Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound and a metal-on-metal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and stopped the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and heard the same abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft adjusters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 25 MH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty because the 10-year time frame had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 94,328.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact there would be no assistance due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I was told by the Mercedes Benz service center I take my car to that the timing chain and cam adjusters failed. I have a Mercedes Benz 2013 C250, with only 58,000 miles on it. I have my car serviced on time. I was driving my car on the highway, thank God I stopped at a local drugstore and when I tried to turn my car back on, only the lights will come on. It would not start up, and I had to have my car towed to the MB Hunt Valley service center where I get my car serviced. The Service Rep told me I had to have the timing chain, camadjusters, and lower guide rails replaced costing $6000. There is a extended warranty on the camadjusters which took the price down to 3600 which is still pricey. Which makes me wonder shouldn't the timing chaing also be under extended waranty. This type of event should only happen at least after the car reaches 100,000 miles. …
The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked at and informed me that an extended warranty is in place for half of all the parts and labor above.all should be covered and for safety.my nerves are a wreck and without a way to afford an entirely new engine I am left to contend with car payments for an unsafe undrivable vehicle. …
The vehicle was represented to me as safe to drive, with no major mechanical issues, and that it would pass emissions after only a simple minor fix. After I took possession, the check engine light came on. The car began running rough and showing hesitation. A scan immediately showed a camshaft position sensor fault, cylinder misfire, lean fuel condition, and oxygen sensor/emissions faults. I was also told by a professional shop that the timing chain may be failing. I was then warned that these problems can cause power loss or engine stalling while driving, and that the vehicle in this condition would likely not pass a legal emissions inspection. I was never told about any of these safety or emissions problems before taking the vehicle. This situation creates a safety risk because sudden loss of engine power or stalling can happen in traffic.
The camshaft adjuster failed on my vehicle and created start up issues and had to be replaced at 123K miles. While not an immediate safety concern, the camshaft adjuster failure could lead to engine failure and is an inherent issue in this vehicle make and model. This is a flaw in the vehicle and Mercedes did not notify me of any recall or warranty terms.The repair code was confirmed and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealer for $2800.There were no warning lamps however I experienced engine start up issues. I contacted Mercedes as was advised they would open a case to review potentially partial warranty coverage however did not receive any type of resolution.
I was told this from a BENZ dealer. There was a warranty extension on this VIN: [redacted] that ended on 03/02/2023 which, had to do with adjustment units for the camshafts. Nothing we could assist with goodwill on this due to the age of vehicle. This is NOT fair and I'm experimenting this exact process and Mercedes Benz does not want to take responsibility and get this fixed for me. Now my vehicle can not pass a smog test required. Please help
Engine complaints in other C250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, 17% of the model year's 278 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.