2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Driver Assistance & Speed Control
Driver Assistance & Speed Control leads by volume: 10 of 46 complaints (22%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 75 in 2019 to 46 in 2020.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2020 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–4,100 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,750–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,650–3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–30 | 20–27 | 20–28 | 20–27 | 22–29 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–28 / 22–33 | 17–23 / 24–34 | 17–24 / 24–35 | 17–24 / 25–35 | 19–25 / 28–35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 324–468 | 330–452 | 315–452 | 324–452 | 305–406 | |
| Complaints filed | 117 | 75 | 46 | 16 | 26 | |
| Recalls issued | 19 | 18 | 12 | 7 | 9 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Driver Assistance & Speed Control: 10 of 46 NHTSA complaints (22%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
EPA rates it 20–28 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
EPA estimates $2,750–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (15)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 338 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 35 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,750 (low) | 315 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 22 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 351 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 360 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 374 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 373 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 452 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 452 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 444 g/mi |
Show 5 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 411 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 424 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 424 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 407 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (12)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 23V854000 · Dec 18, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · Campaign 22V232000 · Apr 11, 2022
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS · Campaign 21V961000 · Dec 13, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
SEATS · Campaign 21V818000 · Oct 19, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.
Consequence: Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 21V509000 · Jul 6, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 21V197000 · Mar 22, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · Campaign 21V032000 · Feb 1, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: If the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 20V395000 · Jul 6, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C63 AMG, C63 AMG S, AMG GT 53, AMG GT 63, AMG GT 63 S, and 2020 GLC 63 AMG, GLC 63 AMG S vehicles. An incorrect Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software version may cause the ESP system to react inaccurately. On December 18, 2020, an additional 360 vehicles were added to the recall population.
Consequence: If the ESP does not react properly to a driving situation, it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Letters for the owners of the 360 additional vehicles were mailed January 15, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080016.
Show 2 earlier campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 20V364000 · Jun 22, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 20V068000 · Feb 10, 2020
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.