Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

○ Not enough data

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 272
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 272 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	272
2013	278
2014	163
2015	12
2016	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

62% · 168 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V017000 (Air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-22

Also filed under Structure

Takata recall I was involved in a head on collision in 2015 driving my 2012 mercedes C250. The impact was severe and totaled my car, but the airbags did not deploy. My crashing speed was well over 45MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-24

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 report, 2023-10-18

Also filed under Engine and electrical system

Engine

22% · 61 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, smoke suddenly appeared under the hood and flames were present under the vehicle the fire department extinguished the flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-31

Fuel/propulsion system

6% · 16 reports

Service brakes

4% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

3% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing interlock/lockout and instrument cluster/panel.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-12-06Air bags17V627000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-10-31Air bags17V017000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-29Air bags19V010000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-07-10Air bags20V298000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-10Air bags21V638000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 168 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 61 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V627000 · Air bags
Recall 17V017000 · Air bags
Recall 19V010000 · Air bags
Recall 20V298000 · Air bags
Recall 21V638000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.