Mercedes-Benz C350 Problems by Year

We compared every Mercedes-Benz C350 model year from 2006–2015 using 357 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 18 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2011, which drew far more complaints than other C350 years at the same age. The best years are 2007, 2015 and 2014.

10model years
357complaints
18recalls
2008, 2009worst years
2007, 2015best years

Complaints by model year

20062007200820092010201120122013201420152361446518263521136
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz C350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20156−58%4AirbagGood
201413−42%4AirbagGood
2013211.2×6AirbagAverage
2012352.1×5AirbagAvoid
2011261.6×4AirbagCaution
201018−16%4AirbagAverage
2009653.7×7AirbagAvoid
20081446.4×6ElectricalAvoid
20076−63%5Fuel SystemGood
200623−37%5Fuel SystemAverage

* Complaints compared with the median C350 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mercedes-Benz C350 problems

  • 15844%
  • 7521%
  • 5616%
  • Lightsworst: 2008
    4513%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2006
    308%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2008
    267%
  • Other / not specified
    144%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2008
    113%
  • Body & structureworst: 2008
    93%
  • Brakesworst: 2009
    93%
  • Suspensionworst: 2012
    62%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2008
    41%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2008
    41%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2008
    31%
  • Seatsworst: 2009
    31%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2008
    21%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2008
    10%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2008
    10%

Latest Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 24V-874 · Nov 19, 2024 · 33,456 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 22V-954 · Dec 23, 2022 · 131,653 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM) › Software

NHTSA recall 22V-168 · Mar 18, 2022 · 22 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 21V-638 · Aug 13, 2021 · 205 vehicles

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.

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.

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 21V-196 · Mar 19, 2021 · 11,356 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021.

All 18 Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz C350 should you avoid?

2008, 2009, 2012 and 2011 — these years have the most complaints relative to other C350 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2008.

What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz C350?

2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other C350 years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz C350 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (158), electrical system (75) and steering (56). Airbag complaints peak in the 2008 model year.

How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz C350 had?

18 recalls across 2006–2015. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls by year.

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.