AI Damage2017 Mercedes-Benz C350: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C350 filed 1 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and exterior lighting. The maker issued 75 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 75
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 100% of all complaints
- 2 Exterior lighting 100% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 22.
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 9.
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The wires to the outside light fixtures are melting. The exterior light bulbs are melting into the sockets and the light assembly must be replaced in their entirety. This occurred multiple times on 3 different light assemblies: spring 2013, spring 2016 and november 2017.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 24,720 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 33% least complained about).
On average one model year of the C350 has 28 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 1, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and…
- Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE
Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration…
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the…
- Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance
A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After…
- This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on May 18, June 25, 2020 and October 1, 2020 and contains…
This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on May 18, June 25, 2020 and October 1, 2020 and contains important workshop instructions on how the HVAC Service Warranty repair must be carried out. To enhance the satisfaction…
- Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in…
- Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject…
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the TIREFIT sealant bottle may not meet specifications. The possibility exists that the sealant bottle may…
- Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the…
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in…
- Complaint The shift from 1st to 2nd gear may be uncomfortable under light load
Cause Vehicles with engine M264 and transmission 725.0 may be equipped with specific software versions. Remedy Update Transmission Software (VGSNAG3). 1. Perform IPR and update transmission control unit software - see…
- Complaint Possible humming noises from the drivetrain in the area of the rear axle, especially during…
Complaint Possible humming noises from the drivetrain in the area of the rear axle, especially during tight cornering in the lower speed range. Remedy Note: Please follow the instructions in this document. The…
- Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can…
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a…
- Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon,…
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the…
NHTSA lists 75 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C350?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 1.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C350?
NHTSA lists 75 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 2017 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 2017 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.