Owners have filed 24 complaints
about the 2013 Mercedes Benz C350 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 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 — 47
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 2013 compares with every other Mercedes Benz C350
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
116.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
466.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
116.7%
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.
Oct 2017peak 4Sep 2025
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 129,000 milesBoston, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. While the vehicle was started, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. In addition, the check engine and the check coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak, and that oil was leaking onto the wires. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be dismantled, and the wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11687278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesEnfield, NC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and various other unknown components needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesEnfield, NC
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and various other unknown components needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stoneham, MA
SUSPENSION
I noticed my 2013 MB C350 was making strange noises and vibrations. I could feel the car steering in a different direction when I let go of the wheel. I took it to my service dealer and was told the subframe was severely rusted which included the suspension, struts, and even brake line. I was told the car was dangerous to drive and had to keep it at the shop for 45 days while waiting for the parts to come in. Apparently this is a "common" issue with this generation of C-class. There should be nothing common or normal about a rotting subframe after only 8 years of use. This a manufacturer's defect and the manufacturer needs to be held responsible for using inferior parts for cost cutting measures. I had to pay several thousands of dollars for an issue that shouldn't be an issue for 20+ years.
NHTSA complaint #11478705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mequon, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame is literally rotting from the inside out. Apparently this is a very common problem with Toyota 4 runners. This should have been recalled and fixed by Toyota like they did with the Tacoma and sequoias.
NHTSA complaint #11478690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, CA
STEERING
AFTER OWNING A CPO,FOR ABOUT5 YEARS. RECENTLY THE TILT/ MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WITHOUT ANY TOOLS IN HIS HANDS HE FIXED IT.ABOUT 6MONTHS IT WORKED FINE,THEN IT STOPPED.I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THE ADVISOR THAT FIXED IT IS NO LONGER WORKING THERE,NOBODY ELSE HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS METHOD?I'M NOT DREAMING HE GAVE ME HIS CARD AFTERWARDS,SO HE DOES EXIST..
NHTSA complaint #11424101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westford, MA
AIR BAGS
2013 MERCEDES BENZ C-350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11361818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke Rapids, NC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE FAULTY
NHTSA complaint #11322309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Worth,, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF EDISON (LOCATED AT 123 MAIN ST, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 549-6606) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF EDISON (LOCATED AT 910 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817, (732) 394-1870) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11288507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,251 milesRockford, MI
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE PAST 30 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE, EPS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BETTEN IMPORTS (5901 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546, (616) 301-2100) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE AND NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE TECHNICIAN ATTEMPTED TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,251.
NHTSA complaint #11269094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DELRAY (1001 LINTON BLVD, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444, (561) 291-6095) 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. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11245422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL STILL NO REMEDY!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11190026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Rafael, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF MARIN (540 FRANCISCO BLVD W, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, 415-233-6509) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER UNTIL 2020. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11186232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBoston, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TURN SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLAGSHIP MOTORCARS OF LYNNFIELD (385 BROADWAY, RTE. 1, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11185446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBoston, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TURN SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLAGSHIP MOTORCARS OF LYNNFIELD (385 BROADWAY, RTE. 1, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11185446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coconut Grove, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (MN CUTLER BAY MERCEDES, 10701 SW 211TH ST, CUTLER BAY, FL), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11175150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silverdale, WA
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL." I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MBUSA, IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INTERIM NOTICE TO REPLACE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE, MBUSA RECALL #2019010001 - PND TAK PHASE 4
NHTSA complaint #11174382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). SMOTHERS EUROPEAN MERCEDES (707-542-4811, LOCATED AT 2880 TALMADGE DR, SANTA ROSA, 95407) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING OVER A YEAR FOR THE PARTS. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT IT MAY BE ANOTHER SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11155607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunrise, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V6270000 (AIR BAGS) AND 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE VIN TOOL INDICATED THAT THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF LONG BEACH, 2300 E SPRING ST, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF LONG BEACH, 2300 E SPRING ST, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF TUCSON AT (520) 886-1311 (6350 E GRANT RD, TUCSON, AZ 85715) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11089170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reisterstown, MD
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V62700 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CATONSVILLE (6631 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE, MD 21228, (410) 788-7744) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11052239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (STEERING). 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 (SCHUMACHER EUROPEAN, 18530 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85054) 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. *BF CONSUMER STATED STEERING CAUSING AIRBAG FAILURE OR STEERING FAILURE. UPDATED 8/3/18
NHTSA complaint #11040215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.