULATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE LIMP MODE UPON ACCELERATION

Look up ODI 11288512 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11316184 · 75,000 mi

MERCEDES-BENZ 2014 C 2 50S HAVE HAD A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS WHEN YOU GO TO GIVE IT A GAS IN A HURRY IT PUTS THE ENGINE INTO A LIMP MODE AND IT WILL NOT GO THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND YOU COULD BE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE

Look up ODI 11316184 at NHTSA ↗

SteeringToo few reports for a range62,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range118,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range6,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2013: 0 complaints · 2014: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2013000
2014000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2013400
2014500

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemFuel/Propulsion SystemSteeringElectronic Stability Control (Esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
Air Bags—000000
Electrical System0—0
2
ODI 11289022

THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) GOING BAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS DANGER EXACT FAILURE. THE CAR JUST HIT 80,000 MILES AND THIS FAILURE HAPPENED. WHEN THERE ESL LOCKS, YOU CANNOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO ANYTHING. I HAPPENED TO BE OUT OF TOWN AND I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED HOME WHICH COSTED ME OVER $400 AND DIVER THE STEERING WAS LOCKED THEY HAD TO USE SPECIAL DOLLIES TO TOW MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $2200 TO DO THE REPAIR WHICH IS UNHEARD OF AND IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STA…

Look up ODI 11289022 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

00
Fuel/Propulsion System00—0
1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

Steering0
2
ODI 11289022

THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) GOING BAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS DANGER EXACT FAILURE. THE CAR JUST HIT 80,000 MILES AND THIS FAILURE HAPPENED. WHEN THERE ESL LOCKS, YOU CANNOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO ANYTHING. I HAPPENED TO BE OUT OF TOWN AND I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED HOME WHICH COSTED ME OVER $400 AND DIVER THE STEERING WAS LOCKED THEY HAD TO USE SPECIAL DOLLIES TO TOW MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $2200 TO DO THE REPAIR WHICH IS UNHEARD OF AND IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STA…

Look up ODI 11289022 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)0
1
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

Engine000
1
ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Unknown Or Other00
1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11282376

THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (VALENCIA) IS NOT WANTING TO CHANGE MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY YEAR. DRIVING MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WITH MY CHILDREN I HAVE BEEN HAVING OTHER ISSUES WITH MY CAR DUE TO THIS.

Look up ODI 11282376 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 20.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 62,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11289022

THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) GOING BAD. I EXPERIENCED THIS DANGER EXACT FAILURE. THE CAR JUST HIT 80,000 MILES AND THIS FAILURE HAPPENED. WHEN THERE ESL LOCKS, YOU CANNOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO ANYTHING. I HAPPENED TO BE OUT OF TOWN AND I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED HOME WHICH COSTED ME OVER $400 AND DIVER THE STEERING WAS LOCKED THEY HAD TO USE SPECIAL DOLLIES TO TOW MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $2200 TO DO THE REPAIR WHICH IS UNHEARD OF AND IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STA…

Look up ODI 11289022 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11315645 · 118,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11315645 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11290261 · 6,000 mi

THE ESL STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO START. I HAD THE AIRBAGS REPLACED DUE TO RECALL ABOUT 3 WEEK SALES EARLIER. THE CAR WAS WORKING PROPERLY THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WON'T START AND A MESSAGE COMES UP ABOUT REMOVING THE KEY.

Look up ODI 11290261 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 6.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 27,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11281869 · 27,000 mi

THERE ARE SMALL CRACKS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THIS ALLOWS FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND POOL IN THE CENTER OF THE PUMP WHERE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT ARE SUBMERGED IN FUEL. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM AS THERE IS A REAL POTENTIAL FOR IGNITION OF THE LEAKED FUEL WHICH IS RIGHT UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER SEAT WHERE MY 5 YEAR OLD'S CHILD SEAT IS LOCATED. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR WHICH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE LIGHT HE…

Look up ODI 11281869 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b