Is the 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250

○ Not enough data

2013 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: 278
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2013: 278 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

59% · 164 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Airbags didnât 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 ODI report, 2026-09-19

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 ODI report, 2024-11-04

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-25

Engine

17% · 46 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 24 reports

INJURY

Steering

7% · 19 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Mercedes has had an issue with the steering lock for years and continue to not fix the issue. My vehicle would not turn on at random times, and this is due to a fault with the steering lock and key.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-26

Power train

5% · 14 reports

INJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2017-04-21Air bags, electrical system17V177000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-05-19Steering17V252000 Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 bags18V043000 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...

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.

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

2019-12-23Communication19V787000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019.

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

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 164 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V177000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 17V252000 · Steering
Recall 17V627000 · Air bags
Recall 18V043000 · Air bags
Recall 19V010000 · Air bags
Recall 19V787000 · Communication
Recall 21V638000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?: 7 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.