2010 Mercedes-Benz C350

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The interior driver door handle failed during normal use. The cable attachment eyelet broke off, preventing the interior door handle from opening the door. This is a safety issue because it prevents occupants from exiting the vehicle quickly during an emergency situation. When this failure occurs, occupants must roll down the window and operate the exterior door handle, or crawl to another seat and exit using different door. The failed interior door handle is available. This failure appears to be a common problem that occurs on all doors.

NHTSA ID

11526480

Incident

Jun 5, 2023

The interior door handles are not engineered correctly and break easily. I have had to replace mine 3 time at $1000 every time it breaks. This is a big Safety Hazard should I have to exit the vehicle for any type of emergency. It can also put people in harms way as most people due not have $1000 on hand to dump out every time one of these handles break and would have to wait conciderable time before repairs can be made. The car may be the only means they have to get to work. Very unsafe situation.

NHTSA ID

11523049

Incident

Jun 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, AFTER MOVING OFF FROM A FOUR-WAY TRAFFIC STOP, A PEDESTRIAN RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND SWERVED, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID STRIKING THE PEDESTRIAN. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE PEDESTRIAN AND THE CONTACT LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET BEEN PROVIDED A COPY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, RETRO ORBITAL HEMATOMA, FACIAL TRAUMA, MULTIPLE FACIAL CONTUSIONS, AND NECK STRAIN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE SCENE OF THE CRASH, AND WAS THEN TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PEDESTRIAN WAS INJURED HOWEVER, SHE WAS UNSURE OF HIS INJURY OR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S LOT AND WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2010 ##

NHTSA ID

11384577

Incident

Dec 5, 2020

Mileage

180,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C350. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RAPIDLY DEPRESSED. THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SLID SEVERAL FEET. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE CONTACT. THE PERSON THAT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO WAS NOT INJURED. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRES. THE CRASH WAS NOT IN REFERENCE TO ANY OPEN RECALL. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *DT 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ID

11240567

Incident

Jul 24, 2019

Mileage

160,000 mi

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF SAN ANTONIO AT 210-920-3235 (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. *DT

NHTSA ID

11182584

Incident

Feb 11, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11076746

Incident

Mar 6, 2017

ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, I PARKED MY VEHICLE ON LEVEL GROUND AT A SHOPPING CENTER AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND NEARLY HIT A PEDESTRIAN. I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED BACK INTO THE SPACE AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. I REPEATED THE SEQUENCE A THIRD TIME AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED A LITTLE AND STOPPED ON ITS OWN. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MERCEDES OF ANNAPOLIS AND THE SERVICE PERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE GEARS WORK ON AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND THE ISSUE WAS A 'FLUKE.' THE NEXT DAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS TIME I PARALLELED PARKED, PLACED MY VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT ROLLED FORWARD. I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE. I BACKED UP MY VEHICLE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT ROLLED FORWARD AGAIN. I DID IT A THIRD TIME AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT AND JERKY STOP.

NHTSA ID

11063724

Incident

Jan 16, 2018

Mileage

107,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL IN AUGUST 2016. AS OF THIS DATE, NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER TO ALLOW THIS ISSUE TO BE FIXED. AS OF THIS DATE, NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11052259

Incident

Aug 1, 2016

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 problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

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 windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing the rear axle carrier. The repair method for the respective model series can be found in the attachment. Repair packages are available in Xentry Repair Packages for the special processing of rear axle carriers Note: Please utilize flexible wand (319-SAT1058826) along with the Cavity Preservation Gun (W 000 588 03 72 00) for cavity wax application to improve coverage and reduces labor efforts. The flexible wand may be obtained through the Mercedes-Benz Standard Service Equipment Program website.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Axle Half Shaft noise when changing direction - Front) LI33.30-P-056665 (Axle Half Shaft noise when changing direction - Rear) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.