2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250, 2% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been having issues with my vehicle since I purchased it. Starting with me not having enough power from a start, in an attempt to gain enough power to drive at a safe speed from the start, as if the vehicle lags & no matter the gasoline or service, the problem never corrects. When I'm trying to gain speed to maintain with the flow of traffic safely the vehicle lags notably before gaining speed. I'm now having to replace the engine bc the oil coolant hose burst while I was driving on the highway with my child in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385548, filed 2020-12, 117,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11160631, filed 2018-12, 110,000 miles“The cel came on and the engine was having a rough start . I took it to the repair shop and after using the star diagnostic system the diagnoses was camshaft adjusters in failure. The remedy replace the camshaft adjusters. Cost $3500.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10946355, filed 2017-01, 94,177 miles“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11666448, filed 2025-06“This was not an accident, it is, in my opinion, a possible safety problem with the vehicle - turbo lag; throttle lag; transmission lag. I almost had two accidents due to the lag problems, and have attached a more detailed analysis for your review. Turbo lag: this is the time it takes for the car to go from its naturally aspirated power to the full power of the car at full boost/ peak boost is reached relatively low in the reverse range, but it is not instantaneous power like a naturally aspirated engine. Throttle lag: the drive by wire system has a bit of lag. …”
NHTSA complaint #10481881, filed 2012-10Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
- 10167510Feb 28, 2014The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup attempt with a delay, as the relay can be late closing. and/or The gear selection is…
- 10166994Feb 25, 2014Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). Heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa)
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250
168 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology