2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 130 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 10 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.
130
10
0
9
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (39 of 130), then Structure (19) and Steering (13). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 2 that report an injury.
The 2017 C-Class has 253 complaints, 17 per year, and the 2019 has 78 complaints, 8 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
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 2018 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 (130 total)
Show 16 more Show less
5
0
2
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Front roof panel came detached at hwy speed"
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"Sunroof causing dangerous pinch conditions. Roof tracks break and cause pinch areas with partial opening of roof"
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"The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-300. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH South on the interstate towards Miami, the front panel detached without warning. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle…"
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"I have begun noticing symptoms of the adhesive failing, such as excessive wind noise coming from the front roof area and visible gaps/separation between the panel and the vehicle body. This poses a severe safety risk,…"
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"2018 Mercedes C300 - a hole rusted through the rear subframe causing structural safety concerns. This car has been routinely washed weekly and the frame should not have rusted through within only 8 years. This also led…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR 4WD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class PHEV 4 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
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
For 2016 C300 sedans, NHTSA lists campaign 18V-850: a locknut in the steering rack may break under load, so the car cannot be steered properly; dealers replace the steering rack. Campaign 21V-197 covers certain 2015-2020 C300 vehicles (with GLA, CLA, GLC, and other models): adhesive bonding of a front panel may deteriorate so the panel can detach; dealers reinstall the panel with approved primer and adhesive. Campaign 17V-627 also names C300 4Matic and related C-Class trims for driver-air-bag grounding. Unit counts on multi-model campaigns are shared across nameplates.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 130 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 10 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (39 of 130), then Structure (19) and Steering (13). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 2 that report an injury.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2017 C-Class has 253 complaints, 17 per year, and the 2019 has 78 complaints, 8 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has more complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 130 complaints about the 2018 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).