2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 573 complaints with NHTSA after 14 years, or 11 per year. That is more complaints per year than most C-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 7. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
573
11
0
14
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (286 of 573), then Suspension (73) and Structure (71). Those filings include 23 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, and 22 that report an injury.
The 2012 C-Class has 587 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2014 has 284 complaints, 7 per year. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2012. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2014.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (573 total)
Show 13 more Show less
23
7
22
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Airbags didn’t deploy during accident, vehicle hit on drivers side, greatly impacted, driver seatbelt was on. All recalls were completed. Impact from other vehicle that hit my vehicle had deployed airbags."
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"Noticed a strong odor of gas, well actually my kid did was sitting in backseat. I had just filled up and the smell didn't disipate. The next morning i still smelled it. I removed the seat and cover on the drivers side…"
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"The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and…"
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"Over the past few weeks Ive had instances where the car has power but wont crank, Ive had the SRS light come on the dash but after it starting it goes away."
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"REAR SUB FRAME RUST NEEDS INSPECTED SUPER CLANKY"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR AWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 17V-627 covers certain 2012-2014 C250, C350, and C300 4Matic sedans (with many other Mercedes models): insufficient grounding of steering components can allow the driver air bag to deploy inadvertently. Dealers add grounding. Campaign 17V-252 covers certain 2013-2014 C250 and C300 4MATIC vehicles among other models for a related electrical concern on affected builds. Confirm open campaigns by VIN; Mercedes lists recalls under trim strings such as C250/C300, not the umbrella "C-Class" name.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 573 complaints with NHTSA after 14 years, or 11 per year. That is more complaints per year than most C-Class years here — over the median of the other years, which is 7. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (286 of 573), then Suspension (73) and Structure (71). Those filings include 23 that report a crash, 7 that report a fire, and 22 that report an injury.
Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2012 C-Class has 587 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2014 has 284 complaints, 7 per year. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2012. The 2013 has more complaints per year than the 2014.
Has the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 573 complaints about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with NHTSA.
What engine oil does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class use?
5W-40 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US C250/C350 fills)
What does NHTSA recall 17V-627 cover on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
NHTSA campaign 17V-627 covers certain 2012-2014 C250, C350, and C300 4Matic sedans (with many other Mercedes models): insufficient grounding of steering components can allow the driver air bag to deploy inadvertently.
What generation is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
W204 (2012-2014).