2014 Mercedes-Benz C250

Routine

Owners filed 163 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

66 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 problems

88 of the 163 complaints (54%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags88
808
Engine15
000
Unknown or Other9
111
Steering9
100
Structure › Body · body and frame8
010
Electrical System7
020
Service Brakes · brakes6
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
100
Power Train · transmission3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal21V638000
Filed Aug 13, 2021205 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.

Risk. An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication19V787000
Filed Nov 1, 201924,226 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V010000
Filed Jan 9, 2019288,779 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags › Frontal17V627000
Filed Oct 6, 2017495,290 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.

Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Steering17V252000
Filed Apr 12, 2017168 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.

Risk. A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed May 6, 2026AL

The electronic steering lock (ESL) system on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 failed without warning, leaving the vehicle completely unable to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, the key would insert but the vehicle would not crank or start, and the steering lock malfunction prevented normal operation of the vehicle. The vehicle became stranded and inoperable. This failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be moved and left me stranded unexpectedly. If this failure were to occur in an unsafe area or emergency situation, it could place the driver and passengers at risk. After researching the issue, I found numerous reports online from other owners of similar Mercedes-Benz C-Class models experiencing the same ESL/EIS failure. This appears to be a common issue affecting these vehicles. At this time, the problem has not yet been repaired. UNKNOWN if the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. No warning lights or prior symptoms appeared before the failure. The malfunction happened suddenly and without warning.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2026115,000 milesNE

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was eventually started and driven to a dealer; however, after the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer replaced the battery however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the dealer then traced the failure to an anti-theft sensor that shut off the vehicle to deter vehicle theft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2026IN

My car overheats badly and shakes and it is starting to smoke from the hood in snowy conditions

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2025111,300 milesNE

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-250. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat air bag warning light was illuminated. The air bag was visible through the seat and was able to be moved manually. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall, and the recall referenced the front passenger’s seat air bag. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,300.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 27, 2025NV

I was coming off the freeway on 9/25/25, and when I pressed on the breaks they completely locked up and would not break at all. The car turned off, no warning lights nothing, and I continued to hit the break and the car would not stop, then all of a sudden it came to a stop almost colliding within inches of hitting the Semi-Truck in front of me. This is the second time in one year that this has happened to me, I have had the car checked out the first time last year immediately, and even paid to diagnose it, nothing, I had the brakes and rotors replaced last June of 2024 when this happened. Since then the car has only been in the dealership to get the car Fully checked out mutltiple times within 2024, 2025 and repaired by Mercedes dealership. On 9/25/25 this happened to me and it was a traumatic experiance when I pressed the break and the break got super hard and in a Locked position and would not come to a stop, there was no warning lights, no engine lights, nothing. (increased braking effort, and potentially I was inches of collision risk. I had the car towed to the nearest shop and was told this is a collapsed break booster Vacuum pump, and possibly the hose and lines and possibly further problems but they would need to replace the Vacuum pump first. After I looked to see if there was a recall on the vacuum pumps in that model on google and it says the following; Google- 2014 Mercedes c250 recall on Vacuum pump A-Premium Vacuum Pump Compatible With Select Mercedes ...Yes, t

Steering
Filed Sep 19, 2025TX

The "ESL Module" in this model is designed to unlock the steering and ignition when the vehicle key's passcode matches, using a small, mechanical motor with significantly poor durability. The problem is that this motor's failure is unpredictable, and many users of this model have been stranded and unable to start their vehicles due to the motor's lifespan ending. Even when the car is painstakingly brought to a dealership, repairs cost approximately $1,800 to $2,000, or owners are resorting to unofficial bypasses using a device called an ESL Emulator from the aftermarket. I'd like to request NHTSA to start a thorough investigation into this issue and a RECALL order for the affected models to be issued to MBUSA. Thank you.

Steering
Filed Aug 19, 202570,664 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V252000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed in 2018. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The contact deactivated the push start button and attempted to start the vehicle with the key whoever, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had seized due to the steering coupling connecting bolt. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted prior to the dealer repairing the vehicle in 2018. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, where the repair was completed in 2018, to have the vehicle inspected, and if the part that failed was the part replaced under the recall, the manufacturer would pay for the additional repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and that the dealer was three hours away. The failure mileage was approximately 70,664.

Engine
Filed Jul 10, 202573,324 milesCA

My Mercedes Benz 2014 W204 C250 initially had a noise during startup. The startup noise became louder and now my car does not start. Also, the check engine light indicate a cam shaft position sensor error. Looking online it appears that my problem is exactly like the problem described in a NHTSA report on 2012-2015 W204 and W172 vehicles(C250 and SLK250) equipped with the M271 engine. I would like NHTSA assistant in getting my Mercedes Benz W024 C250, VIN [XXX] included as part of extended recall of the same car and engine and repaired. If more information is needed, please contact me. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Jul 7, 2025AZ

The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 20, 2024CA

A known issue by many mB owners related to Steering Wheel Lock or ESL system. Car will not start due to a known defect related to a part installed inside the steering wheel preventing owners from starting car safely and to get to destination safely.

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2024NC

Driving on [XXX] to Atlanta GA my car would not automatically shift and began to vibrate badly. I was almost hit by other vehicles as I pulled off the highway to check car out. Car was vibrating badly in idle and when I resumed my trip back home the car would not accelerate properly and caused tremendous stress and danger. Figured out that car would not shift automatically and I was forced to shift the car manually. Car would sputter and vibrate badly and would only slightly less vibrate to where I could drive it home in gear D5 and would less vibrate at 75+ mph very dangerous, and would lose power and shake violently going up highway hills. I prayed all the way home and barely made it shaken. I called my Mercedes Benz Dealer from the highway and immediately scheduled appointment on 8/15/24. This was a major safety hazard and life threatening situation with my Mercedes Benz C250 2014 car. My car 100% serviced over the years at dealership I bought it from Rick Hendricks Mercedes Benz of Lake Norman NC. Thank you for your time! Actor & Model [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure
Filed Aug 1, 202493,000 milesNE

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the contact observed water entering the vehicle from underneath the driver's side footwell, causing extensive water damage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2024MO

I was driving on the highway my car sort of hesitated for a brief second then continued on as if nothing about one mile later my car began to slow down while I was in traffic so asap I pulled over at this point I could only go about 40 miles per hour which was very terrifying at that time it came a complete stop. After restarting the car 3-4 times it stayed running I continue home which was about 12 miles from my current location. For the next few days I did not go any where. I then had an appointment to have the 80,000 mile maintenance I mentioned the problem I was then told I need a throttle body replacement costing more than $2000 that I can not afford. At that time I started researching my own problem. My relative who works on 18 wheel truck for a living, . that perhaps it just may need cleaning rather than replacement . Also per my research this happens quite often with this model it also stated that Mercedes C250 was the worst Mercedes of that year many many owners have had this problem. The yellow ESP light come on saying it is off also my hold brake no longer works. It work at my prior dealer appointment it while going to appointment afterwards it did not work since over 9 years seldom used I wasn't concerned thus that is the message that appears when car fails Mercedes wants me to pay I believe $2000 problem not needed

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 5, 2024FL

I bought my 2014 C250 back in 2017 with 17K miles and currently has 58,570 miles. The issue is with fast acceleration from a stop or slow moving. When trying to accelerate to merge with traffic after a few seconds the vehicle goes into limp mode and the check engine light comes on. In limp mode I am only able to accelerate very slowly and this is a major concern for my safety. This has been and ongoing issue over the past few years and I have learned to reset it temporarily (around 10 times) with a YouTube fix. I recently found out that there was a recall for the high pressure fuels pump on some C250 models but mine was never included. I also found out that the recall time limit has expired. Please investigate and expand the recall along with the time limit so my vehicle will be included.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 18, 2024AZ

The contact owned a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the issue. The local dealer was not notified.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 5, 2024TX

The passenger airbag was replaced under the Takata recall. Recently the airbag indicator light came on for the driver airbag. We have been notified by the dealership that this airbag needs replaced. They provided an estimate of $2,652.29. We reached out to Mercedes due to this being a safety issue and also due to the fact that the passenger airbag was replaced under a recall. They are unwilling to assist. It is illogical that just the passenger airbag is faulty in the recall but that the driver's airbag is fine as they came from the same manufacturer and installed when the vehicle was built. We are concerned about either deploying on its own or if it will deploy in an accident.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 202456,000 milesLA

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal rumbling noise was detected. The vehicle had hesitated to start. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 202461,192 milesPA

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and then the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact released the accelerator pedal and was able to press the accelerator pedal again to regain normal operation of the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle for a few months without experiencing another failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance where it was diagnosed that the differential mounting flange was cracked on the driveshaft. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V654000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,192.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 10, 2024NE

I prchased used with no visible damage to the windshield. In the inclement weather for no apparent reason my windshield began to crack as I was driving the vehicle. I pulled over as soon as I could. The crack stoped and I called the Mercedes Benz manufacture to no avail. I decided to research to see if this is common and the article says, "that the 2014 Mercedes Benz" windshields are known to crack in extrem cold and hot conditions. The windshield has continued to spider and crack in different direction. I feel threathened at this point and featful for my life that this will implode in my face while driving. I did in good faith reach out to someone.

Steering
Filed Sep 20, 2023GA

Mercedes has a convenience easy enter/exit feature that lifts the steering and slides the driver's seat back for easy exit and restores the seat and steering when the driver sits down and places the key in the ignition. The safety issue is the steering often gets locked in the up position and doesn't lower, making it unsafe to drive the car. This is happened 5 times since I bought the car. I had to drive home with the steering wheel locked above the dashboard. The car has been towed to the dealership 4 times under warranty and now I have to get it towed myself. There are approximately 54000 miles on the car.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2023TX

Unknown but I have submitted a previous complaint.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ecu/Ecm)
Filed Aug 15, 2023123,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to AutoZone. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and the ECM had failed. The contact sent a diagnostic report to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but no assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact stated that the control arm had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 202354,315 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle was getting water inside the cabin from a leak coming from the sunroof. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and making a choking sound as if the vehicle was going to shut off. The check-engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that there was an electrical failure related to the leak coming from the sunroof leak and that there were corroded cam blocks. The cable for the sunroof was replaced along with the mats on the floor. The contact was unsure if the engine was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the jerking of the vehicle persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,315.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 25, 2023PA

Windshield seal failure, moisture in car

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 15, 2023TX

I was in an accident that caused my car to be a total loss. I was hit near the front left side, close to the driver's door. The airbag did not deploy despite the hard impact. I am currently having to go to therapy due to impact. My right lower arm was bruised from the impact, and I was in a lot of pain due to the bruising caused. I am assuming the bruising came from the hit to the steering wheel. I was never notified of an airbag recall.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 27, 2023TX

Unknown

Engine
Filed Jan 3, 2023FL

On December 14, 2022 at approximately 3:45 pm in rush hour traffic in the high speed lane on i-75 in Bradenton, Fl, the 2014 Mercedes C250 I was driving lost total engine power, traveling from 80mph to 0 in seconds. I had just enough time because of the momentum of the speed I was traveling at to maneuver the car into the breakdown lane adjacent to a median construction site. Had I been traveling in the middle lane there would have been insufficient time to change lanes in heavy, fast traveling traffic and get to a breakdown lane. In other words, we could have been killed. There was no check engine light nor warning lights of any kind. The engine was quiet and there was no engine rattling noise or shuddering prior to the incident during over 7 hours of travel from Marietta, Georgia into Florida. The car had been purchased from a used car dealer in Marietta two days before and had passed the Georgia emissions test on 11/18/22. We had the car towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership 20 miles away in Sarasota. On 12/16/22 Mercedes mechanics deemed the catastrophic engine failure to be due to a broken timing chain (this was confirmed in a conversation12/21 with Mercedes Sarasota Service Manager Jim Foulkrod) and that there was no compression in the engine. Among the codes which came up during Mercedes multi-point inspection was 036562, exhaust cam signal and 34164. Mercedes’ estimate to fix the car was $24,222.13. We declined to move forward with engine repairs. Mercedes was threateni

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 15, 2022FL

Interior driver door handle not operating. I brought the car to the mechanic and he states this is a common problem and the whole door panel has to be replace for 1000.00. I went home and researched repairs on this and this is a very common issue with mercedes and many mechanics including the one I went to doesn't understand why this is not a recall. This a very serious safety issue. I have to lower the window to get out of my car. If I have to get out quickly it is impossible. If the window stops working I cannot get out of the car. This safety issue affects me and my passengers if I have to get out of my car quick such an accident or fire. The quality is so poor on these plastic parts of the handle and removing the door panel is complicated because it not meant to be removed and taken apart. I am a nurse that was traveling in Nevada when this occurred.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 6, 2022AZ

Collision and airbags didn’t go off but should of cause recall and now totaled [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 2022FL

With no prior warning indicator on braking issues with my 2014 C250, I travelled from Ormond Beach FL to Savannah GA, on I-95 with one stop in Kingsland GA. I still had no warning indicator on breaking issues as I took the off-ramp to Savannah. A failure occurred with the braking system as I exited I-95, with no vehicle warning indicator shown before or after I came to a stop. I had to exert maximum pressure on the brake to stop, requiring an expansion clear length of off-ramp to do so. An elderly, weaker person or even my wife wouldn’t have had the strength to stop over the distance I stopped it in. Luckily there was no vehicles stopping in front of me, otherwise I would have hit them at high speed. At Savannah Mercedes they found a Faulty Vacuum Pump, & like me were perplexed that no prior warning indicator showed up on my vehicle. This issue has obviously caused me great concern & indicates an inherent dangerous & life-threatening condition with my, & I assume other 2014 C-250’s, if not other years and models. If this dangerous failure had occurred on I-95 as traffic slowed to a stop, I would have run into the vehicle in front of me & my wife & could have been killed. More menacingly, it would most probably have been reported that I wasn’t paying attention & it was my fault rather that a catastrophic dangerous manufacturer failure with my vehicle. It sadly seems to me that this scenario may actually have happened with some MB vehicles and the driver/s are not around to say

Wheels
Filed Oct 23, 2022NV

I bought the car from a used car dealer and 4 days later I was going 70 miles a hour down a highway and the studs broke on my right rear tire and the tire fell off.

Steering
Filed Sep 23, 2022CA

Steering lock mechanism fails without warning and leaves vehicle and occupants stranded in potentially dangerous location. No onsite repair possible. Vehicle must be towed to authorized dealer for repair. > Safety of car occupants was at risk. > No warning prior to failure. > Repair cost ~!500. Unsure of reliability of replacement unit > My dealer says this is a frequent occurrence. 6+ repairs / month for this model car at this dealer, Expects same frequency at others > Dealer service agent stated he personally believes it should be covered by a recall or free repair. > Filed formal complaint with Company (Mercedes-Benz) but reimbursement was refused. > Similar stranding incident on same car occurred in 05/2021 and car require tow to same dealer who suspected same problem but was unable to duplicate and/or repair the failing component at that time

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 12, 2022CA

INSIDE HANDLE DOOR left broke 2019 and right broke 8/10/2022, Senior people is hard to open a broken door and if an accident will happen they can not came out of the car. We took the car to Mercedes Benz dealer and they want to charge to fix it. We took to independent mechanic the 1st time on 2019 and they charge us like $1,000. Now the right handle door is broke 8/10/2022. We need Mercedes Benz to fix it ASAP. This issue is happen a lot to Mercedes Benz

Engine
Filed Aug 1, 2022NY

The Cam Shaft and the boost pressure need to be replaced immediately. I took my car to a Mercedes Benz dealership in Long Island, NY for a regular oil change (nothing was wrong with my car when it went in for the oil change). When they gave me back my car I literally got 1 and half blocks from the dealership and my car was jerking violently and the check engine light came on and has not gone off since that day. I took the car right back to the dealership and of course they are saying they did nothing to make this happen and are refusing to cover the repairs for the Cam Shaft and boost pressure to make my car run correctly again. This is a dangerous car to drive now because due to this same problem the car has random issues accelerating and has put me in dangerous situations while driving on the highway and on the street. The interesting part is Mercedes Benz knows that this is a serious issue with this car because I was told that by the people that work at the dealership that Mercedes is covering the full repairs for what my car is going through but they are only doing it for people who's cars are under 120,000 miles. My car is at 133,000 miles and they are refusing to cover the repairs for me. My complaint number with Mercedes Benz customer service is 2-29420067413. They are not being helpful because they told me that every Mercedes dealership in the United States is independently owned besides the one in Manhattan NY. They are telling me that even though they are the manufa

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2022GU

MANUFACTURER UNABLE TO REPAIR RECALLED PARTS DUE TO THERE ARE NO MERCEDES BENZ AUTHORIZED SERVICE SITE IN GUAM ACCORDING TO THEIR CUSTOMER-ADVOCACY OFFICE. I AM IN THE PROCESS IN SHIPPING MY CAR BACK TO CALIFORNIA, THROUGH THE MILITARY, BUT THIS MAY AFFECT IT UNLESS IT GETS RESOLVED. PLEASE ADVISE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 7, 2022CA

While parked and locked the cars trunk will randomly open on its own. It has happened at home, work, other parking lots. I will check and make sure it’s closed and I will come bs k to the trunk open.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 22, 2022TX

My Mercedes started smoking from within the cabin. I traced it down to the speaker in the car. I contacted the Mercedes dealership and told them that my speaker was burning and smoking. The service advisor knew exactly the problem and said that the factory amplifier went bad and is causing an electrical issue in the car. He had seen this before. However, Mercedes is not considering a safety issue nor doing a recall. However, I was told I should not drive the car and have it towed. So, if my car can catch fire while driving from a faulty amplifier, that would be a safety issue. I was told this would be an out of pocket expense.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 19, 202285,535 milesTX

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 - 80 MPH, the brakes failed, and the brake pedal was stiff while depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with brake vacuum pump failure. The brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The brake vacuum pump was previously replaced by an independent mechanic for the recurring failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,535. The VIN was unavailable.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 18, 2022CA

Driving on the freeway I-5 Southbound in Orange County, California when my brakes failed. 1) There was no warning in advance of this episode, no squeaky brakes, no leaking of oil or fluid. 2) Car had been routinely repaired and maintained by the mercedes dealership. 3)An independent Mercedes mechanic

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 23, 202162,000 milesOH

The contact owns 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL250. The contact stated while driving at night the driver’s side headlight became inoperable. Additionally, while using the left turn signal there was an abnormal clicking noise detected. The check left turn signal, driver’s side low beam, running lights and driver’s side parking light message was displayed. Additionally, while driving at night on another occasion, the passenger’s side headlight became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the gasket had deteriorated, and moisture was in the headlamps. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was not available.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2021CA

I was trying to merge onto a freeway from a complete stop and because this freeway has an extremely short on-ramp, you need to get up to a high speed in very little time. As such, I put my car in Sport driving mode and accelerated very hard from a complete stop. The car accelerated as normal for a few seconds (I reached approximately 40 to 50 MPH), then I felt the car lag and felt a loss of power. The car was in limp mode and I couldn’t accelerate even though I was pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor. A few seconds after this occurred, I notice that the check engine light turned on. I was able to maintain a speed around 50 MPH and got off the freeway. I took my car to both the Mercedes dealership and an independent mechanic and both diagnosed a failure of the high pressure fuel pump. I also tried to see if this will happen again and after hard acceleration in regular driving mode, the exact same issues occurred. I have read that there are issues with the high pressure fuel pump with my car model and I ask that you guys please investigate thoroughly to see if a recall would be necessary. Losing power while accelerating is extremely dangerous and a huge safety hazard for all drivers on the road. I could have easily been rear ended by another driver since I couldn’t accelerate to a faster speed. I have not yet replaced the high pressure fuel pump but plan to do so in the next few days. Attached is the diagnostic invoice from the Mercedes dealership. As stated on the

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 20, 202160,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, she depressed the brake pedal but it hesitated to respond. As a result, excessive force was applied to the brake pedal in order to slow down the vehicle. Due to the failure, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the barrier wall and the metal fence. No air bags were deployed. The contact's daughter sustained a fractured nose, lip laceration, and other unknown facial injuries due to the driver hitting the steering wheel during the impact. No medical attention was contacted yet but will be in the future. A police report was filed. The police transferred the vehicle from the crash site to a tow yard where the police are awaiting the insurance adjustor. Damages were to the front end. The manufacturer nor the dealer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 60,000

Air Bags
Filed Jul 10, 2021TX

The current vehicle I have, is suppose to have a back up camera as part of being the basic standard for a 2014 C- class mercedes Benz. Ive asked the place I bought he car from and also Ed hicks imports, who also legally sells mercedes Benz in Corpus Christi, to install one, especially because according to the vin reports I bought, it was initially on the vehicle. I was even willing to pay them to install a factory made original MB backup camera that should’ve been there in the first place but they tell me to go buy an aftermarket! After further research, it turns out mercedes Benz makes all their cars with backup cameras or the PARKTRONIC option which is added sensors !!! Before my car was even brought over to the USA in 2014! Yes, all of these issues have been confirmed by another dealer, which is auto nation here!!!! Besides that, Ed hicks imports supposedly fixed two factory recalls with my car, where one was if the airbag on the passenger front side goes off, it would kill or harm, myself, and any occupants in the vehicle due to the metal fragments that would also burst and pierce, or exit through our bodies. However, my airbag notification comes on every time someone is in the front passenger seat as a warning, as well as my own driver side airbag that just started coming up when I turn on my vehicle. The steering is not fully mounted straight either, so it’s causing me a ton of gas to get to the closest places in town, as well as having me turn the wheel twice as much a

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 4, 202154,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250W. The contact stated while attempting to start the ignition when entering the key. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the unknown ignition component to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 15, 202172,000 milesCA

MY VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND CAR MOVED INTO (LIMP MODE) DURING THE ACCELERATION PROCESS FOR PASSING, MERGING ONTO FREEWAY, COMING OUT OF A CORNER AND ACCELERATING. UPON DEALER DIAGNOSIS P0002 COMES UP AS HPFP AS THE CAUSE, AND I WAS NOTIFIED AS THIS BEING A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 1.8L MOTOR IN MY VEHICLE. ALONG WITH TIMING CHAIN, AND TENSIONER. I WAS TOLD THESE ISSUES WHILE DRIVING ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO CAUSES ACCIDENTS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2020TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CLEAR LAKE (500 GULF FWY S, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573; (281) 554-9100) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 2, 202035,674 milesCA

THE DRIVERS DOOR HANDLE BROKE WHILE SIMPLY TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE, I TOOK IT TI THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE USED TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE WAS CALLED "TRIM" AND NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. ALSO, I DISCOVERED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. I WROTE TO THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CEO BRINGING IT TO THERE ATTENTION AND WAS TOLD BY THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP FOR MERCEDES BENZ AMERICA "YOUR CONCERNS WERE DULY NOTED". I WAS CHARGED $1,217.28 TO HAVE THE BROKEN "TRIM" REPLACED WITH MORE CHEAP PLASTIC PARTS......ONE SHOULD HAVE A REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF SAFELY EGRESSING THE VEHICLE USING THE [XXX] DOOR HANDLE !! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 202095,000 milesNC

CABIN FILLS UP WITH FUEL SMELL, VISIBLE LEAK UNDER FUEL TANK AND BY THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. LEAK AND SMELL OCCURS BOTH IN MOTION AND STATIONARY/IDLE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2020193,500 milesPR

STEERING LOCKS UP/KEY FOB IN IGNITION SAYS "REMOVE KEY" WITH NO START. EIS/ESL FAILURE

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 10, 202065,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C240 N/A. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THE OTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE AIR BAGS TO BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT TOOK TWO MONTHS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. INVALID VIN.

Complaints 1-50 of 163, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20161000Routine
201512400Routine
2014 — this page163540Routine
2013278750Above average
2012272520Above average

Compare every C250 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 13, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.