2011 Mercedes-Benz C350: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350: 4 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #14V177000 · 2014 · 252,867 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection May result in the dimming or failure of the tail lights.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V081000 · 2016 · 711,159 vehicles
What's 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V363000 · 2016 · 258,163 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V010000 · 2019 · 288,779 vehicles
What's wrong: " 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (16): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (4): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 has 26 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 C350 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 33). Complaints peaked in 2017 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 52,861 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (18 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (35 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (16), other / unknown (4), fuel & propulsion (4).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 7-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.