Rear subframe corrosion — severe, not a US recall
Premature rust, suspension component detachment, braking instability
Check engine light: Off
This is the single most-reported issue in NHTSA complaints: rear subframe corrosion causing premature rust, suspension component detachment, and braking instability. It is NOT currently a confirmed US recall, though it has been addressed via recall in Canada, Germany, and other European markets. This is a structural fault, not an engine one, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$7,000 – $7,500+
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AC system failure
No air from vents, AC blowing warm, musty/smoky smell
Check engine light: Off
AC compressor, cabin filter, main valve, and blower motor issues causing no or warm airflow, sometimes with a musty/smoky smell. Real $300-$1,000 range as reported. An AC fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$300 – $1,00013,000 – 87,000 mi
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Blower motor failure
Blower not working, no heat in cold weather
Check engine light: Off
Blower motor and HVAC resistor failures causing no heat/fan function, reported across a very wide mileage range. An HVAC fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$700 – $1,1804,960 – 121,000 mi
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Lighting failures
Tail lights melting, headlights flickering, bulbs burning out
Check engine light: Off
Tail light assemblies, wiring harness, headlight bulbs, and connectors failing in various ways. This generation also has an exterior lighting recall (Campaign 14V177000), so check whether your car is covered before paying for this repair.
$150 – $2,0002,000 – 69,000 mi
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Electronic steering lock (ESL) / key and lock failures
Key not working, steering wheel won't unlock, doors won't lock electronically
Check engine light: Off
ESL module, electronic ignition lock, and key fob failures, described by owners as a "when not if" failure on older examples. NHTSA complaints suggest costs can run higher (~$2,000+). Not an engine fault, so no check-engine light.
$1,000 – $1,15050,100 – 93,000 mi
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Infotainment/electronics issues
CD player malfunction, intermittent radio, Bluetooth static
Check engine light: Off
CD player, Sirius receiver, and COMAND system glitches — mostly low-stakes nuisance issues, though the range extends up to a full system replacement. Not a check-engine-light fault.
$150 – $2,0002,000 – 87,000 mi
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Engine sensor/component wear (multiple types)
Check engine light, misfires, starting failures, emissions faults
Check engine light: On
Several distinct engine-adjacent problems: EIS (electronic ignition switch) module failures causing no-starts, camshaft sensor/magnet failures, thermostat failures, serpentine belt/tensioner wear, cylinder head cracking, crank position sensor failures, fuel injector failures, oil seal/plug leaks, and secondary air flap actuator failures. Software/firmware updates also frequently resolved some of these symptoms, suggesting a portion trace back to firmware rather than hard part failures. These are sensor/component faults that commonly trigger a check-engine light.
$150 – $2,800988 – 124,000 mi
Combines 9 distinct named problems. Costs and mileages are reported as a combined range rather than per item.
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In Certain C350 Models: Internal Component Failure May Cause Rough Shifting
In certain C350 models, an internal transmission component failure may cause rough shifting
Check engine light: Off
In certain C350 models, an internal transmission component failure may cause rough shifting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
In certain C350 models, the camshaft adjuster solenoid fails, which can cause rough running or a check engine light
Check engine light: On
In certain C350 models, the camshaft adjuster solenoid fails, which can cause rough running or a check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Interior Grab Handles, Upholstery, or Door Trim Panels May Delaminate
In certain C350 models, interior grab handles, upholstery, or door trim panels may delaminate or peel
Check engine light: Off
In certain C350 models, interior grab handles, upholstery, or door trim panels may delaminate or peel. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Bad Spark Plug Wires or Ignition Coils Causing Misfires
In certain C350 models, bad spark plug wires or ignition coils cause misfires and a check engine light
Check engine light: On
In certain C350 models, bad spark plug wires or ignition coils cause misfires and a check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Brake Light Switch Failure Triggering ESP and BAS Warning Lights
In certain C350 models, a failed brake light switch triggers ESP and BAS warning lights
Check engine light: Off
In certain C350 models, a failed brake light switch triggers ESP and BAS warning lights. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Mildew Odor From the Heater Box
In certain C350 models, a mildew odor develops from the heater box
Check engine light: Off
In certain C350 models, a mildew odor develops from the heater box. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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In Certain C350 Models: Oil Seepage on the Back of the Cylinder Heads
In certain C350 models, oil seepage develops on the back of the cylinder heads
Check engine light: Off
In certain C350 models, oil seepage develops on the back of the cylinder heads. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaints for this generation is rear subframe corrosion — premature rust leading to structural failure, suspension component detachment, and braking instability, with owner-reported repair costs starting around $7,000. This is NOT currently the subject of a US recall (though multiple complaints note it has been addressed via recall in Canada, Germany, and other European markets). It is listed here as a common problem, and an unusually severe one.