RoadVitals

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
168
Latest Jun 12, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
62%
of 272 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 168 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 168, in the owner's own words

AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 12, 2025

The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil and spark plug of cylinder 3. **Source of Leak:** Valve cover gasket failure. **Recommended Repairs:** - Replace the valve cover gasket (to halt the oil leak). - Replace spark plugs and ignition coil (which were contaminated/damaged by oil). **Relevance to Warranty:** The valve cover gasket is only covered if it fails as a result of an internally lubricated engine part causing damage. Ignition coils and spark plugs are maintenance items and are not covered by warranty plans. **Required Repairs (Identified Mechanical Issues)** - **Coolant Pipe Leak – $850** **Issue:** Coolant leaking from a pipe on the side of the cylinder head. **Relevance to Warranty:** Typically not covered unless it pertains to a failure in a covered system such as the water pump or cylinder head due to an internal breakdown. This is likely classified as an external plumbing component, which is not included. - **Oil Feed Line Leak – $600** **Issue:** Oil leaking from the side of the engine, traced back to the oil feed line. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is not typically covered unless the oil feed line is part of the oil pump system and has failed due to an internal issue (usually regarded as an external line). **Other Items Found (Worsening Issues)** - **Timing Chain Rattle / Cam Adjuster Noise – $6,000** -**Issue:** Rattling sound during startup. **Diagnosis:** Noise emanating from the timing chain and camshaft adjusters. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is covered under Secure Plus, as both the timing chain and camshaft adjusters are recognized as internally lubricated par

NHTSA ID
11666448
Incident
Mar 1, 2025
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 18, 2023

1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.

NHTSA ID
11550669
Incident
Oct 9, 2023
Airbags
Filed Feb 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that she noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted because the vehicle had been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V638000 (Air Bags) and the dealer stated that the seat belt was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ID
11506437
Incident
Feb 7, 2023
Mileage
78,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 22, 2020
Crash reported2 injuries reported

PLEASE ALLOW THIS TO SERVE AS A LIMITED NOTICE TO I) MERCEDES-BENZ AG, II) MBUSA AND III) DAIMLER AG OF A NEW TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR RUPTURE FOR TREAD COMPLIANCE PURPOSES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W,VIN#: ***************** (THE 'VEHICLE'). I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF REPRESENTING TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE SEVERELY INJURED ON 11/7/2020 WHEN THE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY RUPTURED DURING A CRASH EVENT DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE RUPTURE. DUE TO THE VIOLENT EXPLOSION OF THE INFLATOR MODULE, THE INFLATOR'S IGNITER CAPS AND HOUSING BLEW APART AND STRUCK THE PASSENGER, A YOUNG FEMALE, IN THE FACE AND HEAD WITH LETHAL VELOCITY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE YOUNG FEMALE PASSENGER HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 WEEKS WITH SEVERE INJURIES AND MULTIPLE SURGICAL PROCEDURES. HER CURRENT INJURIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF VISION IN HER LEFT EYE, COGNITIVE TRAUMA, FACIAL PARALYSIS AND DIMINISHED HEARING CAPACITY IN BOTH EARS: AS SHOWN BELOW, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE BLEW APART (AS WE HAVE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA BAGS)'DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF AMMONIUM NITRATE PROPELLANT USED IN THIS MODEL FOR DEPLOYMENT. THE BELOW IMAGES SHOW PIECES OF THE INFLATOR MODULE POST-EXPLOSION, INCLUDING THE INFLATOR MESH, HOUSING AND IGNITER CAPS FROM STAGE 2 SEPARATION. ## VIN PASSED ## 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W ##*DT*DT*JB *TR

NHTSA ID
11375773
Incident
Nov 7, 2020
Airbags
Filed Nov 11, 2020

MY MERCEDES HAS A RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIR BAGS. I DO NOT LIVE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ORANGE PARK, FL WHICH IS AROUND 85 MILES AWAY. I HAVE, ALSO, SPOKEN TO MERCEDES CUSTOMER CARE. NEITHER WILL ASSIST IN HAVING MY CAR PICKED UP AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP OR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY ASSISTANCE IN REMOVING A BARRIER TO HAVE THE AIR BAG REPLACED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RECALL BUT HOW DO I COMPLY AND MITIGATE RISK OF INJURY IF MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO HELP CAR OWNERS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS? PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ID
11374135
Incident
Nov 11, 2020
Airbags
Filed Aug 28, 2020

AIR BAG HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED

NHTSA ID
11351848
Incident
Dec 1, 2012
Airbags
Filed Jul 20, 2020

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY 2019 TO REPLACE MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE AS THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO EXPLODE. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 19V010. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ID
11340471
Incident
Jan 18, 2019
Airbags
Filed Jun 8, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF RALEIGH (5607 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 573-5050) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF DURHAM (110 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713, (919) 794-7077) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11327769
Incident
Apr 1, 2020
Airbags
Filed Apr 14, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SALT LAKE CITY (575 S STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS OF TIMES.*JB

NHTSA ID
11321129
Incident
Apr 14, 2020
Airbags
Filed Feb 21, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF AUGUSTA, 3061 WASHINGTON ROAD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, CONFIRMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11310518
Incident
Sep 22, 2017
Airbags
Filed Jan 7, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATHENS (LOCATED AT 1886 LUXURY DR, WATKINSVILLE, GA 30677, (706) 549-6585) AND CARLTON MOTORCARS INC. (LOCATED AT 2446 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 213-8000) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11297608
Incident
Mar 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Dec 20, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250C. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN ANTONIO AT 210-920-3237 (LOCATED AT 9600 SAN PEDRO AVE, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11290364
Incident
Jan 10, 2017
Airbags
Filed Dec 19, 2019

AIRBAGS NOT REPLACED!

NHTSA ID
11290037
Incident
Dec 19, 2019
Airbags
Filed Dec 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED CRITZ INC. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAVANNAH (7000 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31406, (912) 354-7000) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE PENDING AND UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL AND THAT HE WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE PARTS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11286341
Incident
Mar 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Nov 26, 2019

NO REMEDY FOR AIRBAG RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11282528
Incident
Nov 26, 2019
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Nov 22, 2019
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED PLAZA MOTORS (LOCATED AT 11654 OLIVE BLVD, CREVE CORE, MO 63141, 314-485-4926) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.*MP CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOW COVER ROAD, HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND REALIZED CAR HIT THE CURVE TAKING DOWN THE PASSENGER BUMPER.*JB

NHTSA ID
11281852
Incident
Jan 18, 2017
Airbags
Filed Nov 13, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FIELDS MOTORCARS (4141 N FLORIDA AVE, LAKELAND, FL 33805, (863) 688-8111) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE IS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND 20,000 MILES IN MARCH 2019.*JB *BF*JB

NHTSA ID
11279825
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
20,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 4, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED JAMES MOTOR COMPANY MERCEDES-BENZ (2440 RICHMOND RD, LEXINGTON, KY 40502, (859) 268-1150) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOUISVILLE (2520 TERRA CROSSING BLVD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40245, (502) 565-4410) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11277975
Incident
Jan 31, 2017
Airbags
Filed Oct 29, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING FLETCHER JONES MERCEDES-BENZ (3300 JAMBOREE RD, NEWPORT BEACH, CA) AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11271765
Incident
Aug 1, 2018
Airbags
Filed Oct 24, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ ARLINGTON (4201 BELTWAY PL, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, (833) 666-5434) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO RECEIVE A LOANER VEHICLE BECAUSE A CRASH HAD NOT OCCURRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11270852
Incident
Feb 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Oct 21, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *PM*JB

NHTSA ID
11270071
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Airbags
Filed Oct 21, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF LONG BEACH (LOCATED AT 2300 E SPRING ST, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755, (562) 374-7759) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11270035
Incident
Mar 1, 2014
Airbags
Filed Oct 15, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). MERCEDES-BENZ OF HOUSTON (17510 I45 NORTH FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11268711
Incident
Sep 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Oct 15, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. AFTER CONTACTING MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH (9275 ALTERNATE A1 SOUTH, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL) AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11268465
Incident
Feb 1, 2017
Airbags
Filed Sep 19, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT MERCEDES-BENZ OF PLEASANTON (LOCATED AT 5885 OWENS DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588, (925) 463-2525) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11256744
Incident
Feb 1, 2017

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .