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

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

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)

Newest first · 584 complaints · page 22 of 24

Jul 8, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI 11003778

Jun 30, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED CRITZ MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAVANNAH (7000 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA, 31406, (912) 354-7000) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 11002512

Jun 30, 2017Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF ST CLAIR SHORES LOCATED AT 20200 E NINE MILE RD SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080 586-773-2369) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11002566

Jun 30, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250C. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED FOR PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11002571

Jun 28, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (MERCEDES BENZ OF ATHENS, GA (706) 521-0774) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11001940

Jun 28, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOUR MONTHS AGO THAT MY AIR BAG WAS DANGEROUS AND THEREFORE RECALLED. HOWEVER, I NEVER RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP LETTER NOTIFYING THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND WHEN CALLING TOM MASANO MERCEDES IN READING, PA ON JUNE 28TH, THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI 11001991

Jun 19, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL - IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR, STILL NO REMEDY FOR THE AIR BAG ISSUE. CHECKED WITH DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AS WELL AS THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND A LOT OF US DRIVE WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED IT, AND SHOULD BE LIABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THEN THEY CAN FIGHT TO BE REIMBURSED. THIS IS RIDICULOUS ALREADY!! THEY ARE PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES IN DANGER. I HAVE 2 VEHICLES, ONE A 2006 FORD FUSION AND ONE A 2012 MERCEDES C300, NEITHER OF THEM ARE SAFE TO HAVE MY CHILDREN IN!!!!

NHTSA ODI 10995843

Jun 14, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). 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 (CALSTAR MOTORS 700 S. BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA, 91204) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10995096

Jun 14, 2017Engine

SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT WILL STUTTER AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE IT STALLS BEFORE ACTUALLY TURNING OVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND THE DIAGNOSTICS CAME BACK STATING A ISSUE WITH THE "CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS (INTERNAL FAULT)". APPARENTLY, FIRST GENERATION C250S ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE BUT IT HAS SINCE BEEN CORRECTED WITH LATER GENERATIONS.

NHTSA ODI 10995247

Jun 12, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ODI 10994502

Jun 8, 2017Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (JAMES MOTORS OF LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10993945

Jun 3, 2017Electrical system

THE BLOWER OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE IN THE SUN. AS A RESULT THE CAR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS IMPACTED WITH THE RISE IN TEMPERATURE. WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE OR IN SHADE, THE BLOWER AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WORKS FINE. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A SHORT CIRCUIT AS A RESULT OF HIGH TEMPERATURE WHICH PREVENTS THE BLOWER / AIR CONDITIONER FROM OPERATING. PLEASE CHECK IF THIS IS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 10993019

May 31, 2017Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MERCEDES BENZ OF TAMPA FLORIDA DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO INCIDENCES IN WHICH THE AIR BAG FAILED DURING A REPORTED CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT SERVICED THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE AS OF YET. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10992425

May 29, 2017Seat belts

WHENEVER A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE REAR SEAT (EITHER SIDE) AND THE CAR IS BRAKED OR EXPERIENCES A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE SEAT BELT LOCKS AND STARTS TO TIGHTEN THEREAFTER WITH A RATCHETING SOUND EACH TIME THE PASSENGER MOVES EVEN A LITTLE BIT. THIS TIGHTENING CONTINUES UNTIL THE PASSENGER STARTS SUFFOCATING FROM THE PRESSURE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE ONLY OPTION IS FOR THE PASSENGER TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT AND START OVER. BUT THEN THE PROCESS REPEATS ITSELF. MY FAMILY MEMBERS NOW EITHER REFUSE TO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT OR THEY DO NOT BUCKLE THE SEATBELT AND HOLD IT IN THEIR HAND INSTEAD. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS ON 4 OCCASIONS BUT EACH TIME THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE SEAT BELTS ARE WORKING AS DESIGNED. I HAVE ASKED OWNERS OF 2 OTHER MERCEDES CARS OF SIMILAR MAKE AND MODEL AND THEY HAVE ASSURED ME THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THEIR CARS. I HAVE ESCALATED THIS ISSUE TO MERCEDES DIRECTLY BUT THEY HAVE REDIRECTED ME TO ONE OF THE DEALERS AND NOW I CAN'T EVEN GET THEM OR THE DEALER TO RESPOND TO MY EMAILS.

NHTSA ODI 10992096

May 15, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL, NO REPAIR ON 2012 C250 MERCEDES AND NO ESTIMATE ON WHEN THEY WILL HAVE PARTS TO REPAIR. ISN'T IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH A PASSENGER IN FRONT SEAT? WHAT IS MY RECOURSE? ALSO ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON AND SENSORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND MECHANIC DOES NOT KNOW WHAT ACTUAL PROBLEM IS/ COULD THIS JUST BE A BAD FUSE?

NHTSA ODI 10985872

May 15, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL NOT REMEDY AVAILABLE

NHTSA ODI 10985881

May 13, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL! I TOOK MY 2012 MERCEDES IN FOR ITS MAINTENANCE . AT THIS TIME, I WAS APPROACHED AND TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS ON THE RECALL LIST DUE TO AIRBAGS. AT THIS TIME, I WAS INFORMED OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AND I WAS SEVERELY CONCERNED FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THIS WAS HER CAR! I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT A FIX. THAT I COULD TAKE THE RISK OF MY DAUGHTER BEING SEVERELY INJURED. WOW!! LET ME ASK YOU WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE DONE! I THEN OUT OF FEAR, TRADED MY 2012 MERCEDES IN. TOOK A HUGE LOSS AND BOUGHT HER A NEWER VEHICLE. HER OTHER CAR WAS PAID OFF. I HAD TO PUT A DORK PAYMENT ON YET ANOTHER CAR WITH A 2 YEAR FINANCE. WHY SHOULD I BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! I DIDN'T PUT THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR. I THOUGHT AS A MOTHER, I WAS PURCHASING A SAFE RELIABLE CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER. I'M OUT $32,000 ... WHO'S GOING TO JUSTIFY THIS? WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO EAT THIS COST! I DON'T THINK SO! I NEED TO BE REIMBURSED THE DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE COST TO REPLACE AIRBAGS. WHY SHOULD THE MERCEDES DEALER BE ABLE TO PROFIT OFF ME AS WELL? THEY WILL FIND A WAY TO FIX THE AIRBAGS THEN TURN AROUND & SELL THE CAR @ THE USUAL JACKED UP COST. THIS IS NOT FAIR! SOMEONE BEST FIND THE ANSWER.

NHTSA ODI 10985525

May 9, 2017Lights

RECEIVED MESSAGE TO CHECK LEFT TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, BACK UP LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL. I PURCHASED NEW BULBS TO REPLACE. WHEN I PULLED OUT THE BULB CARRIER, I NOTICED THAT THE AREA NEAR THE WIRING HAD MELTED AND THERE WAS DISCOLORATION. I CAN'T EVEN REMOVE THE PLUG HOUSING FROM THE CARRIER BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN OLDER MODELS FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 10984488

May 9, 2017Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10984513

May 5, 2017Brakes

BRAKE FAILURE. DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY WITH A 75 MPH SPEED LIMIT. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE VEHICLE, I FOUND I DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER BRAKES. BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO SLOW DOWN MY VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVE ANY ABILITY TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. TO AVOID A COLLISION, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, AND DOWN SHIFTED GEARS. NO ALARMS, OR VISUAL INDICATORS CAME ON TO INDICATE A PROBLEM EXISTED. CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES BENZ AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT. BRAKE BOX SITTING BEHIND THE MOTOR HAD BROKE. NO SENSIRS OR FAULT US ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE BOX. VISUAL CHECK OF THE BRAKE BOX IS. IT ON ANY MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST.

NHTSA ODI 10983783

Apr 24, 2017Engine

TIMING CHAIN ON THE VEHICLE STRETCHES OUT OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO NOT START PROPERLY AND CAN SNAP WHILE DRIVING AND STOP THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND DRIVING. THERE IS NO SERVICE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE TIMING CHAIN AND USUALLY STARTS GIVING TROUBLE AFTER THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I HAVE NOT HAD MY CAR STOP IN TRAFFIC BUT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE MERCEDES BENZ FORUMS.

NHTSA ODI 10980072

Apr 20, 2017Airbags

TAKATA RECALL MERCEDES SENT OUT A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BUT CLAIMS THEY DO NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT FOR IT IN STOCK AND DOESN'T KNOW WHEN THEY'RE GETTING THEM.

NHTSA ODI 10979674

Apr 14, 2017Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTED A CHOKING AND KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT TENSIONER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT TENSIONER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON HOLD FOR 1.5 HOURS AND THEN DISCONNECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 10978538

Apr 10, 2017Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CAM SHAFT ISSUE, AND THE TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THE VEHICLE YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI 10971635

Apr 7, 2017Airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10971187

← NewerOlder →

Working with the data? Download all 584 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 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 Hybrid verdict →