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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 8 recalls and 2,820 owner complaints for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class by model year
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Mercedes-Benz models.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: questions owners ask
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years with the most are the 2012 (588), 2013 (575) and 2015 (452). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2024 (15), 2021 (17) and 2022 (26), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 2 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years, 8 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2021 (6), 2025 (2) and 2012 (0). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most rust and paint complaints?
269 owner complaints across 5 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. The most were filed for the 2012 (96), 2013 (93) and 2015 (57) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most check engine light complaints?
228 owner complaints across 11 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2016 (47), 2015 (46) and 2017 (32) model years, out of 11 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most fuel smell or fuel leak complaints?
105 owner complaints across 3 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. The most were filed for the 2016 (49), 2015 (37) and 2017 (19) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most stalling complaints?
72 owner complaints across 6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2015 (26), 2016 (16) and 2017 (10) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most sunroof complaints?
65 owner complaints across 6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. The most were filed for the 2016 (24), 2015 (18) and 2017 (12) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most airbag complaints?
52 owner complaints across 2 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2013 (34) and 2014 (18) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most engine noise complaints?
45 owner complaints across 2 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. The most were filed for the 2012 (27) and 2013 (18) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most seat belt complaints?
28 owner complaints across 2 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. The most were filed for the 2017 (22) and 2019 (6) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most engine failure complaints?
22 owner complaints across 3 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2015 (15), 2021 (4) and 2020 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
22 owner complaints across 3 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2015 (14), 2019 (4) and 2020 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's first-time failure rate ranged from 7.1% for cars first registered in 2021 to 33.1% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were tyres, suspension, brakes. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.