FaultScore

FaultScore report

2012 Mercedes Benz C350 problems

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2012 Mercedes Benz C350 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2024. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.

B

FaultScore 39/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz C350.

How this is worked out

The numbers

39

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

54,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

0%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 77 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 0 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz C350. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2012 compares with every other Mercedes Benz C350

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2012 Mercedes Benz C350

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 27 69.2%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 7.7%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Suspension 2 5.1%
Engine & Cooling 2 5.1%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 2.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 2.6%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Body & Structure 1 2.6%
Electrical System 1 2.6%

Median failure at 47,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 2.6%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 33.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 50.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 16.7%

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.

Jul 2017 peak 7 Oct 2024

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 53,000 miles Laredo, TX

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong smell of fuel around the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the fuel odor was extremely strong, and the contact could not wind the windows down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

NHTSA complaint #11617546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bryn Mawr, PA

POWER TRAIN

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK and South Korea, this issue is covered by Mercedes-Benz, but in the United States, it is not covered. The repair is done at owner’s expense. I fear driving now because my car steers to the left when I press the brake. The rear subframe must be recalled since this issue is now common to all C-Class models produced in 2008-2014, and if car accidents occur, many people can be killed. I almost crashed my car due to my rotten subframe. Please help.

NHTSA complaint #11509103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bryn Mawr, PA

SUSPENSION

My car’s left side rear subframe is cracked due to corrosion. I started hearing a weird noise a week ago, and my car suddenly veered to the left side when I pressed the brake. I almost crashed my car because the car moved to the left of the yellow line on the road. I searched about this issue on Google and found that many C-Class owners (W204 generation) are experiencing the same issue due to the design flaws/defects by Mercedes-Benz. Now I have to pay up to $10,000 for the repair that is due to a defective part. In other countries like the UK and South Korea, this issue is covered by Mercedes-Benz, but in the United States, it is not covered. The repair is done at owner’s expense. I fear driving now because my car steers to the left when I press the brake. The rear subframe must be recalled since this issue is now common to all C-Class models produced in 2008-2014, and if car accidents occur, many people can be killed. I almost crashed my car due to my rotten subframe. Please help.

NHTSA complaint #11509103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Sellersburg, IN

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass shattered and landed on the sunroof cover. There was no impact on the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof to shatter. The contact and his daughter did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11471965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Havre de Grace, MD

SUSPENSION

1. The (RH) rear suspension forward link attach point on the rear Suspension Cross-Member (Mercedes-Benz P/N: 204-350-01-41), separated from the sub frame due to internal corrosion of the Suspension Cross-Member. Part available for inspection. 2. When part failed, the RH rear wheel alignment was no-longer fixed; some loss of vehicle steering control was experienced, especially during braking and also turning. 3. Numerous reports of similar episodes of this failure are reported in owners' and maintainers' forums. The dealer service department was familiar with this Suspension Cross-Member part failure. 5. This vehicle passed a Maryland State safety inspection performed by the seller of the vehicle 6 months and 5000 mi prior to the part failure. 6. Part failed with no warning, during normal driving on secondary roads.

NHTSA complaint #11418391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Havre de Grace, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

1. The (RH) rear suspension forward link attach point on the rear Suspension Cross-Member (Mercedes-Benz P/N: 204-350-01-41), separated from the sub frame due to internal corrosion of the Suspension Cross-Member. Part available for inspection. 2. When part failed, the RH rear wheel alignment was no-longer fixed; some loss of vehicle steering control was experienced, especially during braking and also turning. 3. Numerous reports of similar episodes of this failure are reported in owners' and maintainers' forums. The dealer service department was familiar with this Suspension Cross-Member part failure. 5. This vehicle passed a Maryland State safety inspection performed by the seller of the vehicle 6 months and 5000 mi prior to the part failure. 6. Part failed with no warning, during normal driving on secondary roads.

NHTSA complaint #11418391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Niagara Falls, NY

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C350. 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. MERCEDES BENZ OF BUFFALO LOCATED AT (8185 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221), CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11318684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LA Jolla, CA

AIR BAGS

1 YEAR AFTER RECEIVING RECALL LETTER FOR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL (PHASE 4). MERCEDES BENZ OF SAN DIEGO STILL WILL NOT REPLACE THE AIRBAG. THEY WILL NOT GIVE A DATE. THEY PROVIDED A TELEPHONE # FOR MERCEDES CORPORATE CUSTOMER CARE. THE MENU ITEMS FOR AIRBAG STATUS LEADS TO A CALL THAT IS NEVER ANSWERED AND/OR WILL EVENTUALLY DISCONNECT. DATE BELOW IS THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER FROM MERCEDES. LAST CALL TO DEALERSHIP WAS 1/13/2020

NHTSA complaint #11299348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miramara, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES (954- 644-5035, LOCATED AT 14199 PINES BOULEVARD, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33027) 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 #11268936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hiram, GA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM (LOCATED AT 1 AMB DR NW, ATLANTA, GA 30313, 470-341-5000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #11258033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Garden City, NY

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN DECEMBER OF 2017. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH RALLYE MOTOR (1600 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, ROSLYN, NY 11576, 517-625-1600) AND WAS ASKED IF A LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE ONLY LETTER THAT WAS RECEIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WAS IN DECEMBER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11246490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodbride, VA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF TYSONS CORNER (8545 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA 22182, (571) 322-8769) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11245268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Washington Crossing, PA

ENGINE

KNOWN FAULT OF RATTLING NOISE AFTER ENGINE START FOR SEVERAL SECONDS 07-16-2013 ENGINE 276, ENGINE 278, ENGINE 157 TOPIC NUMBER VERSION DESIGN GROUP DATE VALIDITY REASON FOR CHANGE

NHTSA complaint #11233775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tucson, AZ

AIR BAGS

2012 MERCEDES BENZ C350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11231294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Tucson, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

NHTSA complaint #11221084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Tucson, AZ

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COULD NOT START THE CAR. CAR WAS DRIVEN THEN TURNED OFF, WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT TURN ON.EVERYTHING WAS UNRESPONSIVE,WHICH WONT TURN ON ENGINE. HAD TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP IT COST ME 1800.00. SO THEY SAID THE ELECTRICAL FOR CAR WAS BAD. THEN MY FUEL TANK LEAKED, THE COMPONETS TO THE FUEL TANK ALL WERE BAD, AND L COULD SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR AND GARAGE. COST ME 805.00 TO REPAIR. LUCKY IT DID NOT BLOW UP

NHTSA complaint #11221084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Augusta, GA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF AUGUSTA AT 706-860-1111 (LOCATED AT 3061 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907) 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 #11208780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL (#17V017) - MY ISSUE WITH THIS RECALL IS THE UNACCEPTABLE TIMELINESS IN MAKING THE NECESSARY REPAIR. IN JANUARY 2017, I WAS NOTIFIED VIA A RECALL LETTER FROM MERCEDES THAT MY CAR'S FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG WAS AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA INFLATOR RECALL AND I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN A REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE. TO DATE (APRIL 2019), THIS HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED BY MERCEDES AND CURRENTLY, PER THEIR WEBSITE, THERE IS NO TIMELINE ON WHEN THIS REPAIR CAN BE MADE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF THE TIMELINESS OF COMPLETING THIS REPAIR GIVEN THE SERIOUS (AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY) NATURE OF THE FLAW WITH THE TAKATA INFLATORS SHOULD THE AIR BAG DEPLOY. WHEN I ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS REGARDING THE DELAY IN THIS REPAIR WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEIR ADVICE WAS TO AVOID HAVING A PERSON RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT - WHICH IS IMPRACTICAL AND NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE CONSIDERING THIS IS OUR FAMILY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11193092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bristol, CT

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (NEW COUNTRY MOTOR CARS, INC, 1 WESTON ST, HARTFORD, CT 06120, (860)-278-2000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

NHTSA complaint #11173261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johns Creek, GA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED THE RACALL NOTICE FEB.2017 WITH NOTIFICATION OF FURTHER NOTICE ONCE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. FIRST OF LET ME ADDRESS THAT THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND IT IS ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO SINCE FIRST NOTICE. SECOND OF ALL I AM TRYING TO SELL MY CAR BUT DO NOT RECEIVE THE VALUE I SHOULD RECEIVE DUE TO THE OPEN SAFETY RECALL. MY HANDS ARE TIGHT AT THIS POINT AND IT CAN'T BE RIGHT TO LOSE IN VALUE OF THE CAR DUE TO AN OUTSTANDING SAFETY CALL WHICH CAN'T BE ADDRESSED AT THIS POINT. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN ORDER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY THE SAFETY OF MY MY LIFE AND THE PASSENGERS LIFE. WHO COMES UP WITH THE DIFFERENCE IN VALUE DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO REPAIR IN A TIMELY MATTER. I BELIEVE ALMOST 2 YEARS IS PLENTY OF TIME TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. REGARDS

NHTSA complaint #11161919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Haven, CT

AIR BAGS

I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT MY AIRBAGS ARE AT DEFAULT AND HAVE A RECALL FOR BEING DEFECTIVE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, SO I AM DRIVING AROUND WITH AIRBAGS THAT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH UPON AN ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED OR ADDRESSED .

NHTSA complaint #11151402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. NOTIFIED OF RECALL IN FEB 2016, BUT AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED OR REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #11132293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Pleasant, SC

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER; THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (BAKER MOTOR COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, 843-628-0202) WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11101187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Midlothian, VA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PART WAS TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11091712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rancho Santa FE, CA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL IN MERCEDES BENZ C 350 / 2012 THE RECALL NOTICE WAS DATED MARCH 2017. AS OF TODAY, MERCEDES SAN DIEGO AND HOEHN MERCEDES CARLSBAD HAVE NO SAFE REPLACEMENT PASSENGER AIRBAGS AVAILABLE TO INSTALL. WHAT'S THE USE OF A RECALL IF THERE IS NO BETTER PRODUCT? I WANT TO PROTECT MY PASSENGERS, AND NOT SELL MY CAR AS IS. PLEASE CHECK UP ON THIS CONUNDRUM.

NHTSA complaint #11091433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.