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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2012

Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 176 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, covering model years 1995 to 2012. The 1995 model year drew the most complaints (49), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz C-Class VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 176 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 14 model years with data (1995–2012)
  • most complaints: 1995 (49 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (84 complaints)
  • latest recall 08V303000 (reported Jul 7, 2008)
  • 9 complaints reporting a crash (5.1%)
  • 9 complaints reporting a fire (5.1%)
  • 9 complaints reporting an injury (5.1%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a death (0.6%)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints by model year

14 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1995 model year has the most complaints: 49 of 176, or 27.8%. Next come 2002 (31) and 2004 (15). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2012Column chart of 176 complaints across 18 model years. The highest is 1995 with 49. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 49 complaints4919951996: 6 complaints619961997: 3 complaints319971998: 6 complaints619981999: 7 complaints719992000: 8 complaints820002001: 14 complaints1420012002: 31 complaints3120022003: 9 complaints920032004: 15 complaints1520042005: 5 complaints520052006: 9 complaints920062007: 0 complaints20072008: 13 complaints1320082009: 0 complaints20092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 1 complaint12012
Show the figures for all 14 model years
Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995492231
199660000
199730100
199860000
199971010
200080000
2001140000
2002311200
200391010
2004152220
200550000
200690010
2008132210
201210000
All model years1769991

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mercedes-Benz C-Class components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 84 complaints (47.7% of all 176), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (23) and Power Train (15).

Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System8447.7%
Engine and Engine Cooling2313.1%
Power Train158.5%
Tires126.8%
Air Bags116.3%
Exterior Lighting116.3%
Suspension116.3%
Seats105.7%
Fuel System, Gasoline84.5%
Vehicle Speed Control84.5%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic74.0%
Unknown or Other74.0%
Visibility63.4%
Equipment52.8%
Structure52.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name C-Class, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2008. The 2005 and 2006 model years appear in the most campaigns (2 each).

  • 6 recall campaigns
Mercedes-Benz C-Class recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 1 campaign1997: no campaigns1998: 1 campaign1999: 1 campaign
2000: no campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: no campaigns2003: no campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: 2 campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 08V303000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2005–2006

    Mercedes-Benz is recalling MY 2006-2008 m-class, r-class, MY 2005-2009 SLK-class, MY 2005-2008 c-class, MY 2003-2004 and 2006-2008 CLK-class, MY 2003-2008 e-class, MY 2004 and 2008 CL-class, MY 2008 CLS-class, MY 2004 and 2007-2008 s-class, MY 2003 g-class, and MY 2003-2004, 2006 and 2009 SL-class vehicles. A software calibration number (SCN) coding received on the affected vehicles during a recent workshop visit was incorrect. Depending on the model year and model affected, the results of an incorrect SCN coding can affect a number of vehicle safety and emission functions including the following types of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the OBD system may cause the check engine light to illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recode the SCN free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2008. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 07V465000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other

    Model year 2008

    Certain vehicles fail to comply with some of the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "occupant crash protection." The rear outboard seat belts do not comply with the lap-belt lockability requirement which enables the lap belt portion of the belt to be locked by the user to facilitate the use of older non-latch design child restraint devices.

    Consequence:
    Under certain circumstances, this situation may cause the locking mechanism not to perform as required by the standard for use with older non-latch child restraints.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace all potentially affected seat belts. The recall began on November 19, 2007. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 05V560000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2005–2006

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "occupant crash protection." In certain low risk air bag deployment tests conducted by NHTSA, using an out-of-position unbelted 5th percentile female crash test dummy, irregularities were demonstrated indicating that occupants may not be properly protected in a crash.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could result in injuries.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new air bag inflator module free of charge. The recall began on March 15, 2006. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 03V534000

    Reported

    Seat Belts

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the seat belts. Owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V366000

    Reported

    Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery

    Model years 1998–1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with hoppecke batteries. The battery maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels.

    Consequence:
    The low electrolyte levels result in accelerated battery grid growth, increased potential for inter-cell rupture and sparking, and the potential for a battery explosion.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the batteries, including fluid levels. Some batteries may be replaced if necessary, on a case by case basis. In addition to the battery inspection, the addition of labels in the vehicle owner's manual and engine compartment will be included to conspicuously remind owners as well as dealer and service personnel of the need to perform battery maintenance. Owner notification began February 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 96V058000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 1996

    The drive belt pulley on the engine can develop fatigue cracks in the metal and break. If the drive pulley breaks, the car would not have engine cooling, battery charging, and/or power steering.

    Consequence:
    Loss of these systems can cause the car to over heat, lose power from the battery, and loss of control of the car increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine crankshaft damper-pulley on these vehicles.

    Filed by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, covering model years 1995 to 2012. The most recent, 08V303000, was reported on July 7, 2008 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2005 and 2006 model years are covered by the most campaigns (2 each).

Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year has the most complaints?

The 1995 model year, with 49 of the 176 complaints in NHTSA’s file (27.8%). The next are 2002 (31) and 2004 (15). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 84 complaints, or 47.7% of all 176. Engine and Engine Cooling (23) and Power Train (15) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

How many Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 176 complaints, 9 report a crash, 9 a fire, 9 at least one injury and 1 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mercedes-Benz models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder with every Mercedes-Benz model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mercedes-Benz models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.