The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is about average by owner complaints: 81 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 97, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 22 to 28 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
About average.
Best year 2011
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 442 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2015 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 17K to 70K miles on the car (177 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 17K–70K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 50K–100K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 24K–60K miles
Recalls 11
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
Show all 11 recalls
- steering 2018
A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- electrical 2017
If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- electrical 2017
In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.
- steering 2015
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may be improperly secured to the fuel tank.
- lights 2015
" The affected vehicles were assembled with horizontal adjustment mechanisms that allow the owner to change the horizontal adjustment used during the manufacturing process, instead of the proper sealing caps.
- steering 2014
If the steering coupling interlock mechanism is not locked in place, the sliding shaft, which is part of the steering column, could become disengaged from the steering coupling socket due to vibrations, steering thrust, …
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 159 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some vehicles left side of engine, the heat shield was mistakenly installed and causes…
- Determination of a leakage at turbocharger oil feed line, which fails to meet series production
- Xentry (daimler): due to unfavorable tolerance of piston wrist pin, resulting in knocking
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
- ClosedC300 wrist-pin allegation2022–2024
- ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021
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 RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class with rear seat SAB 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class with rear seat SAB 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2850–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Loud engine knocking when engine is cold. Diagnosed as incorrect/unfavorable tolerances of piston wrist pins that will ultimately lead to engine failure. Diagnosis happened with odometer at 2,438 miles.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 10816443
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 97; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (41%), engine (26%) and steering (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
11 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,800 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 48,000 miles, from 177 complaints.
Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2015?
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