Mercedes-Benz
C-Class

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.

I had just gotten off the highway it was a rainy day and pulled into my driveway when airbag deployed on its own. I am lucky to be alive. I purchased this vehicle about 2 yrs or so ago and ran carfax that showed recall was fixed by manufacturer. I contacted Mercedes corporate office and it’s been almost two weeks with me calling and emailing w no call backs or any resolution. I don’t have a car and could have been seriously injured. Please help.

Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to open the driver’s door from the inside. The handle broke through normal use upon trying to open the car door from the drivers side. The only way to exit the vehicle now is to roll down the window and reach around to use the exterior handle. On October 14, 2025, I spoke to two Mercedes-Benz dealerships in my area. They both confirmed this is a recurring problem on this model but stated there is no recall. One of them physically inspected the vehicle door problem. I believe the actual broken replacement part costs about $50. However, according to these same authorized Mercedes Benz repair shops I spoke to, Mercedes-Benz REQUIRES replacing the entire door panel assembly, which costs between $950 and $1,480 in labor and parts. This is not a reasonable or safe solution for such a critical component. This poses a serious safety hazard. In the event of a fire, collision, electrical failure, or if the windows become inoperable, the driver (myself) could become trapped inside the vehicle, leading to potential injury or death! I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this recurring defect, as it directly affects occupant safety and the ability to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Universal Imports, Rochester, NY – Inspected and confirmed recurring problem, no recall, verbal repair estimate $950, and Mercedes‑Benz of Rochester (West Herr Automotive), NY] – Confirmed recurring problem, verbal repair estimate $1480 Requested Action: Please investigate whether this defect warrants a safety recall or mandatory manufacturer repair campaign. The interior door handle failure on Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles represents a clear safety risk to occupants.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. While the vehicle was started, the contact became aware of an abnormal rattling sound. In addition, the check engine and the check coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an oil leak, and that oil was leaking onto the wires. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be dismantled, and the wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

The interior door handle of the driver's side door snapped, which does not allow the driver to open the door at all. In the event of a crash, fire, or emergency, the door can only be opened from the exterior. This is a widespread issue with this model of car, which Mercedes-Benz is very aware of. There are hundreds of videos and online discussions of this common saferty issue that Mercedes refuses to make right. This is a risk for the safety of all drivers of these vehicles. The car has been inspected and confirmed by a MB dealer. There were no warning indications before or after this happened. Mercedes Benz wants $1200 to fix this obvious defect.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil had traveled through the wiring harness causing the ECU to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover a portion of the repair cost. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensioners were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had experienced the failure with the timing chain tensioner on three separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

THIS IS THE SECOND TIMING CHAIN TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER THAT HAS GONE BAD. EVEN THOUGHT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS REPORTED, MERCEDES WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A RECALL PROBLEM. MY SAFTY IS AT RISK IF MY ENGINE BECOMES DISABLED ON THE HYWAY.