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Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability by build year

Coverage 2000-present4 named generationsexecutive saloonSaloonPETROL / DIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC / UNKNOWN
At a glance

Mercedes-Benz C-Class built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Mercedes-Benz C-Class by number plate

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz C-Class models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz C-Class models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your C-Class's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

C-Class W206/S206

W206/S206 (2021-present)

Too close to call between ratings
DIESELPETROLHYBRID ELECTRIC

13.0% fail rate, built around 2021 (4 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 9 MOTs, 11.4%)

From 1,885 MOT tests at this ageView details →
C-Class W205/S205/C205/A205

W205/S205/C205/A205 (2014-2020)

Too close to call between ratings
DIESELPETROLHYBRID ELECTRICUNKNOWN

14.8% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 38,290 MOT tests at this ageView details →
C-Class W204/S204/C204

W204/S204/C204 (2007-2013)

Average
DIESELPETROL

25.7% fail rate, built around 2013 (12 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 26.3%)

From 15,120 MOT tests at this ageView details →
C-Class W203/S203

W203/S203 (2000-2006)

Average
DIESELPETROL

31.4% fail rate, built around 2004 (21 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.1%)

From 6,109 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

See every build year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Side-by-side

Mercedes-Benz C-Class generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
W206/S206 (2021-present)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings13.0%built around 2021 (4 years old)from 1,885 MOT tests at this age
W205/S205/C205/A205 (2014-2020)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings14.8%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 38,290 MOT tests at this age
W204/S204/C204 (2007-2013)
Average
Average25.7%built around 2013 (12 years old)from 15,120 MOT tests at this age
W203/S203 (2000-2006)
Average
Average31.4%built around 2004 (21 years old)from 6,109 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the C-Class, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz C-Class ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
6737.9%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
4,57512.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
15,00212.3%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
29,94513.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
37,81014.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
47,51716.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
39,06417.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
38,55518.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
29,83022.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
33,51124.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
29,73625.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
21,19825.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17,16226.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
15,46927.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
16,88127.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
13,77230.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
11,08629.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
8,17330.5%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
6,10931.4%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
3,59629.4%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
2,01228.3%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
91727.2%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4,08024.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the Mercedes-Benz C-Class stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other Mercedes-Benz models

8th of 15

8th lowest fail rate of 15 Mercedes-Benz models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the middle third

Against other saloons

16th of 29

16th lowest fail rate of 29 saloons with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the middle third

Against the UK average

14.8%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class models

These issues come from 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.4%
    Advisory: 12,221Fail: 1,393 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.3%
    Advisory: 3,492Fail: 337 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    7.8%
    Advisory: 2,894Fail: 937 (24% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.3%
    Advisory: 2,844Fail: 1,250 (31% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.9%
    Advisory: 3,655Fail: 49 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 38,290 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz C-Class models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres35%
  2. Suspension + Tyres23%
  3. Other + Tyres18%
  4. Brakes + Suspension14%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 7,986 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

87%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

158 recalls in all

114 of the 158 Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 Critical
  • 106 more

Top concerns

  • The passenger air bag may not deploy as specified
  • Takata airbag might not deploy as specified
  • Driver's airbag gas generator housing failure during deployment

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 14.8% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, both built around 2018.

    10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volvo S90

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    5.9%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 14.8% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, both built around 2018.

    2,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Jaguar XE

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    6%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz C-Class on these figures.

    8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Alfa Romeo Giulia

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz C-Class on these figures.

    2,110 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has the 8th lowest fail rate of 15 Mercedes-Benz models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 38,290 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Mercedes-Benz C-Class ever sold: 430,746 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 38,290 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.