Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2015 Mercedes Benz C250 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2022.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 4
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz C250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other Mercedes Benz C250
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Mercedes Benz C250
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
850.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,500 mi
Steering
212.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
16.3%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
16.3%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Tires
16.3%
Median failure at 14,015 miles
Brakes
16.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,000 mi
Electrical System
16.3%
Engine & Cooling
16.3%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
342.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
228.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2015peak 3Nov 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Mercedes Benz C250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes Benz C250. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (AIRBAGS). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall serviced. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle made a left turn and hit his vehicle in the middle of an intersection. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities were called to the scene and a police report was filed. No medical attention was rendered at the scene of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The contact sought medical attention later that day at a local hospital where he was treated for a strain to his left neck and left leg. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11436009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chantilly, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hit brakes and lost control of car, but no collision or injuries. Took it directly to Mechanic, who showed me rear subframe on driver's side rusted, corroded, broken (other side was clean). I was told this is a manufacturing defect, and was very expensive to repair, he did not want give estimate, said take it to Mercedes. Called dealer, left message, but have not been contacted yet by dealer or by MBUSA.
NHTSA complaint #11492516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNorwalk, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall while driving at various speeds. The contact would have to place the vehicle in park, turn the vehicle off then on again to regain proper function. The vehicle's collision prevention assist plus inoperative warning was illuminated. The contact stated that there were other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11478583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesNorwalk, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall while driving at various speeds. The contact would have to place the vehicle in park, turn the vehicle off then on again to regain proper function. The vehicle's collision prevention assist plus inoperative warning was illuminated. The contact stated that there were other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11478583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes Benz C250. The contact had initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (AIRBAGS). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall serviced. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle made a left turn and hit his vehicle in the middle of an intersection. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities were called to the scene and a police report was filed. No medical attention was rendered at the scene of the accident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The contact sought medical attention later that day at a local hospital where he was treated for a strain to his left neck and left leg. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11436009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesBradenton, FLCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #11353979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C250C. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST CHESTER (5897 MUHLHAUSER RD, WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, OH 45069) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11327017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2950 N Palm Aire DR #104, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 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 STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF POMPANO SERVICE CENTER (LOCATED AT 350 W COPANS RD A, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11302333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
STEERING
AREA UNDER STEERING COLUMN IS EXPOSED REVEALING ELECTRICAL WIRING WHICH APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE OR SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TOLD THAT'S THE WAY VEHICLE WAS MADE, NO PART OR OPTION TO COVER EXPOSED AREA. IT IS UNSAFE BECAUSE AS I AM DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CITY STREETS, ETC., MY KNEES TOUCH THE AREA AND MAY JARR SOMETHING LOSE.
NHTSA complaint #11230581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AREA UNDER STEERING COLUMN IS EXPOSED REVEALING ELECTRICAL WIRING WHICH APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE OR SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TOLD THAT'S THE WAY VEHICLE WAS MADE, NO PART OR OPTION TO COVER EXPOSED AREA. IT IS UNSAFE BECAUSE AS I AM DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CITY STREETS, ETC., MY KNEES TOUCH THE AREA AND MAY JARR SOMETHING LOSE.
NHTSA complaint #11230581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, WA
AIR BAGS
MY CAR RECEIVED THE CALL MESSAGE OF POTENTIAL AIRBAG HAZARD IN JANUARY, WHICH WOULD LEAD TO DEATH IF THE AIRBAG POPPED UP. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED IN BANZ STORE FOR FOUR MONTHSIF THERE IS A SUDDEN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG WILL POP UP AND KILL PEOPLE. I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SUCH A SERVICE. A DELAY OF ONE DAY IS VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #11194484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, AL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ANNAPOLIS AT 888-261-7620 (324 6TH ST, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11098469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ MANHATTAN, 770 11TH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY, 10019) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11054268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynwood, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL NHTSA RECALL # 17
NHTSA complaint #11005179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,015 milesOrland, FL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ C250 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: 225/45R17 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS BEGINNING TO LOSE AIR WHILE DRIVING. A COMPRESSOR WAS USED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE BEGAN TO FLATTEN AFTER DRIVING LONG LENGTHS OF TIME AND REDUCED IN SIZE APPROXIMATELY THREE TO FIVE POUNDS PER DAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TIRE TO THE WARRANTY CENTER, THE DEALER, AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND WITH THE TIRE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,015.
NHTSA complaint #10811410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.