2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 8 of 16 complaints (50%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 46 in 2020 to 16 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,900 | 2,750–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,650–3,500 | 2,650–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–27 | 20–28 | 20–27 | 22–29 | 19–29 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–23 / 24–34 | 17–24 / 24–35 | 17–24 / 25–35 | 19–25 / 28–35 | 16–25 / 24–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 330–452 | 315–452 | 324–452 | 305–406 | 308–461 | |
| Complaints filed | 75 | 46 | 16 | 26 | 24 | |
| Recalls issued | 18 | 12 | 7 | 9 | 10 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 8 |
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
7 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Engine: 8 of 16 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
EPA rates it 20–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
EPA estimates $2,850–$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 | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 33 mpg | 27 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 330 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 23 mpg | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 338 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 359 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $3,000 | 347 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 35 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 324 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 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) | 25 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) | 440 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) | 440 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 433 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 433 g/mi |
Show 3 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 | 409 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 428 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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 (7)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V445000 · Jun 26, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · Campaign 21V406000 · Jun 1, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.
Consequence: Incorrectly mounted headrests could move or detach from the seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear seatback guide bushings and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060010.
SEATS; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 21V230000 · Apr 2, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
Consequence: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
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.