Owners filed 163 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 5 times.
When it fails
05000050,000 milesMedian miles at failure
66 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
88
8
0
8
Engine
15
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
9
1
1
1
Steering
9
1
0
0
Structure › Body
8
0
1
0
Electrical System
7
0
2
0
Service Brakes
6
1
0
1
Vehicle Speed Control
3
1
0
0
Power Train
3
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
3
0
0
0
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.
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.
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.