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U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Mercedes Benz C350 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

23 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

71,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: . 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Fuel/Propulsion System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 23 complaints (39.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Fuel system concerns834.8%
Transmission and shifting28.7%
Engine operation14.3%
Braking behavior14.3%
Steering behavior14.3%

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
9
Engine
5
Air Bags
2
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
Electrical System
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
1
Power Train
1
Service Brakes
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Engine5
Air Bags2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Electrical System1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery1
Power Train1
Service Brakes1

Fuel/Propulsion System: 9; Engine: 5; Air Bags: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Electrical System: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery: 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
5
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,9995
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 5 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.

2012
1
2013
5
2014
2
2015
2
2016
3
2017
2
2018
6
2021
1
2022
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20121
20135
20142
20152
20163
20172
20186
20211
20221

2012: 1; 2013: 5; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2016: 3; 2017: 2; 2018: 6; 2021: 1; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Fuel/Propulsion System leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation 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 10503953 · 2013-03-21 (March 21, 2013)

UPON FILLING GAS TANK NOTICED FUEL SMELL IN GARAGE. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. DECIDED NOT TO FILL COMPLETELY, AND SMELL WENT AWAY. I NOW ONLY PUT 10 GALLONS IN THE TANK AND DO NOT FILL UP. I'M SENDING THIS BECAUSE I SAW AN ARTICLE IN THE LA TIMES INDICATING THIS MAY BE PROBLEM WITH "E" CLASS VEHICLES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10503953 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10510660 · 2013-05-05 (May 5, 2013)

AROUND DECEMBER 2010 I BEGAN NOTICING THERE HAS BEEN A GAS SMELL FROM REAR WHEEL HOUSING AND REAR SEAT WHENEVER I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH VARIOUS FUEL LEVEL AND CONCLUDED THAT GAS SMELL STARTS WHEN GAS IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO FILL GAS MORE THAN 3/4 AND HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED A DELIVERY UNIT AND ALL THE SEALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AREAS FOR MANY MERCEDES. THE GAS SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN ADDITION TO THE UNPLEASANT GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10510660 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10500702 · 2013-02-27 (February 27, 2013)

THE FITING ARE NOT MADE WELL ,AND OIL IS DISTRIBUTE ON EVERY PART OF THE FRONT ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AREA CAUSING SMOKE AND CAN CAUSE FIRE. IF IT COME APART. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 86,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10500702 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11142425 · 2018-10-24 (October 24, 2018)

WHEN DRIVING MY '06 C350 WITH 48 THOUSAND MILES, YES 48K ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO A SAFE MODE. IT NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY, THEN UPON ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION JUST REVS UP THE RPM WITH NO POWER. I'M AFRAID ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN WILL BE REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. I THEN TRY TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS NORMALLY RESETS EVERYTHING TO NORMAL. BUT IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN MINUTES OR HOURS LATER WHICH IS NOW GET…

Owner-reported narrative. 43,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11142425 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11088839 · 2018-04-18 (April 18, 2018)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST THE VEHICLE TO A GAS STATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN DIEGO (4750 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

Owner-reported narrative. 243,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11088839 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11065782 · 2018-01-30 (January 30, 2018)

EIS AND ESL GO BAD, CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO STEERING WHEEL LOCKING.

Owner-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11065782 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

78.3%Usable mileage18 / 23 records
100.0%Valid incident date23 / 23 records
100.0%Valid filing date23 / 23 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates23 / 23 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
Component2006200720082009
Air Bags
28.7%
ODI 10934380 · 70,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL I AM WRITING TO FIND OUT WHEN THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG IN MY CAR WILL REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR WITH THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AND I AM DEMANDING THAT IT BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. I FEEL SUFFICIENT TIME HAS ELAPSED FOR THE MANUFACTURERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE MY CAR SAFE AGAIN.

Look up ODI 10934380 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

5236.1%
ODI 10420888 · 64,041 mi

IN MY 2008 MERCEDES C350 MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A HEAD ON CRASH AT 50 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR HAD 18,000 IN DAMAGE AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. *TR

Look up ODI 10420888 at NHTSA ↗

2538.5%
ODI 10816666 · 60,000 mi

CARS SRS LIGHT WENT ON IN RED ON DASH AFTER GASING AND WASHING VEHICLE. TOOK TO NERVEDES DEALER AND TOLD SRS UNIT MALFUNCTIONING $800 ATTACHED DIAGNOSES PAID FOR FIX AND NOW THERE IS RECALL. WILL I BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE

Look up ODI 10816666 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
14.3%
ODI 11065782 · 102,000 mi

EIS AND ESL GO BAD, CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO STEERING WHEEL LOCKING.

Look up ODI 11065782 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

5135.4%
ODI 10525105 · 65,000 mi

PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT IS CONSIDERABLY DIMMER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE. AFTER EXAMINING THE PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT, I NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR OF THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE HOUSING THAT IS HOUSING ALL THE BULBS IS PARTIALLY MELTED AND IT IS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON. I ALSO CHECKED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE EXACT SAME THING IS HAPPENING ON THERE, TOO, BUT SO FAR TO A LITTLE LESSER EXTENT. LOOKS A LOT LIKE A FIRE HAZARD! *TR

Look up ODI 10525105 at NHTSA ↗

1523.1%
ODI 10546745 · 34,000 mi

A DASHBOARD WARNING INDICATOR CAME ON, INDICATING MY RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. I OPENED UP THE TRUNK, AND LOCATED THE HARNESS THAT HOLDS THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULBS. THERE WAS A BURN MARK IN THE HARNESS THAT HOLDS THE LIGHT BULBS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD ME THE WIRING SHORTED OUT, AND IT NEEDS REPLACED. I HAVE THE PDF FILE THAT THE DEALER SENT ME INDICATING THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED.... THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING NHTSB COMPLAINT FILED ALREADY... HTTP://BLOGS.AUTOMOTIVE.COM/NHTSA-PROBING-MERCEDES-BENZ-C-…

Look up ODI 10546745 at NHTSA ↗

Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3121.5%
ODI 10524932 · 52,000 mi

MERCEDES C350 2008 52,000 MILES.CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT START. LIGHTS WORKED, CONSOLE SCREEN CAME ON, NAVIGATION SCREEN POPPED UP. IT WASN'T BATTERY,NOT BOTH CAR KEYS.CANNOT GET OUT OF PARK,STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HAD TO TOW TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP 70 MILES AWAY. BAD STEERING WHEEL LOCK (ICM)IGNITION CONTROL REPLACEMENT COST $1500. MECHANIC PRIOR LOOKED AND TRIED ORDERING PART. WOULDN'T SELL IT TO HIM BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSABLE A RECALLED PART!? DEALERSHIP SAID NO RECALL OR WARRANTY, OUT OF POCKET. THEN WHEN INFORMED REPAIR DONE, I WAS TOLD COMMAND…

Look up ODI 10524932 at NHTSA ↗

2030.8%
ODI 10586814 · 5 mi

FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH…

Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2920.1%
ODI 10525026 · 140,000 mi

JUST SAW ON THE INTERNET THE INVESTIGATION ON 2008 C350 AND FAULTY BRAKE LIGHTS. EVER SINCE ABOUT 2009-2010 WE'VE BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, BUT ALWAYS WE GET WARNINGS ABOUT THE TAIL BRAKE LIGHTS. WE'VE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL EXPENSIVE REPAIRS CHANGING OUT BOARDS. STILL....EVERY TIME YOU START THE VEHICLE YOU HAVE TO CLEAR THE TAILLIGHT ERROR MESSAGES. TO BE FAIR WE'VE NOT HAD ANY BURNING OR MELTED PARTS, MAYBE WE'VE JUST GOTTEN LUCKY. BUT THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG…

Look up ODI 10525026 at NHTSA ↗

1218.5%
ODI 10533697 · 35,000 mi

PASSENGER SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT, DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL, SIDE MARKER, AND REAR LIGHT NOT OPERATIONAL. IT STARTED WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL WORKING ON AND OFF, IT WOULD WORK FOR A WEEK OR TWO AND THEN ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD MALFUNCTION. NOW NONE OF THE LIGHTS ARE OPERATIONAL. UPON INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY ONE OF THE WIRES LOOKED COMPLETELY CORRODED AND UPON TOUCHING IT WAS VERY HOT WHEN THE LIGHTS WERE ON. *TR

Look up ODI 10533697 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
521.7%
ODI 10481084 · 69,452 mi

MY MERCEDES E350 REPORTED ENGINE ERROR CODES P0016 AND P0017. DETAILED ERROR CODE READING. P0016 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR A P0017 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR B I HAVE 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR NOW AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE THIS CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ME GUIDANCE WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

Look up ODI 10481084 at NHTSA ↗

233.3%
ODI 10788382 · 12,407 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LAMP WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,407. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAL RING, B…

Look up ODI 10788382 at NHTSA ↗

74.9%
ODI 10626670 · 42,000 mi

ENTER THE CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN. ALL I CAN HEAR WAS LITTLE TICKING SOUND CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER PUTTING THE FOB KEY IN. THE BATTER HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IS OK. SHIFTER WON'T MOVE, THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T COME OUT OF ITS LOCK AND THE CAR WON'T START. CONSOLE AND RADIO TURNS ON AND CAR LOCKS/UNLOCKS.THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WITH THESE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME YEAR CAR IN THE SAME CLASS BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO COVER THESE PARTS AND REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH…

Look up ODI 10626670 at NHTSA ↗

57.7%
ODI 10684096 · 70,900 mi

2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 - STEERING WHEEL LOCK / $1400 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE MODULE. COMMON ISSUE WITH THE C-CLASS. *TR

Look up ODI 10684096 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
939.1%
ODI 10510660 · 43,000 mi

AROUND DECEMBER 2010 I BEGAN NOTICING THERE HAS BEEN A GAS SMELL FROM REAR WHEEL HOUSING AND REAR SEAT WHENEVER I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH VARIOUS FUEL LEVEL AND CONCLUDED THAT GAS SMELL STARTS WHEN GAS IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO FILL GAS MORE THAN 3/4 AND HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED A DELIVERY UNIT AND ALL THE SEALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AREAS FOR MANY MERCEDES. THE GAS SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN ADDITION TO THE UNPLEASANT GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10510660 at NHTSA ↗

350.0%
ODI 10654043 · 90,800 mi

TOOK MY 2007 MERCEDES E350 TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER SMELLING GAS THE LAST FEW TIMES I FILLED UP. CRACK IN THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK. $3700!!!! HOW MUCH IS MERCEDES PAYING TO NOT HAVE A RECALL THIS IS BS. *TR

Look up ODI 10654043 at NHTSA ↗

21.4%
ODI 10723521 · 1,923 mi

I PARKED THE CAR,FEW HOURS LATER,I TRY TO PUT IT ON,NO STARTING OCCURRED,NO EXTERNAL LIGHT ,THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION.I CONSULTED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AND ONE THEM TALLED ME THAT PLACE WHERE I PUT THE KEY THAT IS CALLED THE PANEL SWITCH WAS DAMAGE AND SUGGESTED ME TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER BECAUSE IT HAPPENS THAT THERE WAS RECALLS THAT SEVERAL CARS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS FOR CARS FROM 2008 -2014.THIS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE ORIGINAL BATTERY THAT I HAD.

Look up ODI 10723521 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10586814 · 5 mi

FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH…

Look up ODI 10586814 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

42.8%
ODI 10723521 · 1,923 mi

I PARKED THE CAR,FEW HOURS LATER,I TRY TO PUT IT ON,NO STARTING OCCURRED,NO EXTERNAL LIGHT ,THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY BUT IT DID NOT FUNCTION.I CONSULTED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AND ONE THEM TALLED ME THAT PLACE WHERE I PUT THE KEY THAT IS CALLED THE PANEL SWITCH WAS DAMAGE AND SUGGESTED ME TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ DEALER BECAUSE IT HAPPENS THAT THERE WAS RECALLS THAT SEVERAL CARS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS FOR CARS FROM 2008 -2014.THIS PROBLEM AFFECTED THE ORIGINAL BATTERY THAT I HAD.

Look up ODI 10723521 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 11046581

DRIVER WINDOW WILL NOT CLOSED ALL THE WAY.

Look up ODI 11046581 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
14.3%
ODI 11142425 · 43,100 mi

WHEN DRIVING MY '06 C350 WITH 48 THOUSAND MILES, YES 48K ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO A SAFE MODE. IT NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY, THEN UPON ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION JUST REVS UP THE RPM WITH NO POWER. I'M AFRAID ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN WILL BE REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. I THEN TRY TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS NORMALLY RESETS EVERYTHING TO NORMAL. BUT IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN MINUTES OR HOURS LATER WHICH IS NOW GET…

Look up ODI 11142425 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.4%
ODI 10430224 · 86,000 mi

I REALLY NEEDED MB TO COME THROUGH FOR ME IN MY SITUATION. I'M A LOYAL OWNER OF MERCEDES BENZ (TWO CARS IN THE PAST 4 YEARS). MY MOST RECENT PURCHASE, THE C350 SPORT, CAME DOWN WITH A TRANSMISSION BREAKDOWN LAST WEEK AFTER 3 YEARS AND JUST 86K MILES. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE EUROMOTORS, GERMANTOWN MD JUST TO BE TOLD THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY ABOUT $10 K IN REPAIRS. I BECAME A MB CUSTOMER BECAUSE OF YOUR CRAFTSMANSHIP REPUTATION. I NEVER EXPECTED A POWERTRAIN ISSUE SO EARLY IN THE LIFE OF SUCH A GREAT CAR. THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNO…

Look up ODI 10430224 at NHTSA ↗

23.1%
ODI 10586814 · 5 mi

FIRST DAY WHEN RECEIVING MY KEYS FOR A BRAND NEW MERCEDES C350 2009 AT THE DEALERSHIP...ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. LATER FINDING OUT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A MONTH LATER OF GETTING A BRAND NEW CAR CORROSION WAS FOUND IN THE TAILLIGHTS. THEN FINDING OUT CORROSION ON THE BRAKE PADS. MONTHS AFTER THIS THE POWER TRAIN WAS SLIPPING UP... THE RPMS OF THE CAR WOULD SURGE UP HIGH AND REMAIN STUCK AT HIGH RPMS. IF I ACCELERATED THE GAS IT WOULD SHOOT UP HIGHER TO HIGHER RPMS AND THE CAR WOULD MAKE THE NOISE BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. I TH…

Look up ODI 10586814 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
Fuel/Propulsion System46,500–112,043 mi75,000 mi7
ODI 10510660 · 43,000 mi

AROUND DECEMBER 2010 I BEGAN NOTICING THERE HAS BEEN A GAS SMELL FROM REAR WHEEL HOUSING AND REAR SEAT WHENEVER I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH VARIOUS FUEL LEVEL AND CONCLUDED THAT GAS SMELL STARTS WHEN GAS IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO FILL GAS MORE THAN 3/4 AND HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED A DELIVERY UNIT AND ALL THE SEALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AREAS FOR MANY MERCEDES. THE GAS SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN ADDITION TO THE UNPLEASANT GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10510660 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10542619 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RESOLVED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Look up ODI 10542619 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10654117 · 75,000 mi

EVERY TIME I FILL UP THE GAS TANK; THERE IS A STRONG ODER OF FUEL IN THE CABIN. MY WIFE AND I HAVE A NEWBORN AND NOW DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH SUCH A STRONG ODOR..THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Look up ODI 10654117 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range72,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10481084 · 69,452 mi

MY MERCEDES E350 REPORTED ENGINE ERROR CODES P0016 AND P0017. DETAILED ERROR CODE READING. P0016 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR A P0017 CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR B I HAVE 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR NOW AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE THIS CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. PLEASE PROVIDE ME GUIDANCE WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

Look up ODI 10481084 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11023680 · 76,000 mi

BALANCE SHAFT ENGINE ISSUES, STRETCHED TIMING CHAIN, BALANCE SHAFT SPROCKETS. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ABOUT THIS THAT NO ONE MADE US AWARE OF AND THE REPAIRS HAD TO BE COMPLETED BY MAY 13, 2015 TO BE PART OF THE CLASS ACTION. NOW, BECAUSE WE DROVE IT SO FEW MILES IN THE PAST, THE ISSUES HAVE JUST APPEARED. WE HAVE JUST 76,000 MILES ON IT AND WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART TO REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT BEARINGS BECAUSE THEY HAVE WORN DUE TO THE OTHER ISSUES. ALONG WITH THAT WE NEEDED A NEW HEAD AND GASKET AND CAMSHAFT…

Look up ODI 11023680 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11103620 · 72,000 mi

IN THIS SETTLEMENT THE PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE THAT MERCEDES PRODUCED CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE GEARS IN THEIR BALANCE SHAFTS (IN THE EVENT OF THE M272 ENGINES) OR WITH DEFECTIVE IDLE GEARS (IN THE CASE OF THE M273 ENGINES). THESE DEFECTIVE GEARS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY, EXCESSIVELY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION, THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE TO HAVE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS MISFIRING OR CATASTROPHIC STOPS. CASE NAME: MAJEED SEIFI, ET AL. V. MERCEDES BENZ USA LLC CASE NO. 3:12-CV-0549…

Look up ODI 11103620 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range70,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10934380 · 70,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL I AM WRITING TO FIND OUT WHEN THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG IN MY CAR WILL REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR WITH THIS DEFECTIVE AIRBAG PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AND I AM DEMANDING THAT IT BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. I FEEL SUFFICIENT TIME HAS ELAPSED FOR THE MANUFACTURERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND MAKE MY CAR SAFE AGAIN.

Look up ODI 10934380 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range54,770 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10503953 · 60,000 mi

UPON FILLING GAS TANK NOTICED FUEL SMELL IN GARAGE. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. DECIDED NOT TO FILL COMPLETELY, AND SMELL WENT AWAY. I NOW ONLY PUT 10 GALLONS IN THE TANK AND DO NOT FILL UP. I'M SENDING THIS BECAUSE I SAW AN ARTICLE IN THE LA TIMES INDICATING THIS MAY BE PROBLEM WITH "E" CLASS VEHICLES. *TR

Look up ODI 10503953 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10564217 · 49,539 mi

BOTH SENDING UNITS IN THE FUEL TANK WERE LEAKING AND WERE REPLACED BY RBM MERCEDES OF 7640 ROSWELL ROAD, ATLANTA, GA 30350 FOR THE AMOUNT OF $ 828.05. I HAVE ORIGINAL REPAIR BILL AND IT CAN BE SUBMITTED AT YOUR REQUEST. *TR

Look up ODI 10564217 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range102,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11065782 · 102,000 mi

EIS AND ESL GO BAD, CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO STEERING WHEEL LOCKING.

Look up ODI 11065782 at NHTSA ↗

Power TrainToo few reports for a range43,100 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11142425 · 43,100 mi

WHEN DRIVING MY '06 C350 WITH 48 THOUSAND MILES, YES 48K ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO A SAFE MODE. IT NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY, THEN UPON ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION JUST REVS UP THE RPM WITH NO POWER. I'M AFRAID ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN WILL BE REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. I THEN TRY TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS NORMALLY RESETS EVERYTHING TO NORMAL. BUT IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN MINUTES OR HOURS LATER WHICH IS NOW GET…

Look up ODI 11142425 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range243,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11088839 · 243,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST THE VEHICLE TO A GAS STATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN DIEGO (4750 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

Look up ODI 11088839 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

24V874000 · 2024-11-191 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
2024-11024V874000

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 24 reports

2008: 4 complaints · 2009: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2008134
2009222
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200814400
20096500

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
ComponentFuel/Propulsion SystemEngineAir BagsFuel System, GasolineElectrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline:DeliveryPower TrainService Brakes
Fuel/Propulsion System—0000
1
ODI 11419055

Fuel flex line from firewall to Fuel rail is leaking at both connections, ie. both ends at the swaged fitting.

Look up ODI 11419055 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine0—000000
Air Bags00—00000
Fuel System, Gasoline000—0000
Electrical System0000—000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery
1
ODI 11419055

Fuel flex line from firewall to Fuel rail is leaking at both connections, ie. both ends at the swaged fitting.

Look up ODI 11419055 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Power Train000000—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.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 13.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 157,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11088839 · 243,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST THE VEHICLE TO A GAS STATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN DIEGO (4750 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

Look up ODI 11088839 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11103620 · 72,000 mi

IN THIS SETTLEMENT THE PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE THAT MERCEDES PRODUCED CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE GEARS IN THEIR BALANCE SHAFTS (IN THE EVENT OF THE M272 ENGINES) OR WITH DEFECTIVE IDLE GEARS (IN THE CASE OF THE M273 ENGINES). THESE DEFECTIVE GEARS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY, EXCESSIVELY, AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION, THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE TO HAVE SYMPTOMS SUCH AS MISFIRING OR CATASTROPHIC STOPS. CASE NAME: MAJEED SEIFI, ET AL. V. MERCEDES BENZ USA LLC CASE NO. 3:12-CV-0549…

Look up ODI 11103620 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11151416

ACCORDING TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ M272 AND M273 ENGINE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, THESE ENGINES ARE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE GEARS IN THEIR BALANCE SHAFTS (IN THE CASE OF THE M272 ENGINES) OR WITH DEFECTIVE IDLE GEARS (IN THE CASE OF THE M273 ENGINES) THAT WEAR OUT PREMATURELY, EXCESSIVELY AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION, THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE TO MISFIRE AND/OR STOP DRIVING.

Look up ODI 11151416 at NHTSA ↗

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

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 8.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 43,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10510660 · 43,000 mi

AROUND DECEMBER 2010 I BEGAN NOTICING THERE HAS BEEN A GAS SMELL FROM REAR WHEEL HOUSING AND REAR SEAT WHENEVER I FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH VARIOUS FUEL LEVEL AND CONCLUDED THAT GAS SMELL STARTS WHEN GAS IS MORE THAN 3/4 FULL. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO FILL GAS MORE THAN 3/4 AND HAVE RECENTLY CHANGED A DELIVERY UNIT AND ALL THE SEALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AREAS FOR MANY MERCEDES. THE GAS SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN ADDITION TO THE UNPLEASANT GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN. *TR

Look up ODI 10510660 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11455570

At 9,000 miles my 2006 Mercedes C350 had to have a fuel pump replaced. It was out of warranty (low miles usage for 5 year old car) so I had to pay $900 for the repair. I could smell fuel everytime I filled the tank and the Mercedes dealer said the pump had to be replaced. I read about a recall of E350 models being recalled for the same reason with the same engine. I asked the dealer about this and they said mine was not part of the recall because it is a C class Mercedes. It has the same engine with the same problem and I think this should be l…

Look up ODI 11455570 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 243,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11088839 · 243,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO ENGAGE AS IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST THE VEHICLE TO A GAS STATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN DIEGO (4750 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SBC MODULE MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

Look up ODI 11088839 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 43,100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11142425 · 43,100 mi

WHEN DRIVING MY '06 C350 WITH 48 THOUSAND MILES, YES 48K ON IT, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GO INTO A SAFE MODE. IT NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY, THEN UPON ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION JUST REVS UP THE RPM WITH NO POWER. I'M AFRAID ME AND MY TWO CHILDREN WILL BE REAR-ENDED DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER IN THE TRANSMISSION. I THEN TRY TO DRIVE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THIS NORMALLY RESETS EVERYTHING TO NORMAL. BUT IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN MINUTES OR HOURS LATER WHICH IS NOW GET…

Look up ODI 11142425 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 102,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11065782 · 102,000 mi

EIS AND ESL GO BAD, CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO STEERING WHEEL LOCKING.

Look up ODI 11065782 at NHTSA ↗

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