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Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class years are 2011, 2012, 2010, and no year drew much more than the average car's complaints. Across 2010-2018, it has a Lemon Index of 48, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2001 to 2018.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Scores before 2010 are rough: fewer owners filed complaints back then.
Best years to buy
2011.
Years to avoid
None.
No Mercedes-Benz C-Class year drew much more than the average car's complaints.
Quick answers.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a good car?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable models we track, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2010-2018: Lemon Index 48; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2011 and the worst is 2015.
What are the best Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2011, 2012, 2010.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class years should you stay away from?
No Mercedes-Benz C-Class year drew much more than an average car's complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
85 safety recalls across the 18 model years we track. Most: 2018 (19), 2016 (13), 2015 (11). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name electrical, engine and airbags most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 40 | 2.5× fewer complaints than average | 22 | electrical (45%) | 3 | — | 19–20 |
| 2002 | 77 | 1.3× fewer complaints than average | 50 | engine (32%) | 3 | — | 18–21 |
| 2003 | 45 | 2.2× fewer complaints than average | 24 | transmission & drivetrain (42%) | 3 | — | 18–24 |
| 2004 | – | too few complaints to score | 15 | visibility (40%) | 3 | — | 18–23 |
| 2005 | 52 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 23 | airbags (39%) | 4 | — | 18–24 |
| 2006 | – | too few complaints to score | 14 | tires (14%) | 5 | — | 19–22 |
| 2007 | – | too few complaints to score | 13 | engine (15%) | 5 | — | 19–22 |
| 2008 | 40 | 2.5× fewer complaints than average | 29 | tires (28%) | 7 | — | 20–21 |
| 2009 | 45 | 2.2× fewer complaints than average | 20 | lights (30%) | 8 | — | 20–21 |
| 2010 | 26 | 3.8× fewer complaints than average | 17 | lights (41%) | 1 | — | 20–21 |
| 2011 | 15 | 6.7× fewer complaints than average | 12 | electrical (33%) | 0 | ★★★★☆ | 20–21 |
| 2012 | 19 | 5.3× fewer complaints than average | 17 | engine (24%) | 0 | — | 20–25 |
| 2013 | 39 | 2.6× fewer complaints than average | 42 | airbags (26%) | 0 | ★★★★★ | 22–25 |
| 2014 | 44 | 2.3× fewer complaints than average | 39 | airbags (44%) | 0 | ★★★★★ | 22–25 |
| 2015 | 97 | about average | 81 | electrical (41%) | 11 | ★★★★★ | 22–28 |
| 2016 | 54 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 43 | electrical (33%) | 13 | ★★★★★ | 24–30 |
| 2017 | 78 | 1.3× fewer complaints than average | 64 | electrical (30%) | 0 | ★★★★★ | 25–30 |
| 2018 | 54 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 36 | steering (31%) | 19 | ★★★★★ | 25–30 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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