Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

C-Class (W206)

2022-2025 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
67 NHTSA Complaints
13 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
Data covers 4 NHTSA model names
C-CLASSC-CLASS CABRIOLETC-CLASS COUPEC-CLASS PHEV
View all 5 generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.2 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer 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. Early evidence: under five years on the road.

Owners filed 14 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 25.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall14 complaints against about 25 for similar vehicles
8.2
Last three years14 complaints against about 23 for similar vehicles
8.0
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

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
  • 20227.8
  • 20238.6
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

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

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

M254

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 255 hp
37 complaints 11.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
11
safety systems
11
brakes
8
engine
7
fuel system
6

M264

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 255 hp
28 complaints 9.3 per year Gasoline
View details
Show 2 additional engine variants 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.

M276

3.0L 6-cyl / 362 hp
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unidentified Engine

1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

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.

Safety Systems: 24 owner complaints
Electrical System: 17 owner complaints
Brakes: 13 owner complaints
Fuel System: 9 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

On a used 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (24), the electrical system (17) and the brakes (13). 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. 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 24 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the electrical system.
  3. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the brakes.
  4. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about the fuel system, all engines combined.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Recalls (13)

26V481000Jul 24, 2026serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

26V281000May 1, 2026serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024-2026 AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC vehicles. The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.

25V255000May 12, 2025serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.

25V253000May 2, 2025serious
Seat Belts

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.

24V446000Jun 14, 2024serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C 300 vehicles. The bolt securing the electrical wire to the pre-fuse box could be improperly tightened, causing the wire to overheat. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024070005.

Show 8 older recalls
24V371000May 24, 2024serious
Seats

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 AMG C43 4MATIC vehicles, equipped with AMG Performance seats. The seat wiring harness may be incorrectly routed, which can cause it to become damaged when the seat is fully reclined.

24V115000Feb 16, 2024serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.

23V880000Dec 21, 2023serious
Fuel System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

23V462000Jun 30, 2023serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power.

23V463000Jun 30, 2023serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating.

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.

22V678000Sep 12, 2022serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 C300 vehicles. Moisture accumulation in the trunk may leak into the signal acquisition module (SAM), causing an electrical short circuit.

22V189000Mar 25, 2022serious
Steering

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the brakes.

Is the 2022-2025 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 67 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022-2025 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 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file for the 2022-2025 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 2022-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

NHTSA lists 13 recalls covering some 2022-2025 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 safety systems, the electrical system and the brakes, 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.

Does the C-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2022-2025 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. 67 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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