Mercedes-Benz

C-Class (W205)

2015-2021 · Compact Sedan ยท 8 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.3)
1,214 NHTSA Complaints
6 Recalls
8 Fire Reports
42 Crash Reports
Includes data from: AMG C43C-CLASSC-CLASS CABRIOLETC-CLASS HYBRIDC-CLASS PHEVC-CLASS SAB
View all 5 generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional

Engine Reliability Ratings

4.0-V8-Gas

4.0L 8-cyl / 503 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.3)
21 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
7
transmission
5
steering
4
body
3
wheels tires
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)
Steering Issues (4 complaints)

2.0-I4-PHEV

2.0L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.1)
13 complaints 4.3 per year Electric
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
7
other
3
fuel system
3
transmission
2
electrical
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)
Transmission Issues (2 complaints)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.0)
31 complaints 5.2 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
6
engine
6
safety systems
5
wheels tires
4
electrical
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (6 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (5 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (4 complaints)

1.8-I4-Gas

1.8L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.0)
12 complaints 6.0 per year Gasoline
View details

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (3.7)
64 complaints 10.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
21
other
10
interior
9
transmission
9
body
8

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (21 complaints)
Interior Issues (9 complaints)
Transmission Issues (9 complaints)

M264

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 255 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
97 complaints 32.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
24
safety systems
17
fuel system
16
electrical
14
other
11

Known Issues

Engine Issues (24 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (16 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

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

Engine Issues (376 complaints)
engine critical
Fuel System Issues (198 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Electrical System Issues (135 complaints)
electrical critical
Body/Trim Issues (125 complaints)
body serious
Steering Issues (65 complaints)
steering serious

Recalls (6)

23V445000Jun 25, 2023serious
Fuel System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

22V365000May 19, 2022serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

22V232000Aug 3, 2022serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V406000May 27, 2021serious
Seats

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.

21V058000May 1, 2021serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

21V230000Jan 3, 2021serious
Seats

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

Alternatives in Compact 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 1,214 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

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

The 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.0L 8-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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,214 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 1,214 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 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” 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, Fuel System, Electrical System, 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the C-Class?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,214 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

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