FaultScore

Mercedes Benz C250 airbag problems

437 of the 902 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz C250 are about the airbag system — 48% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2012.

437

Complaints

48%

Share of all complaints

27

Crashes

2

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

2012 C250 168 38.4%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2013 C250 163 37.3%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2014 C250 97 22.2%

Median failure at 40,900 miles

2015 C250 8 1.8%

Median failure at 49,500 miles

2016 C250 1 0.2%

What owners said

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 at 111,300 miles Omaha, NE

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11700868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mercedes Benz C250 Stockbridge, GA

AIR BAGS

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 putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil and spark plug of cylinder 3. **Source of Leak:** Valve cover gasket failure. **Recommended Repairs:** - Replace the valve cover gasket (to halt the oil leak). - Replace spark plugs and ignition coil (which were contaminated/damaged by oil). **Relevance to Warranty:** The valve cover gasket is only covered if it fails as a result of an internally lubricated engine part causing damage. Ignition coils and spark plugs are maintenance items and are not covered by warranty plans. **Required Repairs (Identified Mechanical Issues)** - **Coolant Pipe Leak – $850** **Issue:** Coolant leaking from a pipe on the side of the cylinder head. **Relevance to Warranty:** Typically not covered unless it pertains to a failure in a covered system such as the water pump or cylinder head due to an internal breakdown. This is likely classified as an external plumbing component, which is not included. - **Oil Feed Line Leak – $600** **Issue:** Oil leaking from the side of the engine, traced back to the oil feed line. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is not typically covered unless the oil feed line is part of the oil pump system and has failed due to an internal issue (usually regarded as an external line). **Other Items Found (Worsening Issues)** - **Timing Chain Rattle / Cam Adjuster Noise – $6,000** -**Issue:** Rattling sound during startup. **Diagnosis:** Noise emanating from the timing chain and camshaft adjusters. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is covered under Secure Plus, as both the timing chain and camshaft adjusters are recognized as internally lubricated par

NHTSA complaint #11666448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 Downey, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was driving in a parking lot and suddenly my air bag deployed for no reason I did not hit anyone or get hit for the airbag to deploy. Suffered some bruising on my right forearm and in my left ear I still hear ringing from the airbag deploying.

NHTSA complaint #11623554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 at 100,000 miles Downey, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag unexpectedly deployed with no impact on the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and then restarted the vehicle before driving to the residence. The contact sustained bruises and scratches on his forearm, but medical attention was not received. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11621947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Avondale, AZ

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11595111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 New Braunfels, TX

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11592656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 Rancho Cucamonga, CA

AIR BAGS

The glue that suppose to make sure my windshield is secure is no longer secure. The windshield moves as I am driving. It’s only on the corner of the driver side. Everything else is secured. Also my airbags (passenger and driver). There is a recall but its not showing when I run the Vin # .

NHTSA complaint #11558051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mercedes Benz C250 Los Ángeles, CA

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11550669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Mcallen, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

unknown but I have submitted a previous complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11539690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Mcallen, TX Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

I was in an accident that caused my car to be a total loss. I was hit near the front left side, close to the driver's door. The airbag did not deploy despite the hard impact. I am currently having to go to therapy due to impact. My right lower arm was bruised from the impact, and I was in a lot of pain due to the bruising caused. I am assuming the bruising came from the hit to the steering wheel. I was never notified of an airbag recall.

NHTSA complaint #11507530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Mercedes Benz C250 at 78,000 miles Elk Grove, CA

AIR BAGS

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. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA complaint #11506437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Mcallen, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

unknown

NHTSA complaint #11504073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 Charleston, SC

AIR BAGS

"Front Right Malfunction Service Required." Recently purchased vehicle, dealer performed recalibration before sale (error did not display during test drive or before purchase). 30 minutes after purchase notification popped up, dealer agreed to pay for repair. Took to non-purchasing Mercedes dealer, they were able to reproduce and quoted for $4179. Repair included seat replacement and height adjustment replacement. Purchasing dealer then refused repair The error pops up randomly, with person in passenger seat and without. Afraid to have anyone ride as a passenger, if a wreck occurs the airbag could not deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11500792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Scottsdale, AZ Crash

AIR BAGS

Collision and airbags didn’t go off but should of cause recall and now totaled [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11496328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 Huntington Beach, CA

AIR BAGS

Per the attached Repair Order 948486 dated May 13, 2020, when I brought in the car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach for the airbag recall, I thought both of the Takata airbags were replaced and not just the passenger airbag. In fact, Repair Bill Job A states: “Replace Driver and Front Passenger Airbag”. “No Charge” I did not notice that they only replaced the passenger airbag. I would not have known the driver’s side was not replaced if the airbag warning light did not come on. Please direct Fletcher Jones to finish this repair properly. Per the enclosed photos, my dash display now has an image of the airbag and it says “Front Left Malfunction Service Required”. I am very worried what will happen if we get into an accident. Per the highlighted text attached, on April 14, 2021, a driver reported: “Front drivers air bag malfunction light is illuminated and horn nor any controls on steering wheel work at all.” I checked the horn and the steering wheel controls on our C250 when I read this. I discovered they do not work on our car as well. This drivers report goes on to say: “…repairman states this is a common issue with this car. I believe this is a serious safety issue with this vehicle as the airbag malfunction can possibly cause serious injury to the driver and the horns inability to function prevents the driver from alerting any other drivers if they stray from lane, are backing out of parking space, or distracted at a red traffic signal.” On Repair Order 948486 Fletcher Jones tried to reset the headrest which popped open when I sat in the car and put my head against it to rest. It was not due to any accident, the car was stationary. Fletcher Jones could not reset the headrest and asked for $1200 for a new one. Clearly this is also a defect because it did not occur during an accident and the headrest should not have separated. An attached article shows the Takata airbag problems still exist as ticking time bombs. MB CEO did not reply to my letter.

NHTSA complaint #11480886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 Huntington Beach, CA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

Per the attached Repair Order 948486 dated May 13, 2020, when I brought in the car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach for the airbag recall, I thought both of the Takata airbags were replaced and not just the passenger airbag. In fact, Repair Bill Job A states: “Replace Driver and Front Passenger Airbag”. “No Charge” I did not notice that they only replaced the passenger airbag. I would not have known the driver’s side was not replaced if the airbag warning light did not come on. Please direct Fletcher Jones to finish this repair properly. Per the enclosed photos, my dash display now has an image of the airbag and it says “Front Left Malfunction Service Required”. I am very worried what will happen if we get into an accident. Per the highlighted text attached, on April 14, 2021, a driver reported: “Front drivers air bag malfunction light is illuminated and horn nor any controls on steering wheel work at all.” I checked the horn and the steering wheel controls on our C250 when I read this. I discovered they do not work on our car as well. This drivers report goes on to say: “…repairman states this is a common issue with this car. I believe this is a serious safety issue with this vehicle as the airbag malfunction can possibly cause serious injury to the driver and the horns inability to function prevents the driver from alerting any other drivers if they stray from lane, are backing out of parking space, or distracted at a red traffic signal.” On Repair Order 948486 Fletcher Jones tried to reset the headrest which popped open when I sat in the car and put my head against it to rest. It was not due to any accident, the car was stationary. Fletcher Jones could not reset the headrest and asked for $1200 for a new one. Clearly this is also a defect because it did not occur during an accident and the headrest should not have separated. An attached article shows the Takata airbag problems still exist as ticking time bombs. MB CEO did not reply to my letter.

NHTSA complaint #11480886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Mercedes Benz C250 Yigo, GU

AIR BAGS

MANUFACTURER UNABLE TO REPAIR RECALLED PARTS DUE TO THERE ARE NO MERCEDES BENZ AUTHORIZED SERVICE SITE IN GUAM ACCORDING TO THEIR CUSTOMER-ADVOCACY OFFICE. I AM IN THE PROCESS IN SHIPPING MY CAR BACK TO CALIFORNIA, THROUGH THE MILITARY, BUT THIS MAY AFFECT IT UNLESS IT GETS RESOLVED. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA complaint #11475808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 SAN Francisco, CA

AIR BAGS

2013 MERCEDES BENZ C250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKTA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT GETTING IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED OR, PICKED UP BY THE DEALER, DUE TO HAVING MEDICAL ISSUES.

NHTSA complaint #11473314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Mercedes Benz C250 at 79,000 miles Nashville, NC

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the driver’s side air bags were inadvertently deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA complaint #11466430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz C250 at 60,000 miles Long Beach, CA Crash 1 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.

Other Mercedes Benz C250 problems