There was a recall on airbags on this model the C350 2011 and the airbag is now back on
The worst 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags16
- Fuel system5
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags16
- Fuel system5
- Electrical1
Trouble codes owners of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 mention
P0456 2
Recalls 4
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 19V010000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, MBUSA is recalling certain model year 2008 C300 Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan and C300 4-Matic Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑877‑496‑3691.
Recall number 16V363000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 16V081000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, through July 13, 2011. In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
- Risk
- Dimming or failure of the tail lights reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holders if not previously updated and replace any corroded connectors, free of charge. The recall began on August, 18, 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 14V177000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 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 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 101
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Visibility/wiper
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements...
- There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper...
- Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
What 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated as he entered the vehicle, he could still smell the strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,861.
My engine light jeep coming on with a p0456 code. Replace gas cap and purge valve control less then year ago. However I still smell gas when I fill up tank. After it goes down to 3/4 tank I don't smell gas. When it drop below half tank the engine light comes on. Same thing as last year now it starting again in june 2020. Only have 76000 miles. Dont drive thank much. Get service every year. They had recall for e350 back in 2013 however mb keep tell me its not my VIN. I think there is program with the c350 for 2011 model too. The light always come in when im driving does matter if city street or freeway. First time 2019. Repairs in july. Happen on 6/3/2020. Was clear then when gass went to half tank on 6/28/2020 it happen again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350. The contact received recall notices for the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v081000 (air bags) and 16v363000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mercedes-benz of temecula (40910 temecula center dr, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 216-7800) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Alexandria mercedes-benz (200 s pickett st, alexandria, va 22304, (703) 341-2100) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *tt consumer stated replacement air bags were not available.
I had a fuel pump flange crack and leak fuel when tank was filled. Also, the check engine light threw codes relating to small leaks in the system and as such wouldn't pass state inspection. I had to get these fixed -- basically both sides (fuel pump/filter/sending unit) at the cost of almost $1,000 at a local shop. All VIN searches didn't show that my car was under recall for the fuel system, however I noticed that many other models in year 2011-2012 were under recall: see the federal safety agency campaign id #12v557000. I believe this model should be included in this recall.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c350e. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). Demarois buick gmc mercedes-benz (3115 w broadway st, missoula, mt 58908, 406‑721‑4000) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall. I have contacted mercedes benz of naples and was told that they did not have the parts and did not know when they would get them in.
Fuel leek under seat passenger side as well strong smell coming from everywhere when the gas thank is filled at the gas station.I called the mbusa for help with this problem and they refocused to help .this is been ungoing problem with the mercedes as I had same problem with my 2007 s550 as well my 2007 e350 .this time I'm extremely scared ,if this problem that I have with my car it's going to cause the health damage to me and my family , and every time I open my garage door in the morning I'm afraid the electrical light or motor would spark and ignite the fumes and cause the major explosion in my house/ garage.please I need help fixing my car and thousands other americans with the same problem.thank you
When fuel tank is about 75%-100% full, the car will smell heavily of gasoline inside and around the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, fuel pump cover/cap seems to be cracked and leaking fuel. Engine code p0456.
Compare the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350
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Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 reliable?
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350, 1.4 times a typical C350 model year.
What is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 year score?
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 scores 60 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz C350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350?
Airbags, with 16 complaints. Next is fuel system (5).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 have?
4 recalls, covering air bags and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 19V010000, 16V363000, 16V081000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz C350 have bad airbags?
The Mercedes-Benz C350 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2012 (27 complaints), 2011 (16 complaints) and 2013 (15 complaints).
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