2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 15 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 13 C-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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The complaints owners file most often name Engine (8 of 15), then Air bags (2) and Fuel and propulsion system (2). The most filings arrived in 2025 (7 of 15).
The 2020 C-Class has 46 complaints, 6 per year, and the 2022 has 26 complaints, 7 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
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 2021 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 (15 total)
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while accelerating. There were no warning…"
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"The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz C. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle began to lose power, riding rough. The check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where…"
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"I am reporting a safety defect involving the panoramic sunroof on my 2021Mercedes-Benz Coop vehicle. The panoramic sunroof has malfunctioned due to an apparent design or manufacturing defect. The sunroof fails to open /…"
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"The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 30 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle…"
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"Driving and something came from underneath the vehicle and cause me to swerve in all the airbags deployed"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2 DR RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR 4WD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4 DR RWD | 5 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet C 4WD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2021 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds 15 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 13 C-Class years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (8 of 15), then Air bags (2) and Fuel and propulsion system (2). The most filings arrived in 2025 (7 of 15).
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2020 C-Class has 46 complaints, 6 per year, and the 2022 has 26 complaints, 7 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2021 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).