repaired · 2023 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2013 Mercedes-Benz C250Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 278 owner complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-638 the manufacturer reports only 46% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 has problems
278 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
163Air bags15 crash/fire/injury
46Engine5 crash/fire/injury
24Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
19Steering
14Power train
14Electrical system
11Structure
5Fuel system, gasoline
5Vehicle speed control
2611 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 163 | 15 |
| Engine | 46 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 1 |
| Steering | 19 | 3 |
| Power train | 14 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 26 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Communication
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Steering
Risk. A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
58kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 air bags complaints. 88% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 39% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
4under 30k miles28under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other C250 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C250 median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What C250 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Airbags didn’t deploy during accident, vehicle hit on drivers side, greatly impacted, driver seatbelt was on. All recalls were completed. Impact from other vehicle that hit my vehicle had deployed airbags.
I was driving in a parking lot and suddenly my air bag deployed for no reason I did not hit anyone or get hit for the airbag to deploy. Suffered some bruising on my right forearm and in my left ear I still hear ringing from the airbag deploying.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag unexpectedly deployed with no impact on the vehicle. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and then restarted the vehicle before driving to the…
Own a 2013 C250?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.