2017
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

Unlock Ratings
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 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
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, 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 330i. 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
convertible
coupe
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed Automatic
  • 9-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (241 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 hybrid (275 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 turbo (362 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (503 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (469 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"The weather strips are of poor quality and don't seal properly. They were clued to the door frame with cheap glue that did not stick. Had to get door weather strips replaced on both rear doors as they came off and hung out even at the time of taking delivery."

P R., TX (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"Rattling seat belts and speakers"

Anonymous, CO (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Car has had multiple rattles and squeaks - sunroof, passenger door and suspension. Very dissappnting"

Anonymous, ON (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"top of windshield frame creaks"

William G., CO (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Wind noise

"The driver side access (door/window) is probably not installed during assembly properly. The dealer changed every seal and was unable to fix the noise issue."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Wind noise at speeds over 40 mph. Replaced most of the window and door seals of the front driver side. The problem got slightly better, but, is still not fixed. Appears to be a factory installation issue that the dealer could not fix. Weather strips on two read doors were also loose and came off and had to be replaced."

P R., TX (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"There is a whistling noise coming from the front air defector when going over 45mph with the rear deflector raised. The dealer has ordered a replacement deflector which will be installed next week"

Julia J., FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)
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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

"Sensors needed to be repaired/replaced/adjusted for mirror indicator of vehicles in blind spot and the lane keeping"

Leonard M., WA (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"Heads up display went out"

Harvey O., IL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"the voice aspect of the navigation is difficult to use and at times does not respond."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Sometimes becomes unresponsive."

Michael D., FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Software update fixes

"Auto Climate would turn off by itself. After 4 attempts to fix it, the software was updated. However, that threw off the navigation system so that the voice aspect cannot work with designations and the screen changes without touch the controls. Each time the software is updated, it throws off some navigation aspect."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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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

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"sealed taillight unit had moisture inside and needed to be replaced under warranty"

Daniel S., AB (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Headlights

"right front headlight and running lights would not go off. Had to order a new motherboard to correct"

Anonymous, LA (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Interior lights

"Interior trunk light not working"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

"When key battery was low, locking & ignition malfunctioned. Dealer appeared not to know"

Anonymous, HI (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
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Drive System

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

What Owners Say

Differential

"oil leak"

Michael R., FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Electrical failure

"Car would not start due to electrical failure."

Adnan T., TX (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Transfer case

"Oil leak"

Michael R., FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"Rear brakes required new pads/rotors at 23K miles. Front pads show now wear."

Anonymous, MA (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Squeaking

"Steel on steel sound..ended up being recalled"

Anonymous, NY (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Dealer change brake pads but it’s back again after 3000 miles or so. Mostly happens backing up"

Joe C., NY (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl 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

Sunroof

"Front of sunroof has fixed vent allowing sun through. Dealer unaware of what I felt was design defect and added additional tinting over “open area”"

Anonymous, HI (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"broken trunk motor mount causing trunk to not close"

David M., FL (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Spoiler lip on trunk wasn't seated completely. Dealer sent to body shop to have it reattached. Have had no other issues with loose moldings."

Anonymous, CA (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"defective trim, water stains that I could not remove"

Glenn S., CA (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"A main seal was replaced to stop massive oil leak - I cannot tell you which one. Oil was leaking rapidly"

Leonard M., WA (2017 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

Bushings

"Front, passenger-side bushing had to be replaced when car was only 6 months old."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 AMG 3.0-L V6 turbo)

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

Engine Major

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

Exhaust

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

Transmission Minor

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

Climate System

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

Engine Cooling

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

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.

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