2016
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Change Vehicle

Redesigned for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C300 is so impressive that it scores near the top of the sports sedan segment. The new C-Class has a beautiful interior and delivers a driving experience that is close to ideal when it comes to balancing performance and comfort. Simply put: The C300 delivers the driving pleasure people expect from the brand.
Alerts
There are 10 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and front side air bags standard. Rear side air bags standard from 2001-2007. Head protection air bags standard from 2001. ESC standard from 2000.
Road Test

Redesigned for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C300 is so impressive that it scores near the top of the sports sedan segment. The new C-Class has a beautiful interior and delivers a driving experience that is close to ideal when it comes to balancing performance and comfort. Simply put: The C300 delivers the driving pleasure people expect from the brand. For those new to the brand, we think you'll find the C300 comfortable, quiet, agile, and altogether well done.

The opening bid for a base, rear-wheel drive C300 starts around $40,000. However, our test car, which represents what most people buy, rang in at $47,560. It included 4Matic all-wheel drive, a rear camera, blind-spot assist, sunroof, heated seats, and Premium package (Burmester stereo, LED headlights). Among four-cylinder sports sedans, this is the higher end of the price spectrum, where it competes directly against the BMW 328i. Making liberal use of the options list can send the sticker into the stratosphere.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Rear
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (241 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 hybrid (275 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbodiesel (208 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 turbo (362 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (469 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (503 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"The backup camera often failed to automatically come on in the display screen when the car was put into reverse. Sometimes it took up to six pushes on the display screen button for the display to light up and show the backup camera views. An update to the display software recently fixed the problem 18 months after I first complained"

Anonymous, HI (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 Unsure)

"Collision avoidance and attention assist are both jokes---they simply don't work properly despite the dealer's best efforts. A wonderful car but these systems are junk"

Michael R., MA (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Screen would not illuminate when car was started. car drove fine, but no access to Nav, electronic controls, camera"

John S., OK (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"It did not work properly with Apple phones at first"

Robert C., NJ (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Software reload fixed problem"

Bill W., TX (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Does not work, does not recognize voice. The system is so bad it should not be sold"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Despite the fact I enunciate well, the commands seem to be unintelligible; therefore frustrating. If I ask for Columbus, OH it goes to Santa Barbara, CA. If I'm in Illinois and want to go to Naples, FL the device does not hear Florida and wants to send me to Noble, IL or whatever"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Very poor voice control commands. I have a Mercury Mariner equipped with Ford's original Sync, which is substantially better than my Mercedes"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"everything rattles. sunroof, dash, everything"

Anonymous, GA (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"THIS CAR RATTLES LIKE AN 10 YEAR OLD CAR. SERVICE UNABLE TO STOP THEM.SERVICE IS AWFUL"

Lelis O., FL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 S 4.0-L V8 turbo)

"Accelerator pedal replaced due to noise. Panoramic roof seals lubricated due to noise. Speaker loose in front passenger door created vibration at certain frequencies"

Anonymous, CT (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"dash vents snap and pop and squeek with any temperature adjustments"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Two major sources of squeaks are steering and moon-roof"

Wieslaw W., NJ (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Squeeks from dashboard and door cards, over bumbs the car makes lots of noise from those areas, like the dash isn't properly aligned and components are rubbing against each other that shouldn't"

Anonymous, CT (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Parking brake

"Error message "Parking brake inoperative""

Anonymous, NY (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Rotors

"The steering wheel shimmied when I braked at freeway speed. The dealer said it was rust on the rotors. The factory refused to cover it on warranty but the dealer paid for the replacement of the brake rotors and pads so it cost me nothing. I was irritated at the Mercedes-Benz factory, but appreciated the dealership coverage"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"The brakes began squeaking when I went in reverse. I was told that there was a problem , did not involve any safety issue. The problem has been resolved by Mercedes"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Alignment went bad within the first 8,000 miles. Ruined the front tires. First alignment and tires, was not covered by MB. However, the gave a second 6,000 miles later at no cost to check for issues"

Ed K., MO (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire wear is uneven

"Mercedes does not warranty their tires for wear. One size on the front and one size on the back. TYhey are soft run flat tires. Person buying a new C300 do9esn't know the tires are only good for 15,000 miles. At $300+ per tire that is an expensive item to replace. Replace the tires from a dealer who will warranty wear instead of MB and you are dollars ahead"

Ed K., MO (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"been in repair for HVAC issues 3 times filed lemon law claim. Mercedes will be buying back this vehicle in 1 week"

Ross S., FL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Blower (fan) motor

"tbis is related to the compressor HVAC issues"

Ross S., FL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Headlights

"headlights are not strong enough at night"

Mike B., NC (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire pressure monitor

"Constant on and off and dealer finally c Put on new tire, but made us pay for it"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"WIND IS ALWAYS ENTERING THE CABIN THRU DOORS, SERVICE WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT"

Lelis O., FL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 S 4.0-L V8 turbo)
Glass defects

"Windshield 'spider-webbed' at the top by camera"

Kevin G., OR (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"In the 'sport' mode, the transmission lagged and caught. MB replaced a solenoid which didn't solve the problem and said the problem was considered 'normal' until a software update was available"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C450 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Change Vehicle