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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 575owner complaints
- 23crash reports
- 7fire reports
- 27%fail the UK MOT
575 complaints, against an average of 160 for the other 14 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The components named most often in the 575 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 575 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have rust or paint problems?93 owners · 16.2%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?34 owners · 5.9%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?24 owners · 4.2%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine?18 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a…On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Risk: On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Risk: On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
Fix: Replace the steering gear mounting bolts on the affected vehicles with steel bolts. Should the bolts break or already be broken change the steering gear.
UK DVSAThe passenger air bag may not deploy as specified
Risk: The passenger airbag may not deploy as specified.
Fix: Replace the passenger airbag.
UK DVSAThe passenger air bag may not deploy as specified
Risk: The passenger airbag may not deploy as specified.
Fix: Replace the passenger airbag.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSATakata airbag might not deploy as specified
Risk: Certain climatic conditions may cause a chemical change to the airbag propellants over time.
Fix: Replace the driver and passenger airbags.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
Risk: The driver's airbag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time.
Fix: Replace the driver's airbag.
UK DVSAEngine control unit software to be updated
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the relevant control unit's software and if necessary replace the NOx sensors.
UK DVSACertain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management
Risk: Certain specific calibrations of functions must be changed in the engine management of the vehicles
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software
UK DVSATo improve emissions of the affected vehicles.certain calibrations of functionalities must be changed in the engine management
Risk: Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software and add a supplementary booklet for the operator's manual
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy
Fix: .Affected vehicles will be recalled to be checked to ensure there is sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components
UK DVSASteering components may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSASteering coupling may become loose
Risk: The threaded connection for the steering column coupling to the steering rack pinion may not be tightened correctly. Overtime time the connection could loosen and fall out allowing a situation where the steering control could be lost.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the tightness of the threaded connection for the steering column coupling. Where necessary the joint will be removed and inspected. If not serviceable it will be replaced. A new threaded connection will be used where the tightness is not correct.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: A high pressure fuel line to the fuel pump may work looses and allow diesel to leak
Fix: On affected vehicles replace fuel line
UK DVSAPassenger airbag may not function as intended
Risk: On affected vehicles a control unit under the front passenger seat may not have been correctly installed. This may adversely affect the seat occupancy recognition system.The seat occupancy recognition system may not correctly identify seat occupancy and may incorrectly activate or deactivate the air bag. Activation status will be notified by the passenger air bag warning system.
Fix: Check control unit installation and correct if necessary. Where necessary replace passenger seat cushion.
UK DVSAFuel may leakYears estimated
Risk: The flange of the fuel filter may leak due to a non-compliance in the supplier's production process. Should this occur a fuel odour may arise or fuel escape.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel filter.
EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting…The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe aluminium bolts of the steering box may break.This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFaulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights)…Faulty configurations of the control units (traction systems, signal recording triggering modules, engine control units and headlights) could cause one or more control units to malfunction, which could increase the risk of an accident. The exhaust emissions exceed the legal limits, posing a risk to the environment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under…The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering coupling might not have been screwed to the correct torque specification.As a consequence, the steering coupling can become detached from the steering wheel axle and it would become impossible to steer the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts.As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connection between the high-pressure pipe from the fuel rail and the high-pressure pump may loosen.If fuel leaks onto the road as a result, it could increase the risk of accidents for following vehicles.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the control unit for the seat heating was not fitted properly to the seat frame in the vehicles affected.This might lead to interference between that control unit and the passenger presence detector, as a result of which a child seat might be incorrectly identified as an adult and the front passenger airbag thereby activated. Alternatively, an adult might be identified as a child seat and the passenger airbag thereby deactivated. As a result, in the event of an accident where the airbags are deployed, there might be an increased risk of injury for the passenger.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering coupling locking mechanism may not have been correctly fitted during vehicle manufacture.This could restrict the steering of the vehicle and in extreme cases may lead to loss of steering control.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners report?
12 of the 575 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
All of the lights in my rear driver side taillight stopped working. I had it looked at and there was oxidation at the ground connection which caused overheating and melted the plastic, leaving burn marks on the gray plastic piece. I see a safety bulletin for this exact issue for model years 2008-2011, but not my 2013. This is dangerous.
Airbags didn’t deploy during accident, vehicle hit on drivers side, greatly impacted, driver seatbelt was on. All recalls were completed. Impact from other vehicle that hit my vehicle had deployed airbags.
Noticed a strong odor of gas, well actually my kid did was sitting in backseat. I had just filled up and the smell didn't disipate. The next morning i still smelled it. I removed the seat and cover on the drivers side and almost half a gallon of pure gas was sitting there. I cleaned everything up removed all the gas. Reconnected the battery and its litteraly coming from micro cracks in the lid. I can send you the lid. I have since replaced it now i'm dealing with a 3699 code and just don't understand why a part like this that is recalled on other models with my 2013 w204 c class was not…
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch was enabled; however the trunk failed to open or close. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed subframe and brake line. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not being released…
REAR SUB FRAME RUST NEEDS INSPECTED SUPER CLANKY
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my Mercedes-Benz vehicle and Recall Campaign No. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-Benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative stated it was performed; another stated no record exists. I was never notified that a recall repair had been completed. This inconsistency raises immediate concerns regarding recall documentation integrity and owner notification compliance. The identical steering…
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…
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…
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.
Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely decayed/rusted through and not safe to continue driving.
On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the backend together. Fortunately I was able to get this diagnosed prior to a serious accident. The car gets very unstable, especially at higher speeds, when braking. There are no warning lights that will catch…
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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 575 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class; the most common categories were air bags (286, 49.7%), suspension (73, 12.7%), structure (71, 12.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 23 complaints mention a crash, 7 mention a fire, 25 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Across 575 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (49.7% of complaints), suspension (12.7% of complaints), structure (12.3% of complaints), engine (9.9% of complaints), steering (8.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have rust or paint problems?
93 of the 575 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (16.2%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they…" (NHTSA complaint 11652172, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
34 of the 575 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (5.9%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Over the past few weeks Ive had instances where the car has power but wont crank, Ive had the SRS light come on the dash but after it starting it goes away." (NHTSA complaint 11744047, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
24 of the 575 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (4.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "HIGH pressure fuel pump malfunctions Yes it is available for inspection The car was put in limb mode when at high speed this could have caused an accident with many drivers do to the loss of power Yes it’s been re produced 3 times and others by me No it has…" (NHTSA complaint 11638878, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine?
18 of the 575 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (3.1%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11662655, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own C-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.