2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 278 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, 5% of the 278 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,200 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 was on I-95 and the car just started shaking and would not accelerate,very dangerous. The car also has a dangerous lag when trying to accelerate. I was trying to accelerate making a u turn to on coming traffic and the car wouldn't accelerate nearly causing a catastrophic life threatening accident. I have had my car at the dealership for 3 months trying to fix the problem and to date every time I get it back the same thing happens. My paperwork is with my car that has been at the dealership since for 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11076899, filed 2018-03, 79,000 miles“While merging onto the highway my mb C250 with 58k miles shifter suddenly into 2nd gear. I moved onto the shoulder and stopped the car. The engine light immediately illuminated. I turned the car off. When I started it again the light was still on. When I shifted into drive there was a loud sound and the car julted forward. I shift back in park but it repeated the sound and jerk. I I shifted into drive again (same sound/jerk) and proceded at 30mph on the shoulder of the highway to a german auto repair shop close by. …”
NHTSA complaint #10971014, filed 2017-04, 58,200 miles“I've been experiencing a hesitation when accelerating in my 2013 mercedes benz C250. The back seat belts stopped working. The passenger airbag light all of the sudden now states it is off.”
NHTSA complaint #10652881, filed 2014-11, 5,000 miles“While driving the vehicle one day the check engine light came on, code 0340 for a camshaft sensor. Both sensors are replaced, light returns in two days and all problems persist. Vehicle has a long crank, when diagnosed as the timing chain and timing chain tension($4400 of work). Vehicle has 66k miles. After further research this is a fairly common issue. In the uk and australia mercedes was forced to pay for repairs because of consumer protections. I've noticed a reduction in my ability to speed up quickly and I've read anecdotes of people's cars stopping dead on the freeway because of this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11075346, filed 2018-02, 66,000 miles“When accelerating at highway speeds (mostly) check engine light comes on and car shakes. If you pull over and restart the car most of the time the check engine light goes away. The engine error code (from mercedes) is p03001 which is a cylinder misfire. I purchased this car brand new and have had it at the dealership 8 times now for the same problem. They have replaced the fuel pump and injectors and problem still persists. Mercedes dealer is telling me there is nothing wrong with the car and they can't duplicate the problem after a week with the vehicle. The car is very dangerous to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10783266, filed 2015-10, 70,000 milesRelated 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250
163 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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