The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 42 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 39, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 22 to 25 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 565 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2013 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 34K to 90K miles on the car (189 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 32K–90K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 63K–96K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 40K–89K 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 126 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- M271.8 evo engine has poor accelerator response- lack of power under full load and high rpm
- Xentry (mercedes): the fuse and relay boxes (srb) in engine compartment or rear compartment…
- The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup…
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 2 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I've been experiencing a hesitation when accelerating in my 2013 mercedes benz c250.
2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10637381
More owner reports
I barely stepped on the gas and vehicle accelerated real quickly. It was pretty scary it happened 2 times already. I do have a heavy foot so I am trying to monitor if I'm stepping on the gas too fast or hard.
NHTSA complaint 10651140
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (26%), speed control (24%) and engine (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
22 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 34,600 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 63,000 miles, from 189 complaints.
Does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2011, 2012 and 2010.
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