Mercedes Benz C Problems by Year
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes Benz C, across 5 model years (1995–2010). The 2009 model year has the most complaints (14). The most reported problem area overall is exterior lighting.
Mercedes Benz C years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical C year: 2009. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes Benz C problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes Benz C model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 C | 1 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2009 C | 14 | 0 | — | Exterior Lighting | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2008 C | 2 | 1 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2007 C | 3 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 1995 C | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mercedes Benz: all Mercedes Benz models · Mercedes Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes Benz C years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2009 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical C year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes Benz C?
Exterior Lighting, with 7 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes Benz C have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.