Most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz C350 complaints by model year
Best C350 years: 2007, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →
2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400…
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama,…
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic,…
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. The recall began on August, 18, 2014.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 owners say
Air bags
I received a recall notice a long time ago (as much as 2 years or more?). I keep checking with the dealer only to be told they haven't received replacement airbags. I don't like the safety implications as well as the possible impact on the value of my car. What can be done to expedite replacement?
I received emails informing me that the air bags in my vehicle can explode and emit metal fragments. I was informed that they are waiting for replacement parts. It's been almost 2 years now and I am still waiting.
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated as he entered the vehicle, he could still smell the strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,861.
My engine light Jeep coming on with a p0456 code. Replace gas cap and purge valve control less then year ago. However I still smell gas when I fill up tank. After it goes down to 3/4 tank I don't smell gas. When it drop below half tank the engine light comes on. Same thing as last year now it starting again in June 2020. Only have 76000 miles. Dont drive thank much. Get service every year. They had recall for e350 back in 2013 however mb keep tell me its not my VIN. I think there is program with the C350 for 2011 model too. The light always come in when im driving does matter if city street or freeway. First time 2019. Repairs in July. Happen on 6/3/2020. Was clear then when gass went to half tank on 6/28/2020 it happen again.
2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 C350 rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the C350 at the same age. It is one of the C350 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350?
The air bags — 16 complaints, 62% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (5) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350, the most recent from January 9, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz C350?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2011. See the full Mercedes-Benz C350 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.