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2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems

63 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000.

owner complaints
63
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems in other years

2012201320142015

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 36Stalling 9Loss of power 8Engine failure 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the rattling sound continued, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The independent mechanic provided mobile service and diagnosed the vehicle with cam shaft timing chain adjuster failure. The contact was informed that the cam shaft timing chain adjuster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · GA

The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil and spark plug of cylinder 3. **Source of Leak:** Valve cover gasket failure. **Recommended Repairs:** - Replace the valve cover gasket (to halt the oil leak). - Replace spark plugs and ignition coil (which were contaminated/damaged by oil). **Relevance to Warranty:** The valve cover gasket is only covered if it fails as a result of an internally lubricated engine part causing damage. Ignition coils and spark plugs are maintenance items and are not covered by warranty plans. **Required Repairs (Identified Mechanical Issues)** - **Coolant Pipe Leak – $850** **Issue:** Coolant leaking from a pipe on the side of the cylinder head. **Relevance to Warranty:** Typically not covered unless it pertains to a failure in a covered system such as the water pump or cylinder head due to an internal breakdown. This is likely classified as an external plumbing component, which is not included. - **Oil Feed Line Leak – $600** **Issue:** Oil leaking from the side of the engine, traced back to the oil feed line. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is not typically covered unless the oil feed line is part of the oil pump system and has failed due to an internal issue (usually regarded as an external line). **Other Items Found (Worsening Issues)** - **Timing Chain Rattle / Cam Adjuster Noise – $6,000** -**Issue:** Rattling sound during startup. **Diagnosis:** Noise emanating from the timing chain and camshaft adjusters. **Relevance to Warranty:** This is covered under Secure Plus, as both the timing chain and camshaft adjusters are recognized as internally lubricated par

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine and High Pressure Fuel Pump warning lights was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact did research and was made aware of an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.Â

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

1. The car radio, blue-tooth, speakers, sound, car remote sound. Happened after a battery change by AAA - unsure if it's related. CUstomer service tried to resolve it - radio turns on, but nothing else works. 2. Doors won't unlock outside or inside - except passenegers side is open. 3. Accelerator acting strange - won't pick speed after 30, then 60 4. there was an air bag recal of this car a while ago.

Filed Dec 7, 2024 · Engine · OH

My vehicle, has the engine making noise ,when starting,, the lifters rattle...I was told to check with mercedes benz for recall info...however, the company states,this vehicle is not included....it has 52,000 original miles, and has been maintained...I believe, this problem should be covered by the manufacturer...please advise.....I have had the mb dealer do a diagnosis..they confirm the lifters are disfunctioning....

Filed May 14, 2024 · Engine · GA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? As I started my car from a cold start and even when starting the engine, the car was creating this tractor like sound. No system has failed but I read the camshaft adjuster and tensioner pulley has come out of site, which can ruin the engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was audible by the dealer but I was told that it would be a normal issue on a cold start. Now they will charge $200 for a service diagnosis. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Mercedes Benz gave an extended warranty on the program for extension of 10 years but the problem has been happening for multiple people and it has been happening again that this warrants a recall over a poorly designed part that can destroy the car’s engine. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No such codes or messages. Which is why this is so scary. This incident has been happening for the past 8 months or so and besides a letter about a warranty no such information.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

1) cranshaft and camshaft position sensors, timing problems and it has to be replaced this is a common damage in Mercedes Benz 2012 c250. 2) this put in risk my life because it can brake the engine in a highway and the car could be off.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Body, Engine · 90,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started very rough with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, while opening the front driver’s side door, the door handle fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2022 · Engine · CA

Faulty camshaft adjusters creating timing chain to stretch and tensioners to fail , causing excessive wear to the crankshaft and wear of the teeth resulting in catastrophic damage and complete engine failure ( I have not replaced this timing chain or camshaft adjuster yet but i can hear the timing chain rattling from the defective parts from manufacturer. )

Filed Jun 8, 2022 · Engine · TX

Auto is less than 100k miles excellent condition had the turbo gasket go bad on the auto. Oil leaking in the main engine compartment and on ground due to the gasket issue. Could cause damage to engine and turbo. Gasket should not have gone bad. While at the mechanics same issue with the same exact model of mercedes, not sure the year but identical body style. Repairs were completed on 06/07/22 cost through mechanic $465.00 any time due to passing or excelartion the engine would miss out and lose power for the passing or escelartion.

Questions about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 63 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Mercedes-Benz C250 have bad engine?

The Mercedes-Benz C250 model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (63 complaints), 2013 (48 complaints) and 2014 (23 complaints).

Other 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 problems

Airbags 168Fuel system 18Brakes 10Electrical 9Body 7Transmission 6Steering 5Acceleration 3Driver assistance 3Lights 3Seats 3Suspension 3Visibility 2Seat belts 1Tires 1

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