2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250
7 recalls — 317 complaints
21V638000
Aug 13, 2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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.
21V638000
Aug 13, 2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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.
20V298000
May 22, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 air bag may have been installed.
Consequence
An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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 number for this recall is 2020060011.
20V298000
May 22, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 air bag may have been installed.
Consequence
An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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 number for this recall is 2020060011.
19V010000
Jan 9, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Consequence
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.
17V627000
Oct 6, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Description
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... Read more
Consequence
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.
17V017000
Jan 10, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Defect Description
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,... Read more
Consequence
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 s... Read more
Complaint Statistics
317 total complaints
4 crashes 2 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 168 |
| ENGINE | 61 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 16 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
| STEERING | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| SEATS | 3 |
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
-The steering wheel and brake locked up and became unusable while driving at approximately 75mph. Cruise control was enabled for a few miles (maybe 2) and disabled after. Around 5 minutes after disabling, the car began to surge between acceleration and deceleration drastically on its own. All of the... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
-The steering wheel and brake locked up and became unusable while driving at approximately 75mph. Cruise control was enabled for a few miles (maybe 2) and disabled after. Around 5 minutes after disabling, the car began to surge between acceleration and deceleration drastically on its own. All of the... Read more
STEERING
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
-The steering wheel and brake locked up and became unusable while driving at approximately 75mph. Cruise control was enabled for a few miles (maybe 2) and disabled after. Around 5 minutes after disabling, the car began to surge between acceleration and deceleration drastically on its own. All of the... Read more
ENGINE
Aug 18, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jul 1, 2025
Incident date: Jan 26, 2016
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was significantly stiff, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon standing on the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as needed. The ... Read more
ENGINE
Jun 12, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years ... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jun 12, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years ... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jun 12, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years ... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine and High Pressure Fuel Pump warning lights was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact did research and... Read more
ENGINE
Apr 4, 2025
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine and High Pressure Fuel Pump warning lights was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact did research and... Read more
STEERING
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical compo... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical compo... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical compo... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
1. The car radio, blue-tooth, speakers, sound, car remote sound. Happened after a battery change by AAA - unsure if it's related. CUstomer service tried to resolve it - radio turns on, but nothing else works. 2. Doors won't unlock outside or inside - except passenegers side is open. 3. Accelerator ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
1. The car radio, blue-tooth, speakers, sound, car remote sound. Happened after a battery change by AAA - unsure if it's related. CUstomer service tried to resolve it - radio turns on, but nothing else works. 2. Doors won't unlock outside or inside - except passenegers side is open. 3. Accelerator ... Read more
ENGINE
Jan 27, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
1. The car radio, blue-tooth, speakers, sound, car remote sound. Happened after a battery change by AAA - unsure if it's related. CUstomer service tried to resolve it - radio turns on, but nothing else works. 2. Doors won't unlock outside or inside - except passenegers side is open. 3. Accelerator ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:INTERLOCK/LOCKOUT
Dec 30, 2024
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the anti-lock theft prevention feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was seized, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The cont... Read more
ENGINE
Dec 7, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
MY VEHICLE, HAS THE ENGINE MAKING NOISE ,WHEN STARTING,, THE LIFTERS RATTLE...I WAS TOLD TO CHECK WITH MERCEDES BENZ FOR RECALL INFO...HOWEVER, THE COMPANY STATES,THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED....IT HAS 52,000 ORIGINAL MILES, AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED...I BELIEVE, THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE ... Read more
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Nov 18, 2024
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I got stranded in the middle of the street my vehicle does not crank steering lock so I had my vehicle towed into the Mercedes dealership the one in Figueroa st Monday November 18 2024 at around 03:24pm and this is what they told me. Needs immediate attention custom recommendation ELECTRIC STEERING... Read more
STEERING
Nov 18, 2024
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I got stranded in the middle of the street my vehicle does not crank steering lock so I had my vehicle towed into the Mercedes dealership the one in Figueroa st Monday November 18 2024 at around 03:24pm and this is what they told me. Needs immediate attention custom recommendation ELECTRIC STEERING... Read more
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Nov 18, 2024
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I got stranded in the middle of the street my vehicle does not crank steering lock so I had my vehicle towed into the Mercedes dealership the one in Figueroa st Monday November 18 2024 at around 03:24pm and this is what they told me. Needs immediate attention custom recommendation ELECTRIC STEERING... Read more
SEATS
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
Active headrest on front passenger seat forcefully deployed without any collision or impact occurring. It happened during a gradual stop at red light. Bits of broken plastic were found on the passenger seat after deployment. Cannot re-set the headrest because of broken parts. No one was in the seat ... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 10, 2024
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
During hard acceleration the high-pressure fuel pump fails. I've never had to replace this part on any other car that I have owned. When I research the part for this car, I reviewed many forums and articles complaining about the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump on the Mercedes c250 sport or s... Read more
ENGINE
May 14, 2024
Incident date: May 10, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? As I started my car from a cold start and even when starting the engine, the car was creating this tractor like sound. No system has failed but I read the camshaft adjuster and tensioner pulley has co... Read more
AIR BAGS
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.
ENGINE
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 27, 2023
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
While trying to pass big rig on freeway my car went into lymph mode and stalled causing the car behind me to brake and almost caused an accident. My engine light came on & after getting it checked out I retrieve the following code P0002. After doing some research it appears this is an ongoing issue ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint against the Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz franchise located in Ontario, California and Mercedes-Benz USA , specifically addressing the issue of the dealership closing the recalls and not honoring the warranty recall on my 2012 Mercedes C250, ev... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint against the Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz franchise located in Ontario, California and Mercedes-Benz USA , specifically addressing the issue of the dealership closing the recalls and not honoring the warranty recall on my 2012 Mercedes C250, ev... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 22, 2023
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
on 6/20/23 I was driving this vehicle on the 5 freeway north bound exit 102 in Washington. i found myself travelling at 60mph just moving over to the middle lane of traffic. i needed to slow the vehicle a little and pushing down on brakes I found there was no reaction from the braking system. Making... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Popping sounds and smoke from center dash and right rear speaker. Center speaker magnet extremely hot to the touch.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 23, 2023
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Popping sounds and smoke from center dash and right rear speaker. Center speaker magnet extremely hot to the touch.
ENGINE
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started very rough with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, while opening the front driver’s ... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
Mar 13, 2023
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started very rough with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, while opening the front driver’s ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 22, 2023
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal frequency sound coming from the speakers followed by a popping sound. The contact then began to smell a burning electrical wiring odor with white smoke coming from the middle dashboard speaker.... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 9, 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V638000 (Air Bags) and the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning... Read more
ENGINE
Oct 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
Faulty camshaft adjusters creating timing chain to stretch and tensioners to fail , causing excessive wear to the crankshaft and wear of the teeth resulting in catastrophic damage and complete engine failure ( I have not replaced this timing chain or camshaft adjuster yet but i can hear the timing c... Read more
STEERING
Sep 7, 2022
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The esl/eis failed. Turned car off and after coming back to try and turn it on, it didn't work. Steering wheel was locked and car wouldn't engage with key. After checking with mechanics and checking online, I discovered that it is a frequent issue that happens with no warning whatsoever. Which i... Read more
ENGINE
Jun 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 7, 2022
AUTO IS LESS THAN 100K MILES EXCELLENT CONDITION HAD THE TURBO GASKET GO BAD ON THE AUTO. OIL LEAKING IN THE MAIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON GROUND DUE TO THE GASKET ISSUE. COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE AND TURBO. GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. WHILE AT THE MECHANICS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXA... Read more
SUSPENSION
May 9, 2022
Incident date: May 2, 2022
Major rust in the welded joints of the Steel subframe. Long crack development along the seams, could have led to catastrophic lost of control of vehicle if the breaks were not found. This is an apparent flaw with the C-Class Mercedes Benz and quite surprising to the Service Reps at my dealership tha... Read more
ENGINE
Feb 24, 2022
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The engine in my car died and after inspection by a Mercedes mechanic they concluded the failure was caused by faulty camshafts that have been common in the year and model this car. Mercedes has issued and extended warranty to cover the repairs recognizing this was a manufacturing issue but they ar... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
Jan 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 20, 2022
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 13, 2021
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) fails and your key fob nor your keyless go button will function, rendering your car unable to start...! Usually it's the cheap toy motor that engages the moving tab that locks and unlocks the column and communicates to the ignition to start the car... You get only a me... Read more
ENGINE
Nov 17, 2021
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the variable valve timing solenoid had f... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 13, 2021
Incident date: Nov 13, 2021
When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 13, 2021
Incident date: Nov 13, 2021
When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes... Read more
ENGINE
Nov 13, 2021
Incident date: Nov 13, 2021
When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes... Read more
Showing 50 of 317 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy — 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 7-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 31.0 | 25.0 | Premium | $2,750 |
CO2 Emissions: 355.5 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
MERCEDES-BENZ C250 — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCEDES-BENZ C250 across all model years (2012–2015).
28
Total Recalls
899
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
51
Reported Crashes
21
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths