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Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 3,788 complaints about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and engine. Mercedes-Benz has filed 19 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns for it, and there are 71 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the C-Class a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 3,788
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 19
- Filed by Mercedes-Benz
- Service campaigns
- 33
- Filed by Mercedes-Benz
- Safety recalls
- 71
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the C-Class with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | Cruise control and speed control (50%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4 | Backup camera and rear sensors (50%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15 | Electrical system (33%) | 3 | 14 |
| 2023 | 26 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (42%) | 10 | 21 |
| 2022 | 26 | Electrical system (27%) | 9 | 19 |
| 2021 | 17 | Engine (47%) | 7 | 20 |
| 2020 | 46 | Engine (20%) | 12 | 16 |
| 2019 | 79 | Engine (23%) | 18 | 13 |
| 2018 | 129 | Engine (30%) | 19 | 17 |
| 2017 | 247 | Engine (32%) | 17 | 15 |
| 2016 | 310 | Engine (30%) | 14 | 15 |
| 2015 | 448 | Engine (30%) | 14 | 15 |
| 2014 | 284 | Airbags (55%) | 6 | 10 |
| 2013 | 574 | Airbags (50%) | 7 | 9 |
| 2012 | 587 | Airbags (53%) | 7 | 8 |
| 2011 | 516 | Airbags (52%) | 6 | 10 |
| 2010 | 476 | Airbags (45%) | 7 | 9 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single C-Class model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Mercedes-Benz filed with NHTSA for the C-Class, in its own words. A warranty extension means Mercedes-Benz pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Engine· model years 2015–2023
Complaint Check Engine Light ON with DTC P012800 "The Coolant Temperature is Below the Specified Temperature" active and/or stored in the ME (N3/10).
- Warranty extensionFeb 2026· Engine· model years 2018–2023
Complaint -Check engine light illuminated. -Engine runs rough.
- Warranty extensionJan 2026· Engine· model years 2011–2018, 2020–2023
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage on the exhaust valve system in your vehicle from the original New…
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Electrical system· model years 2011–2025
Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231,…
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Engine· model years 2015–2018
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the coverage for the intake line assembly on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited…
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2020
Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction The partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line assembly) may not work…
- Warranty extensionApr 2024· Fuel system· model years 2010–2023
IMPORTANT EMISSION EXTENDED WARRANTY INFORMATION In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC ("MBUSA") is extending the warranty coverage on the Fuel System Control…
- Warranty extensionDec 2023· Electrical system· model years 2020–2023
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC ("MBUSA") is extending the warranty coverage on the engine thermostat (including software update) installed in certain…
- Warranty extensionNov 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (âÂÂMBUSAâÂÂ) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit for Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) from…
- Warranty extensionOct 2023· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit for Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) from the…
- Warranty extensionOct 2023· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2010–2011
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel filter unit in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles certified as…
- Warranty extensionAug 2023· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2018
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (âMBUSAâ) is extending the warranty coverage on the intake line assembly in certain Model Year (âMYâ) vehicles…
- Warranty extensionJul 2023· Fuel system· model years 2015–2020
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (âMBUSAâ) is extending the warranty coverage on the fuel supply hose in certain Model Year (âMYâ) vehicles listed…
- Warranty extensionMar 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2015
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Body and structure· model years 2010–2015
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 20 years/unlimited miles, and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership.
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2015–2018
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has extended the warranty for the accelerator pedal wiring harness and connectors from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles for certain Model Year (“MY”)…
- Warranty extensionJun 2022· Engine· model years 2018–2019
In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending the coverage for the ignition coil on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4…
- Warranty extensionAug 2021· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2015–2018
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on July 30, 2021 and includes an additional population (33) of certain MY 2018 Baumusters covered under this extended warranty.
- Warranty extensionJan 2015· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2012–2018
In our continuing efforts to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has decided to extend the warranty for certain fuel tank components in certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
- Service campaignMay 2025· Engine· model years 2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the ME-SFI control unit software does not meet current production specifications. As a result, a check engine malfunction indicator lamp might erroneously be triggered.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Engine· model years 2023–2024
1. Replace belt-driven starter-alternator. For basic information, see AR15.40-P-5060WTF
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. 2. Update Digital Operator's Manual.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Issue Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2024 S-Class and EQS (223 and 297 platform) vehicles, the DRIVE PILOT Supplemental Booklet does not correspond to current production specifications.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2024 C-Class and E-Class (206 and 214 platform) vehicles, the electronic ignition lock control unit does not correspond to current specifications.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022–2024
1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. 2. Update Fuel System Control Unit (FSCU10) software.
- Service campaignMay 2024· Wheels· model years 2023–2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 2023-2024 C-Class, CLE, E-Class, EQE, EQS, GLC, GLE, GLS, GT, S-Class, and SL vehicles (205, 206, 236, 213, 214, 238, 294, 295, 296, 297, 253, 167, 290, 223, 232 platform), the tire…
- Service campaignMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2021–2023
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY21-23 C-Class and S-Class vehicles (206, 223 platform), the software for the ISA control unit may not correspond with the latest series production configuration.
- Service campaignApr 2024· Electrical system· model years 2021–2023
This is to notify you of the Service Campaign OTA update for the MBUX system software in 750,313 Model Year (MY) MY19-24 A-Class, CLA, CLS, E-Class, EQB, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, GT 4-door (177, 118, 257, 213, 238, 243, 247, 253,167, 290 platform) vehicles.
- Service campaignMar 2024· Electrical system· model years 2024
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2024 C-Class, GLC, and S-Class (206, 223, 254 platform) vehicles, the electronic ignition lock control unit software does not meet current production specifications.
- Service campaignFeb 2024· Electrical system· model years 2021–2024
Mercedes-Benz AG (âÃÂÃÂMBAGâÃÂÃÂ), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY 21-24 C-Class, EQE, EQS, GLC, GLE, GLS, S-Class, SL (206, 294, 295, 296, 297, 254, 167, 223, 232 platform) vehicles, the MBUX System software does not…
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every C-Class model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags1,293 (34%)
- Engine539 (14%)
- Body and structure410 (11%)
- Other or unspecified403 (11%)
- Electrical system396 (10%)
- Fuel and propulsion328 (9%)
- Suspension284 (7%)
- Steering262 (7%)
Safety recalls
71 recalls cover at least one C-Class model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.
The infotainment control unit may reset while the vehicle is in motion and cause the instrument panel display to go blank.
An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
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.
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.
The seat wiring harness may be incorrectly routed, which can cause it to become damaged when the seat is fully reclined.
The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power.
The ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating.
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.
Moisture accumulation in the trunk may leak into the signal acquisition module (SAM), causing an electrical short circuit.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
And 56 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP22002Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Feb 2024· Engine and cooling· model years 2015
C300 Wrist-pin allegation
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE21001Preliminary evaluation· opened Jan 2021, closed Oct 2021· Body and structure· model years 2015–2020
Front Roof Panel Detachment
Led to recall 21V197000.
- EA13008Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2013, closed May 2014· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
Loss of rear lighting assembly
Led to recall 14V177000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 3,788 owner complaints, 19 warranty extensions and 33 service campaigns Mercedes-Benz filed, and 71 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2012 (587), 2013 (574), 2011 (516). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (34%), engine (14%), body and structure (11%). Mercedes-Benz has filed 19 warranty extensions covering the C-Class, listed on this page.
Which C-Class model years have the most complaints?
2012 (587), 2013 (574), 2011 (516). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the C-Class with each other rather than with other models.
Has Mercedes-Benz extended the warranty on the C-Class?
Yes: engine (model years 2015–2023); engine (model years 2018–2023); engine (model years 2011–2018, 2020–2023), and 16 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a C-Class?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 71 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.