Home · 2012 Mercedes-benz C-class Coupe · Complaints

What 584 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-benz C-class Coupe

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (584)Crash / fire / injury (18)Airbags (312)Suspension (73)Engine (69)Body & structure (62)Fuel system (34)Electrical system (27)Brakes (26)Steering (15)Transmission & drivetrain (12)Lights (8)

312 of 584 complaints match · Airbags · clear filters · page 1 of 13

Jul 14, 2025Airbags

I was driving normally last week when the driver's head restraint system (known by Mercedes as Neck Pro) unexpectedly and without warning blew at my head. The noise was very loud, and the headrest slammed against my head. Luckily, I was driving approximately 20-25 miles per hour, daytime, on a residential street without too many other vehicles. I was able to pull over to investigate what happened and ensure I wasn't injured and did not collide with any objects in the road. If this had happened on the highway at highway speeds with a less attentive driver, I could see this potentially resulting in a major collision. The road was fat, no bumps, weather was clear. There is no reason why this happened. From what I can tell, the system looks like it failed (plastic clips broke off) and the system did not intentionally deploy. It has not been repaired and is available for inspection. I have not taken it to the dealership for review. The vehicle is in perfect condition with no warnings. It very recently passed Maryland state inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11673323

Jun 12, 2025Transmission & drivetrainAirbagsEngine

The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil and spark plug of cylinder 3. **Source of Leak:** Valve cover gasket failure. **Recommended Repairs:** - Replace the valve cover gasket (to halt the oil leak). - Replace spark plugs and ignition coil (which were contaminated/damaged by oil). **Relevance to Warranty:** The valve cover gasket is only covered if it fails as a result of an internally lubricated engine part causing damage. Ignition coils and spark plugs are maintenance items and are not covered by warranty plans. **Required Repairs (Identified Mechanical Issues)** - **Coolant Pipe Leak – $850** **Issue:** Coolant leaking from a pipe on the side of the cylinder head. **Relevance to Warranty:** Typically not covered unless it pertains to a failure in a covered system such as the water pump or cylinder head due to an internal breakdown. This is likely classified as an external plumbing component, which is not included. - **Oil Feed Line Leak – $600** **Issue:** Oil leaking from the side of the engine, traced back to the oil feed line. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is not typically covered unless the oil feed line is part of the oil pump system and has failed due to an internal issue (usually regarded as an external line). **Other Items Found (Worsening Issues)** - **Timing Chain Rattle / Cam Adjuster Noise – $6,000** -**Issue:** Rattling sound during startup. **Diagnosis:** Noise emanating from the timing chain and camshaft adjusters. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is covered under Secure Plus, as both the timing chain and camshaft adjusters are recognized as internally lubricated par

NHTSA ODI 11666448

Oct 18, 2023Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.

NHTSA ODI 11550669

Feb 9, 2023Airbags

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V638000 (Air Bags) and the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11506437

Dec 16, 2021Electrical systemAirbags

3 signal Signal light comes one saying abs, another SRS MALFUNCTION, also crushed control inoperable. Car will come one as normal next day car comes on no lights not 1 button work turn signals didn’t work then my car fan came on in the engines the also the when they the electric isn’t working i have to manually shift the gear

NHTSA ODI 11443966

May 28, 2021Airbags

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who cleared the code. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,541.

NHTSA ODI 11418912

Nov 22, 2020AirbagsCrash2 injuries

PLEASE ALLOW THIS TO SERVE AS A LIMITED NOTICE TO I) MERCEDES-BENZ AG, II) MBUSA AND III) DAIMLER AG OF A NEW TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR RUPTURE FOR TREAD COMPLIANCE PURPOSES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W,VIN#: ***************** (THE 'VEHICLE'). I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF REPRESENTING TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE SEVERELY INJURED ON 11/7/2020 WHEN THE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY RUPTURED DURING A CRASH EVENT DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE RUPTURE. DUE TO THE VIOLENT EXPLOSION OF THE INFLATOR MODULE, THE INFLATOR'S IGNITER CAPS AND HOUSING BLEW APART AND STRUCK THE PASSENGER, A YOUNG FEMALE, IN THE FACE AND HEAD WITH LETHAL VELOCITY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE YOUNG FEMALE PASSENGER HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 WEEKS WITH SEVERE INJURIES AND MULTIPLE SURGICAL PROCEDURES. HER CURRENT INJURIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF VISION IN HER LEFT EYE, COGNITIVE TRAUMA, FACIAL PARALYSIS AND DIMINISHED HEARING CAPACITY IN BOTH EARS: AS SHOWN BELOW, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE BLEW APART (AS WE HAVE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA BAGS)'DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF AMMONIUM NITRATE PROPELLANT USED IN THIS MODEL FOR DEPLOYMENT. THE BELOW IMAGES SHOW PIECES OF THE INFLATOR MODULE POST-EXPLOSION, INCLUDING THE INFLATOR MESH, HOUSING AND IGNITER CAPS FROM STAGE 2 SEPARATION. ## VIN PASSED ## 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W ##*DT*DT*JB *TR

NHTSA ODI 11375773

Nov 11, 2020Airbags

MY MERCEDES HAS A RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIR BAGS. I DO NOT LIVE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ORANGE PARK, FL WHICH IS AROUND 85 MILES AWAY. I HAVE, ALSO, SPOKEN TO MERCEDES CUSTOMER CARE. NEITHER WILL ASSIST IN HAVING MY CAR PICKED UP AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP OR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY ASSISTANCE IN REMOVING A BARRIER TO HAVE THE AIR BAG REPLACED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RECALL BUT HOW DO I COMPLY AND MITIGATE RISK OF INJURY IF MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO HELP CAR OWNERS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS? PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ODI 11374135

Sep 9, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ C300 2012 ##

NHTSA ODI 11354028

Aug 31, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MASSAPEQUA (101 SUNRISE HWY, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701, (631) 213-2023) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11352316

Aug 28, 2020Airbags

AIR BAG HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED

NHTSA ODI 11351848

Aug 11, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (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 DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11348588

Jul 20, 2020Airbags

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY 2019 TO REPLACE MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE AS THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 19V010. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ODI 11340471

Jul 1, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES BENZ OF CHANTILLY LOCATED AT 14841 STONECROFT CENTER CT, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11331886

Jun 8, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF RALEIGH (5607 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 573-5050) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF DURHAM (110 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713, (919) 794-7077) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11327769

Jun 4, 2020Airbags

I HAVE AN AIRBAG RECALL THAT THE DEALER KEEPS PUTTING OFF. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A DANGEROUS RECALL AND I NEED TO GET IT FIXED! *TR

NHTSA ODI 11327328

Apr 23, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. 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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES BENZ OF BILLINGS (3045 KING AVE W, BILLINGS, MT 59102), AND WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE AUGUST OF 2020. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11322038

Apr 15, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (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 CONTACTED MERCEDES-BENZ OF JACKSONVILLE LOCATED AT (10231 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225 (855) 979-0550) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11321240

Apr 14, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SALT LAKE CITY (575 S STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS OF TIMES.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11321129

Mar 19, 2020Airbags

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 ODI 11318684

Mar 10, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT BENZEL-BUSCH MOTOR CAR, AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ LOCATED AT (28 GRAND AVE, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11317335

Mar 6, 2020Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. CAROUSEL MOTORS LOCATED AT (809 IA-1, IOWA CITY, IA 52244) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11316575

Feb 24, 2020Airbags

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS IN MARCH 2019. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER IMMEDIATELY. BOTH STATED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A REMEDY. TO DATE, NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER HAS MADE ANY EFFORT TO REPAIR THE DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI 11311132

Feb 21, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF AUGUSTA, 3061 WASHINGTON ROAD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, CONFIRMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11310518

Feb 10, 2020Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF CATONSVILLE (6631 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE MD) AND THE MANUFACTURER THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11308138

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Working with the data? Download all 584 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Mercedes-benz C-class Coupe verdict →