Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

C-Class (W205)

2015-2021 · Compact Sedan · 8 engines
1,282 NHTSA Complaints
6 Recalls
9 Fire Reports
43 Crash Reports
Data covers 7 NHTSA model names
AMG C43AMG C63 SC-CLASSC-CLASS CABRIOLETC-CLASS HYBRIDC-CLASS PHEVC-CLASS SAB
View all 5 generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

5.8 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 561 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 373.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall561 complaints against about 373 for similar vehicles
5.8
Last three years275 complaints against about 149 for similar vehicles
5.3
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced50 complaints against about 85 for similar vehicles
8.2
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating16 complaints against about 35 for similar vehicles
8.7

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20154.9
  • 20165.1
  • 20175.7
  • 20187.5
  • 20197.8
  • 20207.6
  • 20217.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

2.0L 4-cyl turbo 5.7/10
About 3 times as many powertrain complaints as this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (520 complaints, about 394,000 built)
3.0L 6-cyl turbo 8.5/10
About 73% fewer powertrain complaints than this generation's other engines, per vehicle built. (9 complaints, about 27,000 built)
4.0L 8-cyl turbo 7.4/10
No clear difference from this generation's other engines. (9 complaints, about 13,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 255 hp
1,013 complaints 180.4 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
335
fuel system
191
other
151
body
137
electrical
128

Same engine used in

+123 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)FORD Transit Connect (2010-2013)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)MINI Cooper (2014-2024)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2024)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)MINI Clubman (2016-2025)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)MINI Countryman (2017-2024)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)MINI Cooper (2007-2013)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)

M274

2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hp
102 complaints 51.0 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
30
other
21
interior
17
electrical
15
body
11

M276

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo
68 complaints 11.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unidentified Engine

31 complaints 5.2 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

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

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl
13 complaints 6.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
6
safety systems
2
other
2
suspension
1
engine
1

Same engine used in

+88 more
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2.0-I4-PHEV

2.0L 4-cyl
13 complaints 4.3 per year Electric
View details
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
8 complaints 2.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
3
engine
2
transmission
2
other
1
fuel system
1

Same engine used in

+73 more
MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2012-2015)CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)MERCEDES-BENZ GL-Class (2007-2012)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2000-2005)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MERCEDES-BENZ ML-Class (2006-2011)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2016-2019)DODGE Challenger (2008-2023)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

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.

Engine: 393 owner complaints
Fuel System: 207 owner complaints
Body/Trim: 170 owner complaints
Electrical System: 160 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 98 owner complaints

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Recalls (6)

23V445000Jun 26, 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 20, 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.

22V232000Apr 8, 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 28, 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.

21V230000Apr 1, 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.

Show 1 older recall
21V058000Feb 5, 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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 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
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.0% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional

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.

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