Currently 5116 Recalls

Reliability of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Last update 16. 02. 2024

The ADAC breakdown statistics determine which Mercedes-Benz models are the most reliable and which have broken down most – a good help when buying a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In the statistics for 2023, all the breakdowns for which the German Yellow Angels had to move out in 2022 were recorded and evaluated. There is enough data available that gives an objective picture of the reliability of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Listed are all breakdowns of the vehicles between 3 and 10 years old. Causes such as an empty fuel tank (as a clearly self-inflicted breakdown) or tyre defects are not included in the ADAC reliability index. The evaluation of the breakdown frequency follows the colour scheme from dark green (= very low ) to red (= very high).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability

Breakdowns in the 2022 calendar year

EZ 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
index 0,8 2,4 5,6 8,1 6,7 9,6 13,7 16,2


Breakdowns in the 2020 calendar year

EZ 2011 EZ 2012 EZ 2013 EZ 2014 EZ 2015 EZ 2016 EZ 2017 EZ 2018
17,4 11,8 9,3 10,0 8,2 3,9 2,6 1,6

Breakdowns in the 2019 calendar year

EZ 2010 EZ 2011 EZ 2012 EZ 2013 EZ 2014 EZ 2015 EZ 2016 EZ 2017
30,6 16,2 10,7 7,9 8,3 5,9 3,5 2,1

Legend: Number of breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles registered (= breakdown index) by year of first registration (EZ)

Common Breakdowns

  • Starter (2010)
  • General steering (2010)
  • Ignition lock (2010-2011)

Source: ADAC

owner  Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners’ reviews

If you wish to know more about eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accidents damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), then we suggest going to this page.

Check the vehicle’s history

See the Reliability of other Makes


Recent C-Class Recalls

Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-fuse-box-fire
29/06/2025
An improperly reworked fuse box may lead to breaks in contact or incorrect fuse ratings. Therefore, systems connected to the fuse ...
Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-2010-2016-steering-accident
20/12/2024
The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for...
14/07/2024
The incorrect connection of a wiring harness to the pre-fuse box can cause a failure and increased electrical resistance. This can...
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