Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 (2021-present) reliability
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 built around 2021: more dangerous faults than average
Testers find a dangerous fault on Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 models built around 2021 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206?
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Key figure
8% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 models built around 2021 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 6% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 2,558 tests of C-Class models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 7 hybrid electric C-Class cars registered in 2022 (13.6%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 59 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 C-Class W206/S206 MOTs (2.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,885 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 12 C-Class W206/S206 MOTs (7.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 1,885 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W206/S206 fail rate by age
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 4 years old.
How the C-Class W206/S206 compares
At each age below, see how the C-Class W206/S206 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 86,228 tests across 25 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the C-Class W206/S206.
- 1
Porsche Taycan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.3%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
Lower fail rate: 7.9%, against 13.0% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206, both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2%
- Dangerous
- 3.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Lower fail rate: 8.1%, against 13.0% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206, both built around 2021.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,762 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Jaguar XF
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.1%
Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 13.0% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206, both built around 2021.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,033 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Audi A4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.8%
- Dangerous
- 5.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 85%
Fewer dangerous faults: 5.3%, against 7.5% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
9,101 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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.
Recall context
158 recalls in all35 of the 158 C-Class W206/S206 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 35 recalls
Top concerns
- SRPC2512 - bolting of steering coupling
- SRPC2410 – bolting connection Pre-Fuse box
- SRPC2413 - screw connections of 12 v and 48 v ground points
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on C-Class W206/S206 cars built around 2021
The share of hybrid electric cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 109 cars.
W206/S206 variants compared
C-Class W206/S206 variants built around 2021
The fail rate for each C-Class W206/S206 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Hybrid electric
- C12.5%680 tests
- C200 AMG LN NGT ED PRM+ MHEV A16.0%206 tests
Diesel
- C13.1%613 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz C-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz C-Class built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W206/S206 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 28.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 37.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 44.0%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 53.1%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 4,575 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206/S206 (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,885 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.