How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?

NHTSA lists 15 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 C250, which is about 5% of the 278 total complaints filed for this model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?

Yes. Recall campaign 17V177000 covers the Electrical System and calls for a software update to affected control units, done free of charge by dealers.

Did any 2013 C250 electrical complaints involve a fire?

Yes, NHTSA data shows one fire and zero crashes or injuries among the 15 Electrical System complaints for this model year.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 C250?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 C250 is 71,500 miles.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 15 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, about 5% of its 278 total complaints. One complaint involved a fire, and a related recall (campaign 17V177000) covers a software update for the affected control units. Median mileage at failure was 71,500.

Electrical System complaints: 15; 5% of 278
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 71,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

A vehicle caught fire without warning shortly after starting to smoke, with flames spreading to the front end.
Some vehicles suddenly lost power and would not restart when the push-start button was pressed, even after multiple attempts.
Owners describe the rear passenger brake light and turn signal failing after a ground wire overheated and burned out.
The ESL (electronic steering lock) system has locked the steering wheel and prevented the engine from starting, leaving the car without lights or power.

When 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 14, 2017, latest Jun 14, 2026.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2017 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250

NHTSA 17V177000Mar 14, 2017Electrical System51 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
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.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Electrical System complaints by C250 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201210 (4%)
201315 (5%)
201416 (10%)
20151 (8%)
20160 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?: NHTSA lists 15 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 C250, which is about 5% of the 278 total complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?: Yes. Recall campaign 17V177000 covers the Electrical System and calls for a software update to affected control units, done free of charge by dealers.
Did any 2013 C250 electrical complaints involve a fire?: Yes, NHTSA data shows one fire and zero crashes or injuries among the 15 Electrical System complaints for this model year.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 C250?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 C250 is 71,500 miles.