The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 15, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 20 to 21 mpg combined. It's the best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year we track.
One of the most reliable. 6.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 509 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 47K to 100K miles on the car (153 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 43K–97K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 82K–114K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 82K–139K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 119 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Camshaft adjustment solenoid may leak oil due to settling properties of seal and the engine…
- Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Sun roof and lights inside the car stopped working suddenly causing complete darkness inside the car at night time.
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10567057
More owner reports
Repeatedly, vehicle refuses to start on first try. Insert key, steering wheel unlocks. Turn it, all lights come on. Turn to start and nothing happens. Turn switch all the way off and then try again and it starts.
NHTSA complaint 10514039
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 6.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 15; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), brakes (25%) and airbags (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,500 and 100,800 miles. The middle report was at 76,000 miles, from 153 complaints.
Does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works