NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may be incorrect, possibly installed during a prior repair, and may not function properly in a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls, 275 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant complaint theme for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 centers on the airbag and restraint system, which draws by far the largest share of owner reports, roughly half of all complaints filed. Owners most often describe concerns about airbag readiness and deployment, with the passenger seat occupant classification sensor drawing repeated attention. Engine issues are the second most-reported area, where owners describe rough running, misfires, check engine lights tied to camshaft position sensor and oxygen sensor faults, and in some cases audible knocking or metal-on-metal grinding sounds. Steering complaints, while fewer, include reports tied to the electronic steering lock system, where owners describe no-start conditions related to a faulty steering lock or emulator. A handful of reports also mention sunroof drainage problems, though that pattern is limited compared to the three main systems.
275
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving airbags that can deploy unexpectedly or whose inflators can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two distinct airbag inflator concerns affect this vehicle. In one, the passenger-side inflator can rupture and scatter sharp metal fragments toward occupants. In the other, the driver airbag can deploy without warning while driving. A related software recall covers the airbag control system, where a fault can prevent the airbags from firing at all in a crash. There is also a recall for vehicles that previously had a front passenger airbag replaced, where an incorrect unit may have been installed and could fail to deploy properly. On the steering side, a connecting bolt in the steering column may not have been tightened sufficiently, which can cause the driver to lose steering control. Finally, a software fault in the emergency call system can cause it to report an incorrect vehicle location, which may slow down emergency responders after a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may be incorrect, possibly installed during a prior repair, and may not function properly in a crash.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering coupling may not be tight enough, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering coupling bolt as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Control unit software may be incorrect, potentially preventing airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the control unit software at no cost to restore proper airbag deployment function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.