Owner report · 2021 model year

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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The Verdict

Worst problem area

Engine

Engine leads by volume: 9 of 17 complaints (53%) mention it.

Complaints filed fell from 47 in 2020 to 17 in 2021.

Data last changed Nov 7, 2026. Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

At a glance

NHTSA complaints: 17
Recall campaigns: 7
EPA fuel cost per year: $2,850–$3,850
Combined MPG: 20–27

Complaints by model year

792019
472020
172021
262022
252023

Where owners report problems

Engine9 (53%)
Fuel System3 (18%)
Airbags & Restraints2 (12%)
Driver Assistance & Speed Control1 (6%)
Electrical1 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)

Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2021: 5 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	vs. 2021 Subcompact Cars
Annual fuel cost ($)	2,850–3,850	2,750–3,850	2,850–3,850	2,650–3,500	2,650–4,050
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	79	47	17	26	25	Not compared
Recalls issued	18	12	7	9	10	Not compared
Crash-involved complaints	3	5	0	1	2	Not compared
Fire-involved complaints	0	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Injuries reported	1	5	0	1	1	Not compared
Deaths reported	0	0	0	0	0	Not compared
Configurations compared	10	10	10	6	8

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 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: 9 of 17 NHTSA complaints (53%) 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–$3,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

Similar Vehicles

EPA-Rated Configurations (15)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
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)	$3,850 (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)	$3,850 (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)	$3,850 (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)	$3,850 (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

The remaining EPA-rated configurations on this page.
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

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
Category	Complaints	Crash-Involved	Fire-Involved	Injuries	Deaths
Engine	9	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 20, 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 8, 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 · May 28, 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 1, 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 5, 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 · Jan 29, 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.