Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

35 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

55,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 27 of 35 complaints (77.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior38.6%
Steering behavior25.7%
Electrical and battery issues12.9%
Fuel system concerns12.9%

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
27
Engine
2
Fuel/Propulsion System
2
Suspension
2
Electrical System
1
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
Power Train
1
Service Brakes
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags27
Engine2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Suspension2
Electrical System1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Power Train1
Service Brakes1

Air Bags: 27; Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Suspension: 2; Electrical System: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

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

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 30 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
12
2018
6
2019
10
2020
2
2021
1
2022
1
2023
1
2024
1
2026
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
201712
20186
201910
20202
20211
20221
20231
20241
20261

2017: 12; 2018: 6; 2019: 10; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 11418391 · 2021-05-24 (May 24, 2021)

1. The (RH) rear suspension forward link attach point on the rear Suspension Cross-Member (Mercedes-Benz P/N: 204-350-01-41), separated from the sub frame due to internal corrosion of the Suspension Cross-Member. Part available for inspection. 2. When part failed, the RH rear wheel alignment was no-longer fixed; some loss of vehicle steering control was experienced, especially during braking and also turning. 3. Numerous reports of similar episodes of this failure are reported in owners' and maintainers' forums. The dealer service departme…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11418391 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11509103 · 2023-02-25 (February 25, 2023)

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11509103 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11221084 · 2019-06-18 (June 18, 2019)

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Owner-reported narrative. 47,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

14.3%Usable mileage5 / 35 records
100.0%Valid incident date35 / 35 records
100.0%Valid filing date35 / 35 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates35 / 35 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
Component2010201120122013201420152017
Air Bags
1055.6%
ODI 10947830

RECALLED PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10947830 at NHTSA ↗

1661.5%
ODI 10968809 · 48,000 mi

I RECEIVED EMAILS INFORMING ME THAT THE AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE CAN EXPLODE AND EMIT METAL FRAGMENTS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS. IT'S BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW AND I AM STILL WAITING.

Look up ODI 10968809 at NHTSA ↗

2777.1%
ODI 11003901

HAVE A RECALL NOW IT HAD TO TRADE IT IN FOR A GOOD VALUE

Look up ODI 11003901 at NHTSA ↗

1571.4%
ODI 11040215

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (STEERING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (SCHUMACHER EUROPEAN, 18530 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85054) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOO…

Look up ODI 11040215 at NHTSA ↗

861.5%
ODI 11044289

TAKATA RECALL: MY MERCEDES DEALER CANNOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THE AIR BAG, CAUSING ME TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND RISK PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Look up ODI 11044289 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 11100269

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ WARWICK IN WARWICK, RI) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11100269 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
15.6%
ODI 11010408 · 69,000 mi

FUEL ODOR WHEN TANK IS FILLED. PROBLEM WAS APPARENTLY MANUFACTURING DEFECT. FUEL LEAKED FROM FUEL FILTER MOUNTING STUDS THAT CRACKED AND PULLED THROUGH MOUNTING PLATE. GAS TANK AND ALL ATTACHMENTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.SEE ATTACHED MERCEDES WORK ORDER.

Look up ODI 11010408 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 11150330 · 68,000 mi

WHEN FUEL TANK IS ABOUT 75%-100% FULL, THE CAR WILL SMELL HEAVILY OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, FUEL PUMP COVER/CAP SEEMS TO BE CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. ENGINE CODE P0456.

Look up ODI 11150330 at NHTSA ↗

25.7%
ODI 11055113

MY CAR HAS A STRONG ODER OF GAS. IS IT SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE TO A SHOP? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE?

Look up ODI 11055113 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10948678 · 17,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR LOSES THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE FOLLOWING ERROR SHOWS ON THE DASH: "INOPERATIVE SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL". WHEN THIS HAPPENS, YOUR ONLY CHOICE IS TO COAST TO A SAFE PLACE. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, IT WILL FUNCTION FOR A SHORT TIME, ONLY TO REOCCUR. THIS OBVIOUSLY CAN BE DEADLY IF YOU CANNOT GET OFF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR COMES TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR

Look up ODI 10948678 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
211.1%
ODI 11063724 · 107,000 mi

ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON LEVEL GROUND AT A SHOPPING CENTER AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND NEARLY HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED BACK INTO THE SPACE AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I REPEATED THE SEQUENCE A THIRD TIME AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED A LITTLE AND STOPPED ON ITS OWN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MERCEDES OF ANNAPOLIS AND THE SERVICE PERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE GEARS WORK ON AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AN…

Look up ODI 11063724 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 11002719

HEAT AND AC AIR SENSOR KEEPS GOING OUT EACH YEAR . LAST TWO YEARS THEY REPLACED IT . AC RUMBLE IN HOT WEATHER

Look up ODI 11002719 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 11056293

I HAVE CONTACTED THE MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP TWICE SINCE THE AIRBAG RECALL. I WAS TOLD BOTH TIMES THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE MY RECALLED AIRBAGS. MY SAFETY IS IN DANGER UNTIL THE PARTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE. THAT IS MY COMPLAINT.

Look up ODI 11056293 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11572703

My car has been identified as having the subframe corrosion issue and is on the list by date and model, but Mercedes Benz will not honor the warranty because my car's VIN is not on their list.

Look up ODI 11572703 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
211.1%
ODI 10948777 · 99,060 mi

THE ESL (ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK) & THE EIS (ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH) WENT OUT AT EXACTLY 7 YEARS. THE COMMAND CONTROL KNOB ALSO WENT OUT AROUND THE SAME TIME. ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE VERY COMMON IN THESE MODELS. MERCEDES BENZ USA IS FULLY AWARE OF THESE ISSUES AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT! IT COST U.S. CONSUMERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. ALL THESE PROBLEMS COME UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY (SHOCKER).YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY EVERYTHING OUT OF POCKET.

Look up ODI 10948777 at NHTSA ↗

13.8%
ODI 11054431 · 82,000 mi

WE HAVE THE RECALL AND I AM SORRY I DO NOT HAVE THE NUMBER WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE TAIL LAMPS COULD MELT CATCHING FIRE CAUSING THE REAR LAMP TO GO OUT. MINE HAS DONE SO. MY WIFE DRIVES 35 MILES 1 WAY TO WORK EACH DAY AND BECAUSE IT WAS AT NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAD TO GO OUT ON I-64 WHICH IS A 70MPH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND DO A TEMP FIX SO SEE COULD GET HOME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHICH AT TIME PARTS WERE NOT AVAILED AND THE DEALER WAS TO CONTACT ME WHEN THEY RE AVAILED, WHICH THE YOUNG LADY EVEN WHEN THEY SENT OUT THE CONTACT …

Look up ODI 11054431 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.7%
ODI 11056561 · 22,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL SPRING GROUNDING PROBLEM CAN ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOY AIRBAG. RECALLED IN OCT 2017 BUT I'M TOLD PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 2018. THIS IS AN UNREASONABLY LONG TIME. I WENT TO TRADE-IN THIS CAR TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE AND WAS TOLD THAT NO DEALER CAN SELL A CAR WITH A PENDING SAFETY RECALL EXCEPT "AS IS" THROUGH AN AUTO AUCTION, WHICH LOWERS THE VALUE OF MY CAR BY OVER $2,000 VERSUS A NORMAL DEALER TRADE. HOW DO I RECOVER THIS LOSS WITHOUT SUING MERCEDES? ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT REMEDIES OTHER THAN PRIVATE LAWSUIT?

Look up ODI 11056561 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11045192

THE WIRES TO THE OUTSIDE LIGHT FIXTURES ARE MELTING. THE EXTERIOR LIGHT BULBS ARE MELTING INTO THE SOCKETS AND THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THIS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES ON 3 DIFFERENT LIGHT ASSEMBLIES: SPRING 2013, SPRING 2016 AND NOVEMBER 2017.

Look up ODI 11045192 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
15.6%
ODI 10676862 · 65,321 mi

BELT TENSIONER IS FAILING WHICH IS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SERPENTINE BELT. *TR

Look up ODI 10676862 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.7%
ODI 11055113

MY CAR HAS A STRONG ODER OF GAS. IS IT SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE TO A SHOP? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE?

Look up ODI 11055113 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 11509683 · 67,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and various other unknown components needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. T…

Look up ODI 11509683 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 10948678 · 17,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR LOSES THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE FOLLOWING ERROR SHOWS ON THE DASH: "INOPERATIVE SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL". WHEN THIS HAPPENS, YOUR ONLY CHOICE IS TO COAST TO A SAFE PLACE. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, IT WILL FUNCTION FOR A SHORT TIME, ONLY TO REOCCUR. THIS OBVIOUSLY CAN BE DEADLY IF YOU CANNOT GET OFF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR COMES TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR

Look up ODI 10948678 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
15.6%
ODI 11010328 · 90,000 mi

VEHICLE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WORKING, MAKING THE VEHICLE HARD TO TURN. VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE OVER 60 MILES AN HOUR.

Look up ODI 11010328 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 11509103

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK …

Look up ODI 11509103 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 11269094 · 39,251 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE PAST 30 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE, EPS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BETTEN IMPORTS (5901 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546, [phone removed]) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE …

Look up ODI 11269094 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 11546837

I was driving my vehicle when the transmission started shifting erratically. The shifts were not smooth but hard and the car was shuddering. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were at risk due to the erratic behavior of the vehicle and how it affected my ability to focus on driving safely. Yes my vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and the problem has been reproduced by my local Mercedes Benz dealer. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. After a few weeks of dri…

Look up ODI 11546837 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 10948678 · 17,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR LOSES THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE FOLLOWING ERROR SHOWS ON THE DASH: "INOPERATIVE SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL". WHEN THIS HAPPENS, YOUR ONLY CHOICE IS TO COAST TO A SAFE PLACE. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, IT WILL FUNCTION FOR A SHORT TIME, ONLY TO REOCCUR. THIS OBVIOUSLY CAN BE DEADLY IF YOU CANNOT GET OFF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THE CAR COMES TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR

Look up ODI 10948678 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
211.1%
ODI 11010328 · 90,000 mi

VEHICLE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WORKING, MAKING THE VEHICLE HARD TO TURN. VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE OVER 60 MILES AN HOUR.

Look up ODI 11010328 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 11761115

Brake line corrosion issues, related and reported along with the sub-frame assembly corrosion. After getting the sub-frame repaired XXX, corrosion and deformation of the tie rods and control arms caused vibration and noise at speed, and while cornering. Repaired XXX and vehicle inspection discovered no leaks in the corroded brake lines. After this repair, brake fluid warning light appeared. Very costly repair done at the MB dealership, in [XXX]. This is a common defective issue associated with the corrosion of the subframe, and should be atta…

Look up ODI 11761115 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.7%
ODI 11514058

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350 4matic. Brake fluid and Brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the service technician advised the brake lines to the rear tries were rusted and had to be replaced . The vehicle was repaired at a estimated cost of $2,900. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. we were advised that the car is a hazard to drive until repaired. We have requested the dealer to turnover the failed parts for our inspection and use

Look up ODI 11514058 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
211.1%
ODI 10948777 · 99,060 mi

THE ESL (ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK) & THE EIS (ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH) WENT OUT AT EXACTLY 7 YEARS. THE COMMAND CONTROL KNOB ALSO WENT OUT AROUND THE SAME TIME. ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE VERY COMMON IN THESE MODELS. MERCEDES BENZ USA IS FULLY AWARE OF THESE ISSUES AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT! IT COST U.S. CONSUMERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. ALL THESE PROBLEMS COME UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY (SHOCKER).YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY EVERYTHING OUT OF POCKET.

Look up ODI 10948777 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 11424101

AFTER OWNING A CPO,FOR ABOUT5 YEARS. RECENTLY THE TILT/ MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WITHOUT ANY TOOLS IN HIS HANDS HE FIXED IT.ABOUT 6MONTHS IT WORKED FINE,THEN IT STOPPED.I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THE ADVISOR THAT FIXED IT IS NO LONGER WORKING THERE,NOBODY ELSE HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS METHOD?I'M NOT DREAMING HE GAVE ME HIS CARD AFTERWARDS,SO HE DOES EXIST..

Look up ODI 11424101 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 11056561 · 22,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL SPRING GROUNDING PROBLEM CAN ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOY AIRBAG. RECALLED IN OCT 2017 BUT I'M TOLD PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 2018. THIS IS AN UNREASONABLY LONG TIME. I WENT TO TRADE-IN THIS CAR TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE AND WAS TOLD THAT NO DEALER CAN SELL A CAR WITH A PENDING SAFETY RECALL EXCEPT "AS IS" THROUGH AN AUTO AUCTION, WHICH LOWERS THE VALUE OF MY CAR BY OVER $2,000 VERSUS A NORMAL DEALER TRADE. HOW DO I RECOVER THIS LOSS WITHOUT SUING MERCEDES? ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT REMEDIES OTHER THAN PRIVATE LAWSUIT?

Look up ODI 11056561 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

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 range55,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11054756 · 55,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL.... I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A NEW INFLATOR SINCE JANUARY 10TH, 2017. MERCEDES DEALERS DON'T SEEM TO CARE, JUST WANT TO SELL ME A NEW CAR... SIGNED FRUSTRATED 12/14/17

Look up ODI 11054756 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range55,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11233775 · 55,000 mi

KNOWN FAULT OF RATTLING NOISE AFTER ENGINE START FOR SEVERAL SECONDS 07-16-2013 ENGINE 276, ENGINE 278, ENGINE 157 TOPIC NUMBER VERSION DESIGN GROUP DATE VALIDITY REASON FOR CHANGE

Look up ODI 11233775 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range47,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range47,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range53,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11617546 · 53,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong smell of fuel around the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the fuel odor was extremely strong, and the contact could not wind the windows down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage w…

Look up ODI 11617546 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.

2026-081None
ODI 11761115

Brake line corrosion issues, related and reported along with the sub-frame assembly corrosion. After getting the sub-frame repaired XXX, corrosion and deformation of the tie rods and control arms caused vibration and noise at speed, and while cornering. Repaired XXX and vehicle inspection discovered no leaks in the corroded brake lines. After this repair, brake fluid warning light appeared. Very costly repair done at the MB dealership, in [XXX]. This is a common defective issue associated with the corrosion of the subframe, and should be atta…

Look up ODI 11761115 at NHTSA ↗

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 22 reports

2015: 2 complaints · 2017: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2015002
2017111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2015600
2017100

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 BagsEngineFuel/Propulsion SystemSuspensionElectrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower TrainService Brakes
Air Bags—0000000
Engine0—
1
ODI 11055113

MY CAR HAS A STRONG ODER OF GAS. IS IT SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE TO A SHOP? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE?

Look up ODI 11055113 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Fuel/Propulsion System0
1
ODI 11055113

MY CAR HAS A STRONG ODER OF GAS. IS IT SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE TO A SHOP? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE?

Look up ODI 11055113 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

000
Suspension000—00
1
ODI 11509103

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK …

Look up ODI 11509103 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System00
1
ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Fuel System, Gasoline00000—00
Power Train000
1
ODI 11509103

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK …

Look up ODI 11509103 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
Service Brakes0000000—

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.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 53,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11617546 · 53,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong smell of fuel around the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the fuel odor was extremely strong, and the contact could not wind the windows down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage w…

Look up ODI 11617546 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 47,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11221084 · 47,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

Look up ODI 11221084 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11761115

Brake line corrosion issues, related and reported along with the sub-frame assembly corrosion. After getting the sub-frame repaired XXX, corrosion and deformation of the tie rods and control arms caused vibration and noise at speed, and while cornering. Repaired XXX and vehicle inspection discovered no leaks in the corroded brake lines. After this repair, brake fluid warning light appeared. Very costly repair done at the MB dealership, in [XXX]. This is a common defective issue associated with the corrosion of the subframe, and should be atta…

Look up ODI 11761115 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b