AI Damage2011 Mercedes-Benz C350: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and fuel/propulsion system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 26
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 62% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 15% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 4% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 4% of all complaints
- Air bags: 16 complaints (62% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints (15% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (4% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (4% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 26 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350. The contact received recall notices for nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v081000 (air bags) and 16v363000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
I had a fuel pump flange crack and leak fuel when tank was filled. Also, the check engine light threw codes relating to small leaks in the system and as such wouldn't pass state inspection. I had to get these fixed -- basically both sides (fuel pump/filter/sending unit) at the cost of almost $1,000 at a local shop.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350e. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). Demarois buick gmc mercedes-benz (3115 w broadway st, missoula, [ZIP], [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall remedy.
Upon inspection, fuel pump cover/cap seems to be cracked and leaking fuel. Engine code p0456.
We have the recall and I am sorry I do not have the number where the wiring harness to the tail lamps could melt catching fire causing the rear lamp to go out. Mine has done so.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,316 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 20% most complained about).
On average one model year of the C350 has 28 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 26, about average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system. Total complaints: 26. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (12%), warning lights, check engine (12%), smoke, burning smell, fire (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2011 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.