Mercedes-Benz

C-Class (W205)

2015-2021 · Midsize Sedan ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.1)
2,446 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
16 Fire Reports
84 Crash Reports
Includes data from: AMG C43C-CLASSC-CLASS CABRIOLETC-CLASS HYBRIDC-CLASS PHEVC-CLASS SAB
View all 4 generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M177

4.0L 8-cyl / 503 hp
โœ… 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)

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
โš ๏ธ 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)

M264

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 255 hp
โš ๏ธ 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)
Typical onset: 4,700โ€“60,000 mi Est. repair: $7,000โ€“$11,000 (12 reports)
Safety Systems Issues (35 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (32 complaints)
Typical onset: 34,945โ€“76,000 mi

M274

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 241 hp
โŒ 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)
Est. repair: $1,680โ€“$2,081 (8 reports)
Interior Issues (34 complaints)
Typical onset: 8,000โ€“48,956 mi
Electrical System Issues (32 complaints)

2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

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 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, 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.

Does the C-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,446 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver