Mercedes-Benz

C-Class (W205)

2015-2021 · Midsize Sedan · 6 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.6)
2,446 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
16 Fire Reports
84 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

Twin CAM 103

1.7L 2-cyl / 74 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)

K24A8

2.4L 4-cyl / 166 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
2

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

HONDA Civic (2001-2005)HONDA Element (2003-2011)TOYOTA Sequoia (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)

M177

4.0L 8-cyl / 503 hp
Recommended (4.1)
18 complaints 6.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
4
suspension
4
engine
4
wheels tires
4
electrical
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (4 complaints)
Suspension Issues (4 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2026-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Gt Class Cabriolet (2020-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2020-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ Gt Class (2023-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle (2024-2024)MERCEDES-BENZ Amg Gt63 (2026-2026) +15 more

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (3.4)
127 complaints 21.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
41
other
20
interior
18
transmission
18
body
16

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (41 complaints)
Interior Issues (18 complaints)
Transmission Issues (18 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2013-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2014-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2015-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ Ml-Class (2012-2012) +7 more

M264

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 255 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.8)
195 complaints 65.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
48
safety systems
35
fuel system
32
electrical
28
other
22

Known Issues

Engine Issues (48 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (35 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (32 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Glc (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle 350 4Matic (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle Phev (2024-2024)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle 350 4Matic (2022-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Gle 350 4Matic (2025-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2020-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023) +8 more

M274

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 241 hp
Avoid (1.8)
208 complaints 69.3 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
62
other
38
interior
34
electrical
32
body
22

Known Issues

Engine Issues (62 complaints)
Interior Issues (34 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (32 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Metris Cargo (2020-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (2019-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (Lwb) (2022-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 15 Passenger Van (2023-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 2500 Crew Van (Swb) (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 1500 12 Passenger (2020-2020) +44 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz C-Class regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (114 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (72 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (58 complaints)
body critical
Safety Systems Issues (55 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Interior Issues (52 complaints)
interior critical

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?

The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has accumulated 2,446 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good used car?

The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,446 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 2,446 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,446 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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