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Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008–2014 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (W204)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,779 complaints, 1,719 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 76,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 831
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system324 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Electrical system289 reports · median 77,000 mi
- Steering168 reports · median 86,000 mi
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling — engine · Electrical system — software · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 655
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2009
- Electrical system217 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Airbag system208 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Steering158 reports · median 72,000 mi
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling — engine · Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 453
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2010
- Airbag system202 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Electrical system84 reports · median 69,000 mi
- Steering71 reports · median 72,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — software · Exterior lighting — tail lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 484
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2011
- Airbag system250 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Suspension61 reports
- Body structure49 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — software · Exterior lighting — tail lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 69,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 546
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2012
- Airbag system283 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Suspension72 reports
- Engine67 reports · median 69,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — software · Fuel system, gasoline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 64,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 548
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2013
- Airbag system267 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Suspension72 reports
- Body structure69 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Communication · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Close- Median failure report
- 46,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 262
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system147 reports · median 35,000 mi
- Steering31 reports
- Engine24 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Communication · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2014, and the 2011 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 120,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,719
- Recalls
- 17
Most reported
- Airbag system44.5% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
- Electrical system18.9% of complaints · median 73,000 mi
- Steering13.9% of complaints · median 78,000 mi
Owners filed 3,779 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class; the airbag system leads with 44.5% of them, and half of the 1,719 that record an odometer reading came by 70,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 48,000 to 93,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class last?
On the 2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, half of the 1,719 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 120,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
65 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 10 past 200,000 — each one proof that a C-Class reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008–2014 · 1,719 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 123 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 10 complaints (0.6%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 25,000
- 25%
- 48,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 93,000
- 90%
- 120,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 69 | 4.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 18 | 1.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 20 | 1.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 19 | 1.1% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 41 | 2.4% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 30 | 1.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 55 | 3.2% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 53 | 3.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 63 | 3.7% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 83 | 4.8% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 101 | 5.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 82 | 4.8% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 123 | 7.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 99 | 5.8% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 103 | 6.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 87 | 5.1% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 102 | 5.9% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 76 | 4.4% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 87 | 5.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 49 | 2.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 72 | 4.2% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 34 | 2.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 38 | 2.2% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 31 | 1.8% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 38 | 2.2% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 22 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 15 | 0.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 16 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 22 | 1.3% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 6 | 0.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 8 | 0.5% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 13 | 0.8% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 7 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 10 | 0.6% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common C-Class problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008–2014
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Exterior lighting365 reportsmedian 61,000middle half 49,000–84,000
- Airbag system1,681 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 40,000–89,000
- Engine230 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 50,000–90,000
- Electrical system716 reportsmedian 73,000middle half 54,000–95,000
- Steering524 reportsmedian 78,000middle half 59,000–97,000
- Body structure272 reportsmedian 82,000middle half 62,000–112,000
- Suspension293 reportsmedian 98,000middle half 80,000–121,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,681 | 44.5% | 65,000 | 40,000–89,000 |
| Electrical system | 716 | 18.9% | 73,000 | 54,000–95,000 |
| Steering | 524 | 13.9% | 78,000 | 59,000–97,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 365 | 9.7% | 61,000 | 49,000–84,000 |
| Suspension | 293 | 7.8% | 98,000 | 80,000–121,000 |
| Body structure | 272 | 7.2% | 82,000 | 62,000–112,000 |
| Engine | 230 | 6.1% | 69,000 | 50,000–90,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 229 | 6.1% | 70,000 | 48,000–89,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 142 | 3.8% | 69,000 | 45,000–94,000 |
| Brakes | 103 | 2.7% | 61,000 | 38,000–88,000 |
Known problems with the 2008–2014 C-Class
Engine 2008–2009
M272 V6 balance shaft sprocket wear carries into the early years of this generation on engines built before the material change, causing timing drift and P1200/P1208 codes; engine-out repair.
Engine 2012–2014
M271 EVO turbocharged I4 timing chain and camshaft adjuster wear, with adjuster magnet/solenoid faults producing rattle, timing codes and rough running.
Engine 2008–2011
M156 6.2L V8 (C63 AMG) head bolt corrosion and failure, and camshaft lobe/lifter wear, both well documented on early M156 builds. AMG-specific — do not generalize to the mainstream C300/C350.
Before you buy a 2008–2014 C-Class: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,719 mileage-tagged complaints, 17 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 17 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2008–2009 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2012–2014 cars.
- Check engine on 2008–2011 cars.
- Years differ here: from 262 to 831 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
C-Class problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi37% below | At 90k mi71% below | At 120k mi89% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 40,000–89,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 54,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 59,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 49,000–84,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 80,000–121,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 62,000–112,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 50,000–90,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2008–2014 · 1,719 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 37% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 71% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2008–2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls (17)
NHTSA records 17 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (9), the electrical system (2), the engine and its cooling system (1) (why one area can repeat).
Mar 2022 · 2008–2009 · Engine and Engine CoolingVarious system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service…
What can happen. Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at…
Aug 2021 · 2012–2014 · Air BagsAn incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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…
What can happen. An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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…
May 2020 · 2012 · Air BagsAn incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger…
What can happen. An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's…
Nov 2019 · 2013–2014 · CommunicationAn inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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…
What can happen. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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…
Jan 2019 · 2010–2014 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting…
The 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…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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.
Jan 2018 · 2009–2010, 2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. Mercedes issued an interim notification to owners on February 23, 2018. A second notice will…
Oct 2017 · 2012–2014 · Air BagsIf the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The 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…
What can happen. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Apr 2017 · 2013–2014 · SteeringA loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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…
What can happen. A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Mar 2017 · 2008–2014 · Electrical SystemIf the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014…
What can happen. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Jan 2017 · 2008–2009, 2012 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The 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…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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…
May 2016 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The 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…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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…
Feb 2016 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Oct 2015 · 2008–2009 · Air BagsThe malfunctioning air bag control unit may cause the air bags to unexpectedly deploy increasing the risk of…
The 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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.…
Apr 2014 · 2008–2011 · Exterior LightingDimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions…
The 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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…
Dec 2012 · 2011–2012 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity…
What can happen. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
The free fix. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at…
Jul 2008 · 2008 · Electrical SystemIn the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for…
The defect. Mercedes-Benz is recalling my 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, my 2005-2009 slk-class, my 2005-2008 C-Class, my 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 clk-class, my 2003-2008 E-Class, my 2004 and 2008 cl-class, my 2008 cls-class, my 2004 and 2007-2008 S-Class, my 2003 g-class…
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
The free fix. Dealers will recode the scn free of charge. The recall began on august 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Oct 2007 · 2008 · Seat BeltsUnder certain circumstances, this situation may cause the locking mechanism not to perform as required by the…
The defect. Certain vehicles fail to comply with some of the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "Occupant crash protection." The rear outboard seat belts do not comply with the lap-belt lockability requirement which enables the lap belt…
What can happen. Under certain circumstances, this situation may cause the locking mechanism not to perform as required by the standard for use with older non-latch child restraints.
The free fix. Dealers will replace all potentially affected seat belts. The recall began on november 19, 2007. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,779 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 124 (3.3%)
- Fires
- 67
- Injury reports
- 97
- Fatality reports
- 1
C-Class problems by model year
The 2008 drew the most complaints of this generation, 831, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2014 the fewest, 262. A typical year drew about 546.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 831 | 521 | 76,000 | Airbag system (324) | 9 |
| 2009 | 655 | 401 | 70,000 | Electrical system (217) | 8 |
| 2010 | 453 | 209 | 65,000 | Airbag system (202) | 6 |
| 2011 | 484 | 144 | 80,000 | Airbag system (250) | 6 |
| 2012 | 546 | 165 | 69,000 | Airbag system (283) | 7 |
| 2013 | 548 | 190 | 64,000 | Airbag system (267) | 7 |
| 2014 | 262 | 89 | 46,000 | Airbag system (147) | 6 |
What C-Class owners reported
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was…
2013 · 48,000 miles · Brakes
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine, seat belt, and air bag warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the headlights and navigation lights failed to activate for a while. There was burning odor inside the vehicle with the heat activated or…
2009 · 217,000 miles · Electrical system
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…
2014 · 115,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were being drained. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the front air bag sensor message and a fog light message were displayed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown local dealer; however, the dealer…
2010 · 97,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 1,719 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other C-Class generations
- C-Class 1994–2000 245 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- C-Class 2001–2007 634 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- C-Class 2015–2021 364 reports with mileage, most about the engine