Recalls: Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe
2014 Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe with diesel engine: oil leak
In January 2015, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the OM651 turbo-diesel engine that were available for sale during 2014. In these vehicles, the seal ring between the timing chain tensioner and the engine may leak oil – this could result in a hazard for other road users and, in extreme cases, a fire risk (PRA 2015/14509).
2013 Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class: loss of steering control
In April 2017, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe vehicles that were manufactured from 1 May 2013 to 31 May 2013. In these vehicles, the bolt which secured the steering coupling may not have been tightened correctly during manufacture. As a result, the steering coupling could detach from the steering shaft – this could cause a loss of steering control, posing a hazard for vehicle occupants and other road users (PRA 2017/16028).
2012-15 Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe: deployment of driver’s airbag
In February 2018, recall RC2437/A was issued for Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupes that were available for sale in Australia from March 2012. If the steering column was not sufficiently grounded and the steering column switch was damaged or faulty, an electrostatic discharge could cause the driver’s airbag to deploy. If these conditions occurred, an airbag warning message in the instrument cluster display and a red airbag indicator lamp (signalling that the steering column module was damaged/faulty) would alert the driver. If the airbag deployed in the absence of a collision, it could injure and distract the driver. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16572.
2008-11 ‘model year’ Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe: Takata airbag recall
In May 2018, recall RC2469 S2 was initiated for 2008-11 ‘model year’ Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupes. In these vehicles, the front airbags contained propellant that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision which triggered the airbag, the airbag could deploy too aggressively and the metal inflator housing could explode/rupture due to excessive internal pressure. If this occurred, metal fragments could be propelled through the airbag cushion and towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16814.
2012 ‘model year’ Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe: Takata airbag recall
In October 2018, recall campaign RC2469 S4 was issued for 2012 ‘model year’ Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupes. These vehicles had Takata passenger airbags and, over time, propellant wafers inside the airbag could absorb moisture. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure inside the metal airbag inflator housing could cause it to explode or rupture, such that metal fragments may be projected through the airbag and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments had the potential to cause serious injury or fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17006.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2011-14 Mercedes-Benz C204 C 350: actuator cam for VIM
For 2011-14 Mercedes-Benz W204 C 350 Coupes, the actuator cam for the variable intake manifold (VIM) in the M272 V6 engine is susceptible to failure. Symptoms of a broken actuator cam include:
- Rough idle;
- A loss of power (particularly at low and mid-range engine speeds);
- Illumination of the check engine lights; and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P2004, P2005, P2006, P2187 and P2189.
Due to the venting of oil from the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system, carbon deposits can accumulate on the swirl flaps inside the variable intake manifold. These carbon deposits increase the resistance on the plastic actuator cam and this can cause it to break. Other parts can also fail as a result, including the swirl flaps, the actuator mounting arms and the vacuum diaphragms.
AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the original equipment supplier for the intake manifold is Pierberg and that Mercedes-Benz’s repair involves replacing the entire intake manifold since they do not supply replacement actuator cams. However, eEuroparts.com sell intake manifold repair kits that replace the plastic actuator cam with a metal component and can be used for DIY repairs. However, the intake manifold also needs to be cleaned as part of any repair. For further information about this problem, please see:
- eEuroparts.com: Fixing Mercedes-Benz Intake Manifold Woes; and,
- eEuroparts.com: Mercedes-Benz Intake Manifold Repair DIY.
Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Diesel: OM651 injector failure and timing chain/tensioner wear
- For the OM651 turbo-diesel engine, the Delphi piezo injectors that were fitted for the 125kW to 150kW variants (i.e. the 220 CDI BlueEfficiency and 250 CDI BlueEfficiency) experienced a high failure rate, generally occurring beyond 50,000 kilometres. If the injectors failed, the engine warning light would illuminate, the vehicle would enter ‘limp home’ mode and the engine run unevenly. Initially, revised piezo injectors were introduced. Subsequently, however, Mercedes-Benz initiated a customer service action whereby the original Delphi piezo injectors were replaced with magnetic solenoid injectors, a new ECU was installed, a fuel return line was retrofitted and the engine cover was changed. From around mid-2012, Mercedes-Benz ceased using piezo injectors for these engines and used magnetically-actuated solenoid injectors instead.
- For the OM651 turbo-diesel engine, there have been reports of wear of the simplex timing chain and/or chain tensioner at higher mileages. Since the chain is installed on the transmission side of the engine, access is restricted and replacement is expensive.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz C204 C-Class Coupe
- The engine may not restart after it has been running (i.e. heat soak), but restart once cooled – this may be due to a faulty control unit for the fuel pump.
- Knocking noises from the engine bay during low speed manoeuvres such as parking may be due to problems with the hydro bushings; improved bushings were subsequently released.
- A low oil warning when the oil level is sufficient may be due to a faulty oil level switch or software error.
- The sunroof may not close automatically due to a faulty control module (located in the overhead console); if so, the control needs to be re-flashed.
- The climate control air conditioning may not function properly if snow enters through the cowl; a revised cowl was subsequently released and could be retrofitted.
