NHTSA Service Bulletin 10187780: 2008-2017 Mercedes Benz C350
Official manufacturer communication context for 2008-2017 Mercedes Benz C350, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the ?590 Mars Red? paint available as an original, exterior color option for certain models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat. This ?Mars Red? paint is sometimes referred to as ?Fire Opal.? A motion for approval of the settlement was filed with the Court on December 21, 2020. The settlement must receive final approval from the court before it takes effect. As part of the settlement, MBUSA has agreed to offer sliding-scale warranty coverage for certain vehicles to repaint any non-plastic exterior surface of a Subject Vehicle because of peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat. This warranty coverage does not cover repainting necessitated by external influences such as automobile accidents, scratches, or road debris. Warranty coverage will not take effect until the settlement is judicially approved and other events occur. If the settlement becomes effective, coverage will include inspection of the vehicle to diagnose the possible cause of any observed peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or clear coat.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10187780?
To enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has entered into a settlement regarding claims relating to allegations that the ?590 Mars Red? paint available as an original, exterior color option for certain models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience peeling, flaking, or bubbling of the exterior paint or.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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