Mercedes-Benz C-Class by year

Compact cars. Every model year EPA has rated, with what owners and NHTSA have on file.

Owner complaints ran highest for the 2008 (834, most about air bags) and lowest for the 2024 (15), among years with at least 10. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so a lower count doesn't mean a more reliable year.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, each model year
YearComplaintsMost named partRecall campaignsNHTSA overallCombined mpg
20264Electrical system1–22–29
20254Back over prevention2–20–29
202415Electrical system3–23–30
202326Forward collision avoidance10–19–29
202226Electrical system9–22–29
202117Engine75 stars20–27
202045Engine12–20–28
201978Engine18–20–27
2018129Engine195 stars19–30
2017250Engine175 stars19–30
2016317Engine145 stars20–30
2015412Engine144 stars15–28
2014271Air bags65 stars15–25
2013565Air bags75 stars15–25
2012579Air bags7–15–25
2011509Air bags64 stars15–21
2010475Air bags6–15–21
2009656Electrical system8–15–21
2008834Air bags8–15–21
2007274Fuel/propulsion system5–19–22
2006181Engine7–17–22

Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales or for how long each year has been on the road: a newer year's lower count doesn't make it more reliable. NHTSA's overall rating is the lowest across the versions it tested that year. About the data