2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class over 7 years — 6 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most C-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
46
6
0
7
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (9 of 46), then Powertrain (7) and Structure (5). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
The 2019 C-Class has 78 complaints, 8 per year, and the 2021 has 15 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2021.
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 2020 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 (46 total)
Show 9 more Show less
5
0
4
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"I own a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with a power trunk. On July 22, 2026, I took my vehicle to Annapolis Mercedes-Benz because the power trunk was repeatedly closing on its own while people were standing in the…"
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"Automatic trunk closing mechanism caused the trunk hood to close on my head as I was putting groceries in the trunk. This has occurred several times in the past but this time it hit my head with more force. I have not…"
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"Vehicle has ongoing and recurring electrical and engine-related defects that affect safe operation. The primary systems involved are the electrical system, engine ignition system, and powertrain. The vehicle is…"
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"The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was…"
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"Car stops accelerating and shifts into neutral without warning I nearly got hit from behind. I have consulted several other Mercedes vehicle owners and all had the same issue. Two of the other owners stated that this…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR 4WD | Not rated | 4 stars | Not rated | 4 stars |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | Not rated | 4 stars | Not rated | 4 stars |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class over 7 years — 6 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most C-Class years here — under the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (9 of 46), then Powertrain (7) and Structure (5). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 C-Class has 78 complaints, 8 per year, and the 2021 has 15 complaints, 1 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has more complaints per year than the 2021.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2020 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).