2009 Mercedes Benz C63

Routine

Owners filed 12 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags4
000
Electrical System3
010
Engine2
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Exterior Lighting1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V017000
Filed Jan 10, 2017104,119 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V363000
Filed May 26, 2016258,163 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, MBUSA is recalling certain model year 2008 C300 Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan and C300 4-Matic Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V081000
Filed Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive15V711000
Filed Oct 27, 2015127,504 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 C300 Sedan, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles, and 2010 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the air bag control unit may corrode and cause the control unit to malfunction.

Risk. The malfunctioning air bag control unit may cause the air bags to unexpectedly deploy increasing the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Alternatively, the air bag control unit malfunction may cause the air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag control unit and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. Mercedes-Benz issued an interim notification to owners on December 23, 2015. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights14V177000
Filed Apr 11, 2014252,867 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.

Risk. Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. The recall began on August, 18, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 5, 2021MA

Glass sunroof While driving, heard a loud bang/pop, glass sunroof began to shatter, and fall onto me, creating a unsafe conditions. Pulled over immediately and closed plastic sunshade to prevent entire glass window from collapsing on top of me. Particles of glass and finite glass dust covered interior, and my person. Reported to local police dept, took photographs, and awaiting to contact dealership, insurance co as this occurred on a holiday weekend. No previous defects observed car is pristine. No roadway defects, or other environmental factors as causation.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2018CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C63. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALABASAS, 24181 CALABASAS RD, CALABASAS, CA 91302, 855-744-2458) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. **TR CONSUMER STATED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS AFFECTED. UPDATED 11/1/18*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 20, 2018FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C63. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V363000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO REMEDY THE RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM BEACH (4000 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561) 689-6363) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 2018GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C63. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V363000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF BUCKHEAD AT (800) 399-3804 (2799 PIEDMONT RD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30305) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 2016CA

ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK FAILURE COMMON PROBLEM

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C63. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed May 14, 201545,000 milesAZ

CEL ILLUMINATION, ENGINE MISFIRE, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, LOW COOLANT INDICATOR LIGHT UPS. NO EXTERNAL COOLANT LOSS DETECTABLE. COOLANT IN THE ENGINE OIL AND/OR IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THIS IS CAUSED BY A BROKEN CYLINDER HEAD BOLT. ENGINE COOLANT ENTERS INTO ENGINE OIL. COOLANT MIGHT BE PRESENT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. AFFECTED ENGINE NUMBER UP TO 1569XX 60 060658. NOW THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME $7K TO HAVE THIS FIXED WHEN IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES. I RESPECTFULLY DEMAND THAT MERCEDES BENZ USA COVER THE COSTS AND RECALL THESE AFFECTED BOLTS ASAP.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 15, 201442,000 milesPA

AS I WAS DRIVING I HAD A LIGHT COME ON MY DASH TELLING ME I HAD LOW COOLANT AND THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE IT FILLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES SINCE MY SHORT OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A SEALED UNIT AND SHOULD NOT BE LOSING ANTIFREEZE ANYWHERE. I HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY LEAKS WHATSOEVER. WHEN I ADD THE COOLANT, IT SEEMS TO BE FAIRLY LOW. I AM CONCERNED THAT I MAY HAVE SOME BIG ISSUES ON MY HANDS AND COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE A HYDRO-LOCKING OF THE ENGINE PROBLEM CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LEADING TO A CRASH. AFTER A BIT OF RESEARCH I AM FINDING THAT THE MB C63 HAS "HEAD BOLT" ISSUES LEADING TO THE LOSS OF COOLANT AND ENGINES BLOWING UP AND OR HYDRO-LOCKING. I FEAR THIS ISSUE MAY HAPPEN TO ME AND WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THIS BEING LOOKED INTO AS I FEEL MB HAS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITY HERE WITH REGARDS TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR PATRONS. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME. *TT

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 201443,639 milesIL

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A HEADBOLT FAILURE RESULTING IN COOLANT FLOODING ONE OF THE CYLINDER, LEAKING INSIDE THE ENGINE AND CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS DRIVING AT 20MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE, OTHERWISE IT WOULD MOST LIKELY RESULT IN A CRASH. MERCEDES-BENZ USA DENIES THE WIDESPREAD NATURE OF THE PROBLEM AFFECTING ALL OF THE M156 ENGINES, EVEN THROUGH IN 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN DIRECTING REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADBOLTS WITH THE NEW IMPROVED DESIGN AND I PERSONALLY KNOW 3 OTHER OWNERS WHOSE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. MERCEDES-BENZ WOULD NOT RECALL THE AFFECTED ENGINES AS IT WOULD COST THEM MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, INSTEAD THEY CHOSE TO PUT THE CONSUMERS AT RISK AND HAVE THE CONSUMERS COVER THE REPAIR COST AS THE FAILURE TENDS TO HAPPEN SHORTLY AFTER THE BASE WARRANTY EXPIRES. *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 15, 201351,000 milesCA

BROWN WIRE IN LEFT TAIL LIGHT CONNECTOR MELTED THROUGH THE CONNECTOR AND TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE, INCLUDING TURN SIGNAL. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 12, 201323,000 milesTX

REAR TAIL LIGHT WIRING HAS BURNT UP CAUSING FAILURE OF THE TAILLIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE RIGHT SIDE ACTUALLY BEGAN PUTTING OUT SMOKE WHEN THE BURNT CONNECTOR FAILED. THIS FIRE COULD HAVE SPREAD WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 201340,000 milesCA

CAR DASH DISPLAY INDICATED TO CHECK RIGHT REAR TURN LAMP. WHILE CHECKING THE LAMP, THE LAMP HOLDER ASSEMBLY WAS HOT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNPLUG THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO THE LAMP HOLDER ASSEMBLY, DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WAS MELTING (SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE GROUND WIRE). THERE SEEM TO BE OTHER REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ON WEB FORUMS (E.G. MB WORLD). *TR

12 of 12 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20112300Routine
20103300Routine
2009 — this page12510Routine
20085300Routine

Compare every C63 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: Jan 10, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.