Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to AutoZone. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors and the ECM had failed. The contact sent a diagnostic report to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but no assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact stated that the control arm had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle was getting water inside the cabin from a leak coming from the sunroof. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and making a choking sound as if the vehicle was going to shut off. The check-engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that there was an electrical failure related to the leak coming from the sunroof leak and that there were corroded cam blocks. The cable for the sunroof was replaced along with the mats on the floor. The contact was unsure if the engine was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the jerking of the vehicle persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,315.
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 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 vehicle with cam shaft timing chain adjuster failure. The contact was informed that the cam shaft timing chain adjuster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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 was notified of the failure through a voicemail message. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz C250 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (63), 2013 (48) and 2014 (23) model years. Engine complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercedes-Benz C250 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger (1 mentions), followed by the engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) (1).
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.