AI Damage2013 Mercedes-Benz C350: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350 filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 21
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 71% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 5% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 5% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 5% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 5% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 5% of all complaints
- Air bags: 15 complaints (71% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (10% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (5% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (5% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (5% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 21 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 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 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.
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off.
The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated.
The frame is literally rotting from the inside out. Apparently this is a very common problem with Toyota 4 runners. This should have been recalled and fixed by Toyota like they did with the Tacoma and sequoias.
I noticed my 2013 MB C350 was making strange noises and vibrations. I could feel the car steering in a different direction when I let go of the wheel. I took it to my service dealer and was told the subframe was severely rusted which included the suspension, struts, and even brake line.
After owning a cpo,for about5 years. Recently the tilt/ mechanism failed to operate. I took it to dealer and without any tools in his hands he fixed it.about 6months it worked fine,then it stopped.I took it back to dealer and the advisor that fixed it is no longer working there,nobody else had ever heard of this…
2013 mercedes benz c-350. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. The manufacturer stated the parts were not available.
While driving over 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate past 30 mph. In addition, the engine, eps, and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The contact pulled over and powered off the engine.
The contact mentioned that air bag warning indicator illuminated and the front passenger turn signal light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to flagship motorcars of lynnfield (385 broadway, rte. 1, lynnfield, [ZIP]) and was informed that the part was not available for the recall repair.
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 8,077 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 22% most complained about).
On average one model year of the C350 has 28 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 21, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, powertrain, engine. Total complaints: 21. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: loss of power / limp mode (10%), warning lights, check engine (10%), airbag warning light (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 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 2013 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 2013 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 2026-11-06.