2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 Engine Problems

The vehicle was represented to me as safe to drive, with no major mechanical issues, and that it would pass emissions after only a simple minor fix. After I took possession, the check engine light came on. The car began running rough and showing hesitation. A scan immediately showed a camshaft position sensor fault, cylinder misfire, lean fuel condition, and oxygen sensor/emissions faults. I was also told by a professional shop that the timing chain may be failing. I was then warned that these problems can cause power loss or engine stalling while driving, and that the vehicle in this condition would likely not pass a legal emissions inspection. I was never told about any of these safety or emissions problems before taking the vehicle. This situation creates a safety risk because sudden loss of engine power or stalling can happen in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11697039

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

News Channel Update | Warranty Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A Mercedes-Benz AG Company One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328 770.705.0600 IMPORTANT EXTENDED WARRANTY INFORMATION Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz Model 204 and 172 vehicles (C250 and SLK250), the warranty on the camshaft adjuster will be extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the original warranty start date. This camshaft adjuster extended limited warranty applies to all conditions that necessitate the replacement of the camshaft adjuster under the standard warranty terms and conditions. The extended warranty is applicable to the following vehicles: Model Years Sales Designation Engine Type C-Class 2012-2014 C250 M271 C-Class 2012-2015 C250 Coupe M271 SLK-Class 2012-2015 SLK271 Please be advised that all camshaft adjusters being claimed under warranty must have a short test with fault code attached and will be inspected. All camshaft adjusters found to be functioning properly or without proper documentation will be returned and the claim debited in full. The following damage codes and parts kit can only be claimed for the replacement of the camshaft adjuster: Damage Code: 05050 – Camshaft adjustment, intake camshaft Damage Code: 05052 – Camshaft adjustment, exhaust camshaft Parts: A 271 050 21 00 80 – Camshaft adjuster, kit IMPORTANT: 1. Always check VMI to determine if a vehicle is covered under the 10 year/120,000 mile warranty period 2. Short Test Documentation with fault code information (P001477, P001600, P001762, P001662, P001177, P001700, P001192, P001492, P034062, P036662) must be attached to all returned camshaft adjusters Please check the VIN in Netstar/VMI before scheduling the appointment for the repair. Applicable vehicles will be visible in Netstar/VMI on October 30, 2020

NHTSA ID

11658655

Incident

Feb 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound and a metal-on-metal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and stopped the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and heard the same abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11654546

Incident

Mar 3, 2025

Mileage

75,000 mi

I was told this from a BENZ dealer. There was a warranty extension on this VIN: [XXX] that ended on 03/02/2023 which, had to do with adjustment units for the camshafts. Nothing we could assist with goodwill on this due to the age of vehicle. This is NOT fair and I’m experimenting this exact process and Mercedes Benz does not want to take responsibility and get this fixed for me. Now my vehicle can not pass a smog test required. Please help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11652445

Incident

Feb 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while the independent mechanic was performing an oil change on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact of a coolant leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11636131

Incident

Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11635286

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 25 MH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty because the 10-year time frame had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 94,328.

NHTSA ID

11626398

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

Mileage

94,328 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft adjusters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11626033

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Mileage

40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact there would be no assistance due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11606181

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER breakdown with only 70k miles on engine. Dealership asking for 6k for repair as extended warranty expired last year.

NHTSA ID

11530733

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked at and informed me that an extended warranty is in place for half of all the parts and labor above.all should be covered and for safety.my nerves are a wreck and without a way to afford an entirely new engine I am left to contend with car payments for an unsafe undrivable vehicle. Since then the dealership recognized my concerns but has since stated that without a modification to the extended warranty or it being made a recall that there is nothing that can be done.

NHTSA ID

11478916

Incident

Jul 11, 2022

The camshaft adjuster failed on my vehicle and created start up issues and had to be replaced at 123K miles. While not an immediate safety concern, the camshaft adjuster failure could lead to engine failure and is an inherent issue in this vehicle make and model. This is a flaw in the vehicle and Mercedes did not notify me of any recall or warranty terms.The repair code was confirmed and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealer for $2800.There were no warning lamps however I experienced engine start up issues. I contacted Mercedes as was advised they would open a case to review potentially partial warranty coverage however did not receive any type of resolution.

NHTSA ID

11458092

Incident

Mar 17, 2022

MB have 51 000 miles at 1300 rpm acceleration getting rattling noise, just started two week.

NHTSA ID

11440386

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

over the last week I noticed a strong gas smell outside the car as I walk around in the back I check the gas cap and it seals normally and stronger than the smell that comes out of the gas cap

NHTSA ID

11440097

Incident

Nov 3, 2021

I was told by the Mercedes Benz service center I take my car to that the timing chain and cam adjusters failed. I have a Mercedes Benz 2013 C250, with only 58,000 miles on it. I have my car serviced on time. I was driving my car on the highway, thank God I stopped at a local drugstore and when I tried to turn my car back on, only the lights will come on. It would not start up, and I had to have my car towed to the MB Hunt Valley service center where I get my car serviced. The Service Rep told me I had to have the timing chain, camadjusters, and lower guide rails replaced costing $6000. There is a extended warranty on the camadjusters which took the price down to 3600 which is still pricey. Which makes me wonder shouldn't the timing chaing also be under extended waranty. This type of event should only happen at least after the car reaches 100,000 miles. I have called Mercedes Benz customer service and awaiting for someone to call me back to see if they can assist. Awaiting a response as of 8/2/2021. I called after getting diagnoses which was 7/30/21. I have read numerous other reports of this same exact issue happening to other people. This is a extreme risk and safety matter that needs to be addressed by Mercedes Benz as a recall. Being newer model cars, the timing chain and camshaft adjusters should not fail, and most definitely not fail at 58,000 miles. Please look into this before someone gets hurt.

NHTSA ID

11427465

Incident

Jul 29, 2021

I HAVE SEVERAL SAFTEY RECALLS AND PERFORMANCE RECALLS. RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS NOT OPERABLE DUE TO THESE RECALLS. THERE IS NO DEALER ON MY ISLAND. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM HAWAII AND SHIPPED TO GUAM. THE DEALER IS REQUESTING US TO SHIP BACK THE VEHICLE TO FIX THESE RECALLS. WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT 10,000.00 FOR SHIPPING. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ID

11391106

Incident

Jan 15, 2021

HELLO, I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER, USED WITH 69K MILES. DELIVERED IT WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID. I TEST DRIVE IT AND TOOK CAR TO MY HOUSE. AFTER A MONTH, I WENT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE STATION WHERE I FOUND OUT THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER IS OUT. COSTING ANOTHER $4900. I RESEARCH MORE ON THIS ISSUE; THIS IS A FLAW IN THE MERCEDES M271 ENGINE. AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MILEAGE, THE CAMSHAFT AND TIMING CHAIN HAVE BEEN MALFUNCTIONING IN MOST MERCEDES C250 CARS. MERCEDES DID A RECALL ON IT YEARS AGO THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER SOLENOID IS VERY FAULTY AS IT HAPPENS TO MOST C250 VEHICLE OWNERS. THE CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON EVERY DAY, THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WITH MERCEDES.

NHTSA ID

11374350

Incident

Jan 1, 2019

Mileage

69,000 mi

THE TIMING MECHANISM COMMONLY FAILS IN 2012-2013-2014 CARS AND THE ENGINE MAY STUTTER OR TOTALLY FAIL. THE LOCAL DEALER WANTS $7820 TO REPAIR THE CONDITION IN A CAR WHICH HAD LESS THAN 58000 MILES. THE WARRANTY IS OVER AT 50000 MILES. THE FAILURE IS COMMON AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND.MANY OF THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I CAN FAX MORE DETAILS

NHTSA ID

11354599

Incident

May 8, 2020

Mileage

57,900 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AROUND 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST POWER AND START SHAKING ACTING LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO FORWARD, I WAS AFRAID THAT IT WAS GOING SHUT DOWN ON ME AND A LOT OF CARS WAS COMING BEHIND ME I WAS SO AFRAID I WAS GOING TO BE IN A BAD ACCIDENT, I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT I WAS AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF ON ME AND NOT START BACK UP BUT I MANAGE TO MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSE BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WENT TO THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSE AND THE CODE CAME UP FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS I HAD THEM REPLACED, THEN MY CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I WOULD DRIVE IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AGAIN STAY ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND GO BACK OFF AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND I WAS INFORM THAT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN BUT I DIDN'T BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I HAD JUST REPLACED THE SENSORS AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND I DIDN'T HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON IT AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 1/2 YEARS, I STILL DIDN'T BELIEVE IT THEN MY CAR STARTED TO HESITATE ON STARTING UP AND LOOSING POWER WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT AGAIN, SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZE IN FIXING MERCEDES BENZ AND IT CAME BACK WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS DUE TO TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN NEED REPLACING. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE 2 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS ON THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST ME AROUND 5000.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON TIME, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.

NHTSA ID

11352408

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

88,500 mi

ENGINE START NOCKING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STOPPED ,TOOK IT TO MERCEDES DEALER , OVER 10000.00 TO FIX IT , CAM SHAFT ADJUSTER FAILED AND DAMAGED CYLINDER HEAD.

NHTSA ID

11351558

Incident

Aug 9, 2020

Mileage

5 mi

CAR LOST POWER, DIDN'T OVERHEAT. FOUND OUT THE TENSION AND TIMING AND HEADS NEED REPLACING AFTER 89,000 MILES

NHTSA ID

11350990

Incident

Aug 21, 2020

Mileage

89,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN AIR BAG REPLACEMENT AT DICK DYER MERCEDES-BENZ SERVICE CENTER (5825 TWO NOTCH RD, COLUMBIA, SC 29223) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE CRANKED EXCESSIVELY WHILE STARTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,800. *BF*JB

NHTSA ID

11330129

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

57,800 mi

WHENEVER I ACCELERATE ENGINE LIGHT COMES UP AND IT TURNS INTO LIMP MODE.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AS ME ARE HAVING SAME ISSUES. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 3 TIMES, THIS IS A ERROR IN HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA ID

11302785

Incident

Jan 29, 2020

Mileage

89,000 mi

AT 46,000 MILES MY MERCEDES BENZ C250 BEGAN HESITATING TO START AND THEN AFTER STARTING MADE A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE FOR 3 TO 4 SECONDS. AFTER THE CAR HAD HESITATED TO START FOR SEVERAL DAYS THE ENGINE LIGHT THEN CAME ON. WHEN TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR I WAS TOLD THE CAM SENSOR AS WELL AS THE CAM GEARS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE DONE ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON THIS VEHICLE AND AM A VERY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER, AS THIS CAR HAS VERY LOW MILES FOR BEING A 2013 MODEL. AFTER A BRIEF ONLINE SEARCH I FOUND COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MERCEDES BENZ C250. IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY THE DEALERSHIPS ARE UNWILLING TO PERFORM THIS WORK AT ANY KIND OF DISCOUNT BECAUSE A FORMAL RECALL HAS NEVER BEEN MADE FOR THIS ENGINE MODEL. THIS REPAIR RANGES IN PRICE FROM $4,000 TO $5,000. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ISSUE THAT URGENTLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AS MANY CONSUMERS ARE BEING LEFT TO PAY THIS EXCESSIVE BILL FOR AN ISSUE THAT I BELIEVE MERCEDES BENZ KNOWS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE IN THE C250 MODEL.

NHTSA ID

11288041

Incident

Dec 5, 2019

Mileage

46,700 mi

WHENEVER I WANT TO SPEED UP TO PASS A VEHICLE OR/AND TO ENJOY A RAPID ACCELARATING ENGINE LIGHT COMES UP AND IT TURNS INTO LIMP MODE.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ID

11282594

Incident

Nov 26, 2019

Mileage

92,300 mi