"takata recall" several years ago I started receiving notices about the takata airbag recall. I have yet to receive a date in which the faulty airbag can be replaced. Please arrange to get the replacement parts to my local dealership within the next 30 days. There are 2 dealerships in my area. They are: Mercedes benz of memphis and Mercedes benz of collierville. I look forward to getting…
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class airbags problems
severe 260 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
260
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
12crashes
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 260 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 260 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
The overwhelming majority of these complaints center on a single issue: Takata airbag defects tied to NHTSA recalls 16V081000 (driver-side) and 16V363000 (passenger-side), with parts unavailable for replacement across multiple years. Owners report receiving recall notices starting in February 2016, then being told repeatedly by dealers and Mercedes that replacement airbags won't be available for months or years—timelines that keep shifting. Many owners waited two to four years with no resolution, even as recall statuses remained incomplete.
The core safety allegation is that non-desiccated Takata PSDI-5 inflators can rupture during deployment, projecting metal fragments that could kill or seriously injure occupants. One owner experienced a front-end collision where the airbags failed to deploy entirely. Another reported an airbag warning light that illuminated repeatedly despite dealer attempts to clear it; a third owner had the light appear alongside check engine, traction control, and marker light warnings.
Several owners mention attempting to schedule appointments only to be told parts were never received or that dealers didn't handle airbag work. One owner drove home mid-appointment after hours passed with no parts. Some report Takata's bankruptcy filing in postcard notifications, adding to their frustration. Florida-based owners express particular concern about humidity-based risk prioritization that keeps reassigning them to lower priority groups. One owner attempted to have airbags deactivated but was told it was illegal. Trade-in values dropped sharply due to unresolved recalls.
Same Mercedes-Benz C-Class airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Takata PSDI-5 Driver-Side Airbag Inflator Defect
Non-desiccated Takata PSDI-5 inflators in driver-side front airbags are at risk of rupture during deployment, potentially ejecting metal fragments that could cause severe injury or death. Four test ruptures documented in ballistic testing of non-desiccated units.
When: Recall issued February 11, 2016 (NHTSA 16V081000); owners received notification April–May 2016 onwards. Failure not yet field-confirmed by Takata but acknowledged as potential defect.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illumination on dashboard; SRS malfunction message on display; Failed deployment in crash events; Check engine, traction control, and marker light warnings (some cases)
Codes mentioned: 16V081000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement driver-side airbag required. Parts unavailable for extended periods (2–4 years in many complaints). Dealers unable to schedule repairs or complete them once scheduled. One owner had appointment cancelled after parts failed to arrive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 16V081000 issued February 2016; Mercedes recall 2016020003. Mercedes stated remedy would be performed once parts available through authorized dealers at 1-877-496-3691. Multiple owner letters received over years stating parts under development or awaiting NHTSA approval. Takata filed bankruptcy, complicating parts availability.
Takata PSDI-5 Passenger-Side Airbag Inflator Defect
Non-desiccated Takata PSDI-5 inflators in passenger-side front airbags carry the same rupture and metal-fragment ejection risk as driver-side units. Defect announced May 16, 2016.
When: Recall issued May 23, 2016 (NHTSA 16V363000); owners received notification May–June 2016 onwards. Field incidents not yet confirmed.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on display; Failed deployment in crash events
Codes mentioned: 16V363000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement passenger-side airbag required. Parts similarly unavailable for years after recall announcement. Some owners received multiple notification letters over 2–3 years with shifting priority groups and revised availability dates.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 16V363000 issued May 2016. Mercedes committed to replacement once parts supplied by Takata/replacement manufacturer. Owners report receiving multiple letters (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) with revised timelines, priority group reassignments, and no confirmed delivery date. Takata bankruptcy noted in postcards to owners.
Airbag Warning Light / SRS Malfunction Illumination
Persistent illumination of airbag warning light and SRS malfunction messages on vehicle displays. One owner reported the light coming back on after dealer clearing; another had it remain on for over a year despite recall attempts.
When: Reported during normal operation and upon vehicle startup. One case at approximately 104,000 miles; another with light on for 1+ year before recall identification.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light remains on after startup; SRS malfunction message appears on dashboard display; Light clears briefly then reappears; Vehicle stalled and lost power in one case (also checked engine light present)
Codes mentioned: SRS malfunction codes (unspecified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer attempted to clear the light without resolving underlying defect. One owner reported vehicle stalled at 20 mph when airbag warning and check engine light both illuminated. Tow required; stalled vehicle could not restart. Root cause diagnosis (airbag wiring) performed at Mercedes of Nashville; wiring replaced four times for the same failure (85,720 miles noted).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers advised owners that light may be related to Takata recall and repair would follow once parts available. One case involved airbag wiring replacement rather than inflator change, suggesting mixed diagnostic approaches. No recalls issued specifically for electrical faults separate from inflator defect.
Delayed / Incomplete Recall Remedy and Parts Unavailability
Extended delays in making replacement airbag parts available to owners and dealers, with recall campaigns remaining incomplete for years after announcement. Multiple owners report being told repeatedly that parts are 'unavailable' and receiving shifting timelines.
When: Recalls announced February and May 2016. Parts unavailable through at least 2019 for many owners—3+ year delays commonly reported. One owner waited 4 years total.
Symptoms owners cite: Dealers unable to schedule repairs due to parts shortage; Owners receive letters stating 'remedy not yet available'; Follow-up letters received months/years later still indicating no parts; Dealers provide contradictory information about part arrival dates; Priority group reassignments with no explanation
Codes mentioned: 16V081000, 16V363000, 19V010000
Repairs/costs cited: Owners drove vehicles for 2–4 years with defective airbags and warning lights. One owner scheduled appointment in November 2019, was told parts were unavailable mid-service, driven car home unfixed, then never heard from dealer again. Trade-in values collapsed; one owner lost ~$4,000 in depreciation and couldn't sell a second recall-affected vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes issued recall notices beginning February 2016 (16V081000) and May 2016 (16V363000). Status listed as 'incomplete—remedy not yet available.' Subsequent letters through 2017–2019 repeatedly stated parts unavailable and manufacturers awaiting NHTSA approval. Takata bankruptcy (filed during recall) cited by owners receiving postcards. One dealer claimed parts would be available 'Spring 2018'; another said 'before March 31, 2018' then later 'by June 30, 2018'—shifting targets. Mercedes USA stated replacement parts were finally in stock in September 2019 for some owners, but delivery and scheduling remained problematic.
Synthesized from 260 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
Takata recall
Takata recall. I received a letter on 5/2016 and still have no information on when this will be remedied. I am getting upset and worried.
I have been waiting way too long for my airbags to be replaced since receiving notification that there is a serious problem. This needs to be fixed now!!! I do not understand the delays. I feel afraid to drive my beautiful car for fear of bodily harm coming to me or my passengers. It started of with a recall letter for the drivers side airbag only then I received another letter telling me its the…
The airbags were supposed to have been fixed per recall by carriage house Mercedes in new London ct. my son was in a horrible front in collision and they did not deploy. None of them did. Accident happened 3 days ago insurance will pick up car today. I’d like this noted incase they need evidence
As of december 21,2017 I am still trying to get my takata airbags replaced as a result of the recall. I keep getting legal notices to visit airbagrecall.com, register my car, and go to the local dealership, but Mercedes benz of baton rouge still cannot replace them. I do not know where else to go or what else to do. This has been going on for a year or more.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-benz c350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Mercedes-benz of memphis (5389 poplar ave, memphis, tn 38119, (901) 345-6211) was contacted and…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-benz c300. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v081000 and 16v363000 (air bags). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-benz c300. The contact received two recall notices for NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v081000 (air bags) and 19v010000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and did…
Takata recall for driver and passenger air bags since 2016. Although I have contacted my local mercedess dealership about five times on this issue, I am advised they are still unable to service either airbag. This is of primary concern to me as I am a single 48 year old female, who has an only child (son) who is 12 years of age. Aside from him losing his father in january 2017 - I also take…
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 260 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 43,000 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 91,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.