The Lemon IndexAll cars · Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is better than average by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 54, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 19 recalls, and it gets 25 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 126 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year. 2018 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 9K to 59K miles on the car (30 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 19
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- lights 2021
The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair.
Show all 19 recalls
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- seat belts 2021
The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position.
- electrical 2019
The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured.
- seats 2019
The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
- lights 2018
The headlights on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted.
- steering 2018
If the steering connection was not properly locked, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack may come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- steering 2018
A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- airbags 2018
The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
- electrical 2018
The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.
- visibility 2018
Incorrect bonding of the rear window may cause the window to loosen and detach from the vehicle.
- body structure 2018
Due to a bonding issue introduced in the production process, the rear beltline trim may separate from the vehicle.
- seats 2018
The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
- seats 2018
The backrest rail and backrest fitting may not be properly welded on the driver and front passenger seats.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
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 205 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Cracking/Creaking Noises Coming From The Area Of The Mechanical Steering Column
- Complaint Loads induced at the steering wheel through pushing and pulling actions may cause…
- 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
- 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 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 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 C RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Apparently there is a recall situation that includes my vehicle and mercedes benz wasn't able to solve it yet. I bought the car after the recall has began.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owner · NHTSA complaint 11160885
Quick answers
Is the 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (31%), airbags (14%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
19 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
25 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,400 and 59,800 miles. The middle report was at 47,000 miles, from 30 complaints.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is better than the 2018?
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