Which Mercedes-Benz C350 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2010 and 2012 as the Avoid years, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, both dominated by Airbags complaints.

What is the best Mercedes-Benz C350 year to buy?

No year is officially flagged as Best, but 2013 and 2015 score as Good with complaint indexes of 43 and 29, the lowest among years with data.

Does the Mercedes-Benz C350 have airbag recalls?

Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, making up 66% of the 121 total complaints, and multiple recall campaigns (part of the 11 total) target passenger airbag modules, including for 2010 and 2012.

How many complaints does the Mercedes-Benz C350 have overall?

NHTSA lists 121 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns across model years 2010-2020.

Are 2011 and 2014 C350 models risky?

They carry a Caution verdict, with complaint indexes of 71 and 57, lower than the Avoid years 2010 and 2012 but higher than the Good years.

Mercedes-Benz C350 Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

Among Mercedes-Benz C350 model years 2010-2020, 2010 and 2012 stand out as Avoid years, driven almost entirely by Airbags complaints (66% of all 121 complaints). 2013 and 2015 score as Good years with complaint indexes of 43 and 29. No year is listed as a top Best pick.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012

Model years: 8; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 121
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Airbags

C350 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz C350 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	18	3	0	4	Airbags	20	—
2011	Caution	71	26	0	2	4	Airbags	20	—
2012	Avoid	86	35	0	0	5	Airbags	22	—
2013	Good	43	21	0	0	6	Airbags	23	—
2014	Caution	57	13	1	0	4	Airbags	23	—
2015	Good	29	6	0	0	4	Airbags	22.5	—
2017	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Electrical System	—	—
2020	No verdict	14	1	0	0	0	Airbags	—	—

C350 years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 Index 100 · 18 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2010 C350 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of all years covered. Airbags account for 56% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 160,000 miles for that category; owners also reported brake and electrical/steering issues around 71,030 to 98,500 miles. NHTSA lists four recalls for this year, all tied to airbag modules. Owners described airbags failing to deploy in crashes and brake pedals not engaging, along with electronic steering lock and ignition switch failures around 99,060 miles.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 Index 86 · 35 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2012 C350 carries a complaint index of 86, the second-worst of the years tracked. Airbags make up 77% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 55,000 miles; Fuel System issues appear at a median of 50,000 miles. NHTSA lists five recalls, all related to airbag modules, including cases where replacement parts were reported unavailable for extended periods. Owners also mentioned a strong gasoline odor from the engine area.

2012 airbags problems →

Most common Mercedes-Benz C350 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags80 (66%)
Fuel System10 (8%)
Engine8 (7%)
Other8 (7%)
Electrical System7 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain6 (5%)
Structure & Body5 (4%)
Brakes4 (3%)
Steering4 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes-Benz C350 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2010 and 2012 as the Avoid years, with complaint indexes of 100 and 86, both dominated by Airbags complaints.
What is the best Mercedes-Benz C350 year to buy?: No year is officially flagged as Best, but 2013 and 2015 score as Good with complaint indexes of 43 and 29, the lowest among years with data.
Does the Mercedes-Benz C350 have airbag recalls?: Yes. Airbags are the top problem area across all years, making up 66% of the 121 total complaints, and multiple recall campaigns (part of the 11 total) target passenger airbag modules, including for 2010 and 2012.
How many complaints does the Mercedes-Benz C350 have overall?: NHTSA lists 121 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns across model years 2010-2020.
Are 2011 and 2014 C350 models risky?: They carry a Caution verdict, with complaint indexes of 71 and 57, lower than the Avoid years 2010 and 2012 but higher than the Good years.