The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 54, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 13 recalls, and it gets 24 to 30 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2011.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 310 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2016 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 19K to 59K miles on the car (80 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 13
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
Show all 13 recalls
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- 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.
- steering 2017
The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact.
- 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.
- stability control 2016
The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.
- steering 2016
In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist system may shutdown due to a software error.
- visibility 2016
The affected vehicles may be equipped with a panoramic sunroof that may not be properly bonded, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation.
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 170 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Check Engine Light is on with DTC P030185/ P030685 for misfire cylinder 1 and 6
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
- In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to…
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
- 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 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV 4 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 54; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year by this measure is 2011.
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), engine (28%) and wheels (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
13 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
24 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,900 and 59,500 miles. The middle report was at 40,000 miles, from 80 complaints.
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2016?
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