Model year record

2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls & problems

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 has 6 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (16 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints21filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsAug 13, 2021

Frontal

Recall 21V638000205 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
Risk: An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

CommunicationNov 1, 2019

Communication

Recall 19V78700024,226 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Air bagsJan 9, 2019

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 19V010000288,779 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bagsJan 10, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V043000132,167 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350, SLS Coupe, SLS AMG GT Coupe, and SLS Roadster vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2010 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, E550 Coupe, GLK350, and GLK350 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2009 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. Mercedes issued an interim notification to owners on February 23, 2018. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Air bagsOct 6, 2017

Frontal

Recall 17V627000495,290 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Risk: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

SteeringApr 12, 2017

Steering

Recall 17V252000168 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
Risk: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

C350 Coupe

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

C350 FFV

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

C350

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

C350

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

C350 4matic Coupe

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 7-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette	16	—
Power train	2	—
Exterior lightingTurn signal	1	—
Steering	1	—
StructureBody	1	—
Suspension	1	—
Engine	1	—
Engine and engine cooling	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

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…
Sep 8, 2025 · 129,000 miles
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…
Dec 1, 2022 · 67,000 miles
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…
May 20, 2022
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.
Aug 10, 2022
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..
Jul 9, 2021
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. *JS
Nov 1, 2017
Air bags
TAKATA AIR BAG ON PASSENGER SIDE FAULTY
Jan 1, 2013
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.
Feb 1, 2019

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021