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.
This page covers 5 recalls, 163 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 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 pattern in 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 complaints centers on the airbag system, which accounts for the large majority of reports filed. Owners frequently describe the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, with several noting that the driver or passenger seat-mounted airbag appears visibly displaced or loose within the seat cushion. The steering system is the next most-reported area, where owners describe the electronic steering lock failing and leaving the car unable to start, the steering wheel locks and the engine won't crank, stranding the vehicle entirely. Some owners report the car starting after difficulty but then refusing to restart once parked. Engine complaints are less numerous but include reports of overheating and rough running. A recurring concern across steering complaints is the no-start condition tied specifically to the steering lock mechanism rather than a conventional ignition or battery issue.
163
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata passenger airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Two other airbag concerns exist alongside the Takata issue. The driver airbag can deploy without warning during normal driving, raising the risk of a crash and injury to the person behind the wheel. There is also a recall tied to prior repair work: an incorrect front passenger airbag may have been installed during an earlier service visit, meaning the bag may not deploy properly in a crash when it is actually needed.
On the steering side, a connecting bolt in the steering coupling may not have been tightened enough during assembly. If that bolt works loose, the driver can lose steering control entirely, with no ability to steer around a hazard or stay in the lane.
The fifth recall involves the vehicle's emergency call system. A software fault can cause the system to report the wrong date and time, which in turn produces an inaccurate location when an emergency call is placed. Emergency responders relying on that data could be directed to the wrong area, delaying help after a crash or medical event.
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.
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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 →
What the fix does
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 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.