2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 18, 2025150,000 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the rattling sound continued, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic provided mobile service and diagnosed the…

   NHTSA complaint #11681296 · source
2. Filed Jun 12, 2025GAAirbagsEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11666448 · source
3. Filed Apr 4, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine and High Pressure Fuel Pump warning lights was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact did research and was made aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11652861 · source
4. Filed Jan 27, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   1. The car radio, blue-tooth, speakers, sound, car remote sound. Happened after a battery change by AAA - unsure if it's related. CUstomer service tried to resolve it - radio turns on, but nothing else works. 2. Doors won't unlock outside or inside - except passenegers side is open. 3. Accelerator acting strange - won't pick speed after 30, then 60 4. there was an air bag recal of this car a while ago.

   NHTSA complaint #11638695 · source
5. Filed Dec 7, 2024OHEngine

   My vehicle, has the engine making noise ,when starting,, the lifters rattle...i was told to check with mercedes benz for recall info...however, the company states,this vehicle is not included....it has 52,000 original miles, and has been maintained...i believe, this problem should be covered by the manufacturer...please advise.....i have had the mb dealer do a diagnosis..they confirm the lifters are disfunctioning....

   NHTSA complaint #11629391 · source
6. Filed May 14, 2024GAEngine

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? As I started my car from a cold start and even when starting the engine, the car was creating this tractor like sound. No system has failed but I read the camshaft adjuster and tensioner pulley has come out of site, which can ruin the engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was audible by the dealer but I was told…

   NHTSA complaint #11588738 · source
7. Filed Oct 18, 2023CAAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

   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 complaint #11550669 · source
8. Filed Mar 13, 202390,000 miTXBody & StructureEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started very rough with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, while opening the front driver’s side door, the door handle fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11511575 · source
9. Filed Oct 13, 2022CAEngine

   Faulty camshaft adjusters creating timing chain to stretch and tensioners to fail , causing excessive wear to the crankshaft and wear of the teeth resulting in catastrophic damage and complete engine failure ( I have not replaced this timing chain or camshaft adjuster yet but i can hear the timing chain rattling from the defective parts from manufacturer. )

   NHTSA complaint #11489131 · source
10. Filed Jun 8, 2022TXEngine

    Auto is less than 100k miles excellent condition had the turbo gasket go bad on the auto. Oil leaking in the main engine compartment and on ground due to the gasket issue. Could cause damage to engine and turbo. Gasket should not have gone bad. While at the mechanics same issue with the same exact model of mercedes, not sure the year but identical body style. Repairs were completed on 06/07/22 cost through mechanic $465.00 any time due to passing or excelartion the engine…

    NHTSA complaint #11468165 · source
11. Filed Feb 24, 2022VTEngine

    The engine in my car died and after inspection by a Mercedes mechanic they concluded the failure was caused by faulty camshafts that have been common in the year and model this car. Mercedes has issued and extended warranty to cover the repairs recognizing this was a manufacturing issue but they are refusing to cover the full cost of repairing my car.

    NHTSA complaint #11453794 · source
12. Filed Nov 17, 202152,000 miNJEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the variable valve timing solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer…

    NHTSA complaint #11440771 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology