2012
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
EPA MPG:
25 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
25 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 C-Class to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on the Mercedes-Benz brand score and limited data from the C-Class.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Mercedes-Benz C-C...
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
NA
vs. Similar Cars
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti G
Infiniti G
Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Drive System
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Brakes
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Climate System
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001*
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015*
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
2021
2022*
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Aug 13, 2021
An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
21V638000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
205
AIR BAGS
May 22, 2020
An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Summary:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.
What should you do:
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V298000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
640
AIR BAGS
Jan 09, 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V010000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
288779
AIR BAGS
Oct 06, 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V627000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
495290
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 14, 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Summary:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
What should you do:
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V177000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
51
AIR BAGS
Jan 10, 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in 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, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in 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." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V017000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
104119
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 03, 2012
If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Summary:
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
What should you do:
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
12V557000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
5800
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