2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 airbags problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

31 owners have reported airbags problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, 38% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 82,500 mi.

Airbags complaints
31
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Related recalls
5
Median mileage
82,500 mi

Specific components reported

Airbags covers: Frontal, side and curtain airbags, sensors and warning lights.

ComponentComplaints
Air bags31
Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette1

Airbags complaints across Mercedes-Benz C250 years

1120123120132920144201512016
Airbags complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k560k–100k2100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V638000Aug 13, 2021205 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 19V010000Jan 9, 2019288,779 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 18V043000Jan 10, 2018132,167 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 17V627000Oct 6, 2017495,290 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 17V177000Mar 14, 201751 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

    Remedy: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 19, 2026GACrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    Airbags didn’t deploy during accident, vehicle hit on drivers side, greatly impacted, driver seatbelt was on. All recalls were completed. Impact from other vehicle that hit my vehicle had deployed airbags.
    NHTSA complaint #11765519 · source
  2. Filed Nov 4, 2024CA1 injuredAirbags
    I was driving in a parking lot and suddenly my air bag deployed for no reason I did not hit anyone or get hit for the airbag to deploy. Suffered some bruising on my right forearm and in my left ear I still hear ringing from the airbag deploying.
    NHTSA complaint #11623554 · source
  3. Filed Oct 25, 2024100,000 miCA1 injuredAirbags
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag unexpectedly deployed with no impact on the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and then restarted the vehicle before driving to the residence. The contact sustained bruises and scratches on his forearm, but medical attention was not received. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or…
    NHTSA complaint #11621947 · source
  4. Filed Dec 2, 2023CAAirbagsOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    The glue that suppose to make sure my windshield is secure is no longer secure. The windshield moves as I am driving. It’s only on the corner of the driver side. Everything else is secured. Also my airbags (passenger and driver). There is a recall but its not showing when I run the Vin # .
    NHTSA complaint #11558051 · source
  5. Filed Jan 9, 2023SCAirbags
    "Front Right Malfunction Service Required." Recently purchased vehicle, dealer performed recalibration before sale (error did not display during test drive or before purchase). 30 minutes after purchase notification popped up, dealer agreed to pay for repair. Took to non-purchasing Mercedes dealer, they were able to reproduce and quoted for $4179. Repair included seat replacement and height adjustment replacement. Purchasing dealer then refused repair The error pops up…
    NHTSA complaint #11500792 · source
  6. Filed Aug 23, 2022CAAirbags
    Per the attached Repair Order 948486 dated May 13, 2020, when I brought in the car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach for the airbag recall, I thought both of the Takata airbags were replaced and not just the passenger airbag. In fact, Repair Bill Job A states: “Replace Driver and Front Passenger Airbag”. “No Charge” I did not notice that they only replaced the passenger airbag. I would not have known the driver’s side was not replaced if the airbag warning light did not…
    NHTSA complaint #11480886 · source
  7. Filed Jul 11, 2022CAAirbags
    2013 mercedes benz c250. Consumer writes in regards to takta airbag safety recall. The consumer stated it was difficult getting in contact with the dealer in order to have the recall repair completed. The consumer requested to have the vehicle towed or, picked up by the dealer, due to having medical issues.
    NHTSA complaint #11473314 · source
  8. Filed May 27, 202279,000 miNCAirbags
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the driver’s side air bags were inadvertently deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11466430 · source
  9. Filed Aug 29, 2021CAAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    As I sat in my vehicle waiting for the traffic light. I felt a sudden hit on my head. At that moment I was confused, and thought someone had rear ended me. So like anybody would, I pulled over only to find out that the headrest on my 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 had came apart. It seems like the plastic inside tore apart from the springs causing pressure for it to deploy.
    NHTSA complaint #11430950 · source
  10. Filed Apr 28, 202167,000 miFLAirbagsOther / Unknown
    Driving vehicle normally and turn the wheel and hear clicking sound from around steering wheel. Front, drivers air bag malfunction light is illuminated and horn nor any controls on steering wheel work at all. Error message displayed "front left malfunction, service required" symbol for airbag displayed. Took vehicle to mercedes of palm beach dealership and they stated their were no open recalls on this model. I mentioned campaign [phone removed] (elec) campaign desc.…
    NHTSA complaint #11414313 · source
  11. Filed Feb 1, 2021GUAirbagsEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I have several saftey recalls and performance recalls. Right now my car is not operable due to these recalls. There is no dealer on my island. This vehicle was purchased brand new from hawaii and shipped to guam. The dealer is requesting us to ship back the vehicle to fix these recalls. Which will cost me about 10,000.00 for shipping. How do i go about this.
    NHTSA complaint #11391106 · source
  12. Filed Oct 27, 2020100,000 miCA1 injuredAirbags
    Airbag was deployed once they car was turn on, as i shifted to reverse to back away from a parking spot, airbag deployed. No impact, no collision, no pot holes. Vehicle was about tonreverse. Airbag struck primarily in the chest, neck, and throat. Whiplash effect has also cause lower back pain.
    NHTSA complaint #11366585 · source

Other 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 problem areas

  • Engine (23)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (12)
  • Steering (9)
  • Electrical System (7)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Suspension (5)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (2)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 problems →

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