2018 Mercedes-Benz C 250 D

Owner complaints

Latest complaints

• Nov 22, 2018AL17 miCrash1 injury
  Service brakes
  I bought a car in april 2018. the first accident occurred on the highway in may 2018. I was driving at a speed of 75 km / h. I saw the car in front of me stepping on the brakes and I also stepped on the brakes, but my car did not slow down. Mercedes-benz korea claimed that there was no problem…

  I bought a car in april 2018. the first accident occurred on the highway in may 2018. I was driving at a speed of 75 km / h. I saw the car in front of me stepping on the brakes and I also stepped on the brakes, but my car did not slow down. Mercedes-benz korea claimed that there was no problem with the car, although the car collided with the car as it was. in july 2018, the second accident occurred in the underground parking lot of the apartment where I live. I started the car, I saw a car in front of 60M. As soon as I found the car and stepped on the brakes, my car suddenly started to run at high speed. I was surprised and braked harder. The harder the brakes were, the faster the car drove. Fortunately, I did not hit the car that was on the opposite side, but my car was pushed into the wall. on cctv, you can see that I was pushed into the wall with my brakes on. It IS because the brake light of my vehicle comes in. by the way, mercedes-benz korea says that there IS no problem with my vehicle for five months and that everything IS my fault. I have also reported several times that there IS a problem with the ABS modulator of a c-class car made by mercedes-benz at a korean broadcasting station. mercedes-benz korea told me that when I first had a conversation, the ABS modulator was working and that the car slipped because of it. I accidentally hit the brake pedal. my car was turning on the brake lights all the way up to 60M straight ahead (i was still on the brakes) and the car eventually hit the wall. when I protested to mercedes-benz korea, they said to me, "the brake light IS on, but the brake assist light IS off. You did not brake." they had an obviously different answer from the beginning. "I ride the car again. How will you be responsible if you have an accident?" when asked them, they "do not have to answer anything that has not happened yet."

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
• 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
• 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
• 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
• 11006658Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231, and 190 platforms) vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software of the engine control unit may not meet current specifications. Under certain conditions, the catalyst heating might not work. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the engine control unit software on the affected vehicles. Affected customers will be notified via First Class letter to have the update performed on their vehicle.
• 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
• 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
• 10244837The "SOS nonfunctional" message appears sporadically in the instrument cluster of the vehicle. The fault code B129C00 is stored in the control unit log. The message occurs in particular after the vehicle has been non-operational for an extended period of time; the message then disappears of its own accord after a few minutes. No functional limitation to the emergency call system is to be expected. Software error in N112/9 control unit for telematics services (HERMES). Software update for control unit N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES) to software release E522.8. If, against expectations, the erroneous display of the message in the instrument cluster continues to occur following the update, please create a TIPS case.
• 10243565In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is extending the coverage for the intake line assembly on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first), and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2015 - 2020 C/E/GLC/SLC and SLK vehicles, under certain circumstances, the partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line assembly) may not work as intended, resulting in the illumination of the check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). A faulty partial-load ventilation valve might also increase exhaust gas emission. . Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be performed at no cost to you. This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet. We hope you are enjoying your Mercedes-Benz vehicle and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
• 10241527Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2018-2023 C-Class, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, EQS SUV, GLC, GLE and S-Class (206, 295, 294, 297, 296, 254, 167 and 223 platform) vehicles, the communication module software does not correspond with the latest series production configuration. The update is free of charge and will be carried out in the background. The installation will eliminate software errors for a better entertainment experience. The update will show after the ignition has been cycled. MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. A workshop visit for the customer is not required since remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customers vehicle. The OTA may be validated as successful on the customers Mercedes Me connect app under Over-the-Air Vehicle Updates as Update for the communication module. If the OTA is successful it will show a green installed and date of installation in the Over-the-Air update section.
• 10231031Staining on door trim strips and top and bottom trim elements on rear side windows. Cause Damage to protective coating of door beltline trim strips, door upper trim strips and side window trim element. Remedy 1. Check if the problem cannot be rectified by polishing the trim bars with the polishing paste. 2. If the complaint cannot be rectified, replace the door beltline trim bars, door upper trim bars and rear side window with trim element with optimized protective coating.
• 10217162Complaint Customer may have one or more of the following complaints: Vehicle location is shown incorrectly in the Navigation Display Navigation destination search is not possible Street names are not shown in Navigation display Apple Carplay is inoperable Cause Improper installation of navigation map data Remedy Follow these steps to delete and re-install map data: Re-format an empty USB drive to NTFS (do not use quick formatting option) Unzip the attached map data deletion file directly to the USB drive. Do not add a folder, only the root files should be shown on the USB drive Generate a pin for the Navigation Delete Database in Vedoc (see attached screenshot) Plug USB drive with map data delete file into the vehicle's USB port and follow instructions in the COMAND Display to delete the installed map data Once the originally installed map data is deleted, then install the newest available map data in Download Manager
• 10217157Complaint Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment jammed in the top/bottom adjustment position (e.g. with Easy Entry function). Cause Height adjustment moves to the top/bottom limit stop and jams. 1. Steering column height adjustment transmission 2. Seat control unit software Remedy There are 2 repair procedures to follow depending on vehicle (differentiated according to model and vehicle manufacturing date) 1. Replace repair kit for steering column height adjustment 2. Perform software update of driver's seat control unit
• 10217154Complaint Thumping noise on rear axle shock absorber on rough road. Cause Until now the rear axle shock absorber support bushing was only available together with the rear axle shock absorber as a replacement part. In future, the rear axle shock absorber support bushing will be available individually as a replacement part to avoid any unnecessary shock absorber noise. Remedy For noise problems on the rear axle shock absorbers, please always make a noise diagnosis, for example using Chassis Ear to localize any sources of noise on shock absorbers or support bushings. If the noise originates from the upper part of the shock absorbers, it is enough to replace the support bushings. Otherwise the complete shock absorber including support bushing have to be replaced. The modified support bushings must be replaced in pairs the first time so that any mixed installation of old and new is reliably ruled out.
• 10209877Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy Follow guided tests as described.
• 10209874Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2015-2018 C-Class and GLC-Class (205 and 253 platform) vehicles, the software for the powertrain control unit may not correspond to the current production specifications. It is possible that the next maintenance interval is displayed to the user as a negative distance reading in the instrument cluster. What Were Doing MBUSA will conduct a service campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the powertrain control unit software.
• 10207199Complaint The range of the integrated garage door opener (GTO) is too short. Cause 1. Vehicles equipped with infrared windows and/or a heated windshield may suffer from complaints involving low transmission power. 2. When comparing the range between the integrated GTO and the garage door hand transmitter, the garage door hand transmitter is tested outside the vehicle. 3. The garage door hand transmitter is being aimed towards the garage door, but the vehicle is in a different position. 4. The garage door drive is old. Remedy 1. The lower level of transmission power is mainly perceived by customers who did not have any infrared windows (code 595) or all-round infrared windows (code 596) or heated windshield (code 597) in their previous model or who have another model without this special equipment in their fleet. The loss in transmission has technical reasons, i.e. a thin metal film is fitted in the windows. Please consider these codes and advise the customer accordingly! Replacing parts does not remedy the problem. 2. Perform the comparison test between the integrated GDO and the garage door hand transmitter under identical conditions. The garage door hand transmitter must be inside the vehicle and must be held at the height of the inside rearview mirror. 3. The customer instinctively aims the garage door hand transmitter towards the door. However, the transmission direction of the integrated GDO depends on the position of the inside rearview mirror, and thus depends directly on the position of the vehicle relative to the receiving antenna of the garage door drive.
• 10207198Complaint The garage door hand transmitter cannot be initialized with the integrated garage door opener in the inside rearview mirror. Cause 1. The integrated garage door opener (GDO) is not compatible with the opening system installed in the garage. 2. The garage door drive uses a rolling code system. In contrast to the fixed code system, the LED in the mirror in this case flashes green after programming. 3. When the handheld remote control is initialized with the integrated GDO, the distance between the handheld remote control and the GDO is too long or too short. 4. The maximum programming time of the hand transmitter was exceeded. The hand transmitter switches itself off after 10s to 20s. However, the garage door opener needs up to 30s to learn the code. 5. The maximum programming time of the integrated GDO was exceeded. The integrated GDO has aborted programming unsuccessfully. 6. The GDO cannot be programmed after replacement (See #9). 7. The batteries of the hand transmitter are too weak. 8. A part of the signal was not registered correctly. 9. The GDO is not programmed to US standards. 10. Errors with Chamberlin MyQ, Liftmaster MyQ, or Craftsman AssureLink systems causing loss of synchronization. Remedy Note: The numbering of the remedies refers to the numbering of the causes. 1. Installation of a universal receiver. Order via the Homelink Hotline. 2. In the case of garage door drives with rolling code system, synchronization of the garage door drive must also be performed. 3. Keep the correct distance when initializing! This can vary between 5 and 20 cm depending on the system. If the initialization attempt is unsuccessful, repeat the initialization process, changing the distance between the hand transmitter and the mirror.
• 10206077"MY15+ M278 and M157 Equipped Vehicles with Fault Code ""P023400 Boost Pressure is Too High"" "
• 10205807The Weather App will not populate local weather data based on current vehicle position.
• 10205801Intermittently after bus sleep the lower control panel LCP and upper control panel UCP may be panel UCP may be inoperable.
• 10205247Traffic information service and posibly the voice control, nonfunctional after navigation software update.
• 10205241Navigation system permanently displays "Activating".
• 10205240Reset the customer-specific data and perform a software update of the AUDIO20 control unit.
• 10205232Disturbed Antenna Signal.
• 10205230CD/DVD No longer ejected or drawn in.
• 10205223Headlamp fog.
• 10205215Window lifter and outside mirror on passenger side malfunction after replacement of door control unit.
• 10205156Intial startup not possible after replacement of transmisson 725.0 or of electrohydraulic controller unit.
• 10205154Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak.
• 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
• 10195220For plug in hybrid and electric variants: Complaints about the electric range
• 10189400Mercedes-Benz AG (?MBAG?), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year 2018-2019 C and E-Class vehicles (205/238 platforms), an incorrect activated carbon filter might have been installed. In this case, the vehicle may not meet emission and certification requirements. MBUSA will conduct a voluntary Emission Recall Campaign in which an authorized Mercedes- Benz dealer will check the activated carbon filter, and replace it, if necessary.
• 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
• 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
• 10178715Headlamps fogged
• 10178713Headlamps fogged
• 10175245NTG5.5 Audio 20 with codes 355 and 357: Vehicle positioning inaccurate / implausible, route guidance not possible
• 10172683Information Label on Tire Sealant
• 10169585Replace heat shield of exhaust system