This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Dealership diagnosed problem with camshaft adjusters. This happened 2 times already on the same vehicle, and it is very costly to fix ($4000). First time I had a rattling noise from engine, and check engine light on. First time it happened at 46K miles. Second time car hesitates to start, had long cranking, it happened at 69K miles. It is a systematic, very costly and potentially life threatening problem.
Rattling noise coming from engine at startup. Diagnosed as defective cam timing adjusters @ 65000 miles. This apparently an on going problem with this particular part(s) and causes major engine damage. Repair costs range from $3000 - $5000 and more if the engine is ruined.
When starting car, there is an audible 3 second engine rattle before the engine fully engages. Once the engine is running, the vehicle appears to perform normally. The mechanics have diagnosed it as failing camshaft adjusters. The repair also entails replacing the timing chains. Repairs to cost just over $5,000. Commentary from the mechanic indicates that this is a very common failure with this engine which typically occurs just beyond the warranty expiration. Online searches have confirmed his assertion. My vehicle has 80,000 miles and has never missed a service. I have every receipt of every service. A critical engine component such as this with such a costly repair procedure should not be this common. It is the result of a poor design and at least a portion of the repair costs should fall on the manufacturer.
Takata recall. Horrible noise coming from engine. Scared it is the dreaded camshaft and timing chain combo. It is ridiculous this has yet to be recalled by Mercedes. Not safe as the car can leave you stranded without notice.
I bought the certified car at 50K and at 70K miles, right after the warranty ended - check engine light came on and the dealership said it will cost $8K due to camshafts to repair!! they even suggested that I should consider trading the car in! keep in mind I still owe $28K so that option is out! since then the check engine light still on even after I got it repaired at a local/affordable mechanic and it's about 110K mileage and the engine is rattling as it runs. This is my 3rd Benz and the first 2 failed due to the transmission failure. I just can't believe these german cars cause so many problems and so costly to repair. What happen to you pay for what you get!!! today, while I was driving the car just slowly stop and the engine cut off! aaa came to check and it's not the battery so will need to get towed. Still owe $10K left- I don't know what to do! no other car to drive.
- Greensboro, NC, USA
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Cam shaft adjusters went out and had to be repaired for normal use and drivers side door handle broke on the inside and needs to be replaced due to regular use.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. While driving 70 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to Mercedes-Benz of covington (located at 8080 westshore drive, covington, la 70433, (985) 900-1212) where it was diagnosed that the camshaft gear-sprocket and exhaust cam adjuster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine light came on, the car hesitated to turn on at times, sometimes had to press the gas pedal to have vehicle turn on. Took it to local Benz shops that claimed to work on Benz, they said their computer could not determine the code. So took it to the dealer in fort myers, fl. Was told it was the timing chain and the 2 cam shafts. Was quoted $5032. So had to other choice than to have them repaired. Only received the managers discount of $150 (wow). I read that many other owners have the same problem and they will not recall. They have recalled older models like 2006 for this same type of issue. But of course seems that Mercedes Benz has no prestige. Also note this car only has 41,000 miles in mint shape take good care of it. Very, very disappointed with Mercedes Benz, don't get stuck buying a vehicle that is not dependable. This model has too many issues.
While starting engine light came on. Would not go away. Took to merc dealer, told camshaft failure. Replacement cost 5865 dollars. Car serviced at dealership as per recommendations. Several blogs report similar issue by different customers. Similar issue in E 350 on 2006 model. Merc seems to aware of this issue.
After only 75K miles my mb has a failing part that is well known amongst all mb dealerships. The cam shaft adjustment units both intake and exhaust have failed, causing me to undertake repairs in excess of $3K. For such a newer vehicle this is unconscionable and many dealerships around the phoenix area have known about this issue for awhile and have expressed shock that this hasn't been a recall issue yet. I knew there was an issue with my mb when I started it up and there was a rattling noise coming from the engine portion of the vehicle. Each shop and dealership I've taken it to have noted it and have stated that repairs range from $3K to $4.8K. Simply unacceptable. I am hoping the NHTSA will investigate and recall this car for this issue as it is a well-known issue and needs to be addressed.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment when the vehicle was started. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to Mercedes-Benz of san diego in san diego, ca where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft adjuster was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but only offered the contact a discount towards the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. Upon starting the vehicle, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment and the service engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the camshaft and timing chain needed adjustment. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
2012 Mercedes Benz C250W. Consumer writes in regards to oil coolant housing repair. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for work that was not done properly, or at all.
My C250 has only 62,000 miles. Last month, ignition coil broke, so I spent about $300 to repair that. Only 2 days after I fixed the problem, the engine intake and exhaust cam shaft adjusters, timing chain tensioner broke. Total repair cost of about $4,000. How can a vehicle that has only 62,000 miles have all those major mechanical problems? I know I purchased a lemon. I called and talked to Benz customer service rep in New York area. Originally he told me that he sure made it sound like they Benz will pay for a big chunk of total repair bill. And promised to me that he will get back to me with an answer within few days. I called him many times and my wife called him as well. Never a reply for over a month. Out of frustration, I tried to find his supervisor. Only after I try to talk to his supervisor, the customer rep called me up and offer 10% of repair cost. He blame me for not taking my Benz to for all mechanical issues during possession of my vehicle. That is the reason why Benz offered to pay for 10% of repair cost. So I told him. Benz salesman never mentioned that to me. If in fact, I had to take my vehicle to Benz dealership for any repairs to get better service discount, I would have taken it to Benz dealership. They never mention no such thing, and now making excuse to blame me for them selling me a lemon. I am so disappointed by quality and customer service of Mercedes Benz company.
Engine was stalling upon initial startup. Took to Mercedes and received an estimate for $4500 for a new timing chain and cam adjusters. The car only has 46000 miles on the odometer. After searching the blogs, I find that there are hundreds of complaints about this exact issue. Why isn't there a recall or tsb on this?
When starting up the vehicle make a terrible noise that last for 3-4 seconds before it goes away. The vehicle was verified by a Mercedes technician and the diagnostics came back stating an issue with the "camshaft adjusters (internal fault)". I was told this condition will get worse and finally engine will stall and major damages will happen. Worst scenario could produce bent valves and will require a major engine overhaul with just 48,304 miles on it. Apparently, C250S are having this issue and customer are paying the consequences for a defective product. By the way, engine has been perfectly maintained with mobil 1 (ow-40) and original filter every 5,000 miles instead of the 10,000 miles interval recommended by the manufacturer. This condition could lead to a major failure while driving the vehicle that could end up into an accident.
Rough start in the morning, check engine light came on. Took it to the Mercedes Benz dealership at buckhead ga. Was told that the cam adjusters not functioning. Estimated repair cost $4000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. When starting the vehicle, there was a grinding noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to G2 automotive Mercedes-Benz (5935 parkway North blvd, cumming, ga 30040 phone number: (678) 515-9807) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed a new timing chain tensioner replacement. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Car stationary, hesitant to start, when started 2-4 seconds, thumping noise. Took car to dealer for diagnosis. Found "intake camshaft positioner" faulty, repair $4000!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA