C-Class (W205)
Data covers 7 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 255 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
M274
2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
M276
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
4.0-V8-Gas
4.0L 8-cyl / 503 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-PHEV
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
On a used 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (393), the fuel system (207) and the body and structure (170). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 393 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 207 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 170 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the body and structure.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 98 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Show 1 older recall
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints?
Owners have filed 1,282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The systems they name most often are the engine, the fuel system and the body and trim.
Is the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,282 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
NHTSA has 1,282 owner complaints on file for the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the fuel system and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 1,282 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.