The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M272DE35, M272KE25, M272KE30 and 5 more.
Repair: from 31 EUR
2007–2014. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

OSX / Public domain
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak.
Applies to the engine M272DE35, M272KE25, M272KE30 and 5 more.
Repair: from 31 EUR
On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out prematurely, because its material is soft.
Applies to the engine M272DE35, M272KE25, M272KE30 and 1 more.
On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out early.
Applies to the engine M272DE35, M272KE25, M272KE30 and 1 more.
The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage.
Applies to the engine OM642DE30LA, OM642LSDE30LA.
Many OM646 owners do not know that this engine has a timing belt, not a timing chain.
Applies to the engine OM646DE22LA.
Repair: 500–1,400 EUR
On engines built between July and September 2015 the supplier made a mistake in the welding process, so the weld seam on the camshaft is not as it should be.
Applies to the engine M274DE16AL.
On the four cylinder, supercharged 1.8 M271 the timing chain stretches and the sprockets of the camshaft adjuster (Nockenwellenversteller) wear out.
Applies to the engine M271DE18AL, M271KE16ML, M271KE18ML.
The chain tensioner seal starts to leak and engine oil can drip onto the exhaust system.
Applies to the engine OM651DE22LA.
16 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 22 May 2020
20V298000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE22 May 2020 · NHTSA (USA)Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.
Risk: An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.
A12/1352/17Safety recallFire1 September 2017 · EU Safety GateThe starter current limiter may be overloaded and overheat. As a consequence, the surrounding components could ignite, leading to a fire.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 01/09/2017
17V252000STEERINGSTEERING12 April 2017 · NHTSA (USA)Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
Risk: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
14V177000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTSEXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS11 April 2014 · NHTSA (USA)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.
A12/00280/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe adhesive bond between the glass panel and the sliding-roof frame may not meet the specifications. As a result, the glass panel could become completely detached from the vehicle, posing the risk to the following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00323/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateThe maximum permissible operating temperature of individual diodes on the alternator rectifier bridge could be exceeded and the diodes could subsequently fail. Consequently, an improper flow of current from the on-board electrical system battery through the alternator to the vehicle earth could occur. As a result, the windings in the alternator stator could be heated to such an extent that an outbreak of fire cannot be ruled out.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00391/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to improper adhesive bonding of the glass panel to the sliding roof frame, the panel may detach from the moving vehicle, creating a risk of an accident, injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00730/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0082/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe power-assisted steering control units may have been fitted with defectively welded contacts. As a result, a permanent electrical connection between the contacts cannot be guaranteed, which could lead to loss of support to the power-assisted steering and thus an increased risk of accidents.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0164/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThere may be cracks in a securing nut in the steering gear of rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The nut could consequently break if the steering system is subject to a very high lateral force, which could result in rotating parts in the steering gear affecting the casing and thereby blocking the steering system.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0296/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateIn vehicles with rear-wheel drive, a lock nut in the steering gear may be cracked. Consequently, when the steering is placed under high forces it could break, which would block the steering gear and increase the risk of accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0561/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe steering coupling might not have been screwed to the correct torque specification. As a consequence, the steering coupling can become detached from the steering wheel axle and it would become impossible to steer the vehicle.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/1733/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed. As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
W204 · 2007–2014
The fault list opens on the version page.
371 versions
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180
2011–2014 · C 180
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180
2011–2014 · C 180
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Coupé
2011–2015 · C 180 Coupé
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Coupé
2011–2015 · C 180 Coupé
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Elegance
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Elegance
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Estate
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Estate
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Estate Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Estate Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Estate Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Elegance
1.6 l · 1595 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7229
C 180 Estate Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Elegance
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY
2007–2011 · C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantg.
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantg.
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantg.
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantg.
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
1.6 l · 1597 cm³
M271KE16ML · M274DE16AL · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180
2011–2014 · C 180
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180
2011–2014 · C 180
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé
2011–2015 · C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé
2011–2015 · C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Estate
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Estate
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Estate Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Estate Avantgarde
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Estate Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Estate Elegance
2011–2014 · C 180 Estate Elegance
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271KE18ML · M271DE18AL · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB6MT
C 180 Kompressor Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7226
C 180 Kompressor Avantgarde
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor Avantgarde
1.8 l · 1796 cm³
M271DE18AL · M271KE18ML · MB7229
C 180 Kompressor Elegance
2007–2011 · C 180 Kompressor Elegance
Neighbouring generations
W204 (2007-2014). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2007–2014. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.