10 Common Faults Of The Mercedes C-Class: Problems And Solutions
If you drive a Mercedes C-Class you will certainly attract attention. These sophisticated German cars are one of the most enjoyable cars to travel in, with well-appointed interiors allowing you to sink into comfort on those long drives. But not everything is rosy, learn here everything about the common faults of the Mercedes C-Class .
If you embark on those big trips with a Mercedes C-Class you will also enjoy the well-weighted suspension. They are also surprisingly cost-effective racers, especially when compared to BMWs and other higher-end engines.
Common failures of the Mercedes C-Class
There are a number of common faults in the Mercedes C-Class and they also appear throughout the range. What are these failures and how can you avoid them? You will read them below. We will also give you suggestions on what to do if your Mercedes-Benz C-Class has one of these faults.
1- The driving sensors are activated
This intelligent system helps you get the most out of your Mercedes when you’re out on the road, but it can work against you when it comes to driving vibrations . One of the common failures of the Mercedes C-Class are problems with the active driving sensors, which often manifest as vibrations that affect driving stability. Once this problem occurs, all sensors will need to be replaced.
2- Engine failures
There is a widely reported fault in Mercedes C-Class vehicles produced in 2007. The engine’s electrical connections often have trouble working with the crankshaft sensors, which can cause the car to simply shut down and stop running.
To fix this problem you will need to take the car to a mechanic as the engine will need to be fully reset to work with the electronics in the vehicle’s computer.
3- Problems with the direction
With the 2011 Mercedes C-Class there is a known issue with the steering. If you hear strange noises when turning the steering wheel and the car seems oddly unresponsive , then you can bet that the cause is problems with the power steering pump and fluid line.
Usually a leak is involved, with fluid from the line entering the pump improperly. These parts will need complete replacement if you want to avoid a dangerous situation on the road.
5-Failures in the air hoses
If there is a reason to take your Mercedes C-Class to a periodic review, it is when the air tubes present problems. In 2011 there are repeat issues with this part, and the telltale signs to watch out for are reduced throttle power or total engine shutdown. Cracked, frayed, and split air hoses could be to blame , due to problems with the part when it was installed by the manufacturer.
4- Brake problems
Is your C-Class a 2010 model? Well, due to a general failure across the range, many of these cars have ineffective brakes. It appears that the wrong brake discs were installed on a significant percentage of the vehicles.
So if you have a car from this production period, it’s worth taking it to the mechanic and checking that the brakes work. Failing to do so could mean failure of your brakes in an emergency situation.
6- Problem with the keys
Mercedes lock problems are legendary in the locksmith industry. This is due to the fact that the keys cannot be duplicated, due to the nature of the transponder chip.
As an added precaution, many C-Class owners like to keep an extra key in their car in case one breaks, ensuring access and power to the car at all times.
7- MAF sensor failures
MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor failure can cause insufficient power and lack of acceleration. It is recommended to change the MAF sensor on this vehicle every 50,000 miles.
The MAF sensor is capable of detecting the amount of air passing through, as well as the temperature of that air. This allows the fuel injection system to control the fuel mixture to compensate for cold weather and high altitude driving.
Although it is recommended to replace the MAF sensor every 50,000 miles, this problem can sometimes be resolved by cleaning the MAF sensor with a MAF sensor cleaner. If this doesn’t work, you will need to purchase a replacement sensor.
8- Headlight bulb failure
The headlights of the third generation of the C-Class are gas discharge headlights. These headlight bulbs are notorious for letting moisture in, which can cause the bulb to fail.
Installing a replacement bulb will fix your headlights, but even with the replacement bulb installed it may still be susceptible to moisture.
9- Seat belt lock loose
Seat belt locking mechanisms are unreliable, and sometimes the belts become detached. It is necessary to replace the entire locking mechanism. This is a very common problem in the C-Class manufactured in 2018.
The assembly of new buckles is very simple, and they have very affordable prices. It is also possible that the pretensioners are not working, so the seat belts do not lock into place when you are moving quickly forward. If you have noticed this problem, then you will need to purchase and install replacement seat belt pretensioners.
10- Gearbox noise
A click is heard coming from the gearbox . This is only common in those Mercedes with the optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. This sound could be caused by a faulty transmission valve.
It is convenient to buy it as soon as possible, since it is wearing out and damaging the entire gearbox. Valve replacement is quick and easy, and you can get the parts you need in many places. However, the process of replacing the entire gearbox is much more troublesome.
To finish
If you have a Mercedes C-Class, it is always worth doing a periodic service, as with all cars. This popular German car is a very good choice for modern automotive and despite some problems across the range, it is a solid and reliable choice as a family car and will look good on the road for many years.
