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Mercedes-Benz · Compact car

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Gas
Subcompact Cars
15 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA45
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA28 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact car with 15 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the C300, is EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 45 complaints, most often about the engine.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
C300GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo243528$2,750
C300 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233326$3,000
C300 4matic CoupeGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo213025$3,100
C300 CoupeGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223125$3,100
C300 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212924$3,250
C300 ConvertibleGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212924$3,250
AMG C43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,500
AMG C43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,500
AMG C43 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182521$3,700
AMG C63GasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182721$3,700
AMG C63 SGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182721$3,700
AMG C63 ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172420$3,900
AMG C63 CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$3,900
AMG C63 S ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172420$3,900
AMG C63 S CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$3,900

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 41888, 41887, 41908, 41907, 41909, 41910, 42226, 42218, 42219, 42224.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

2,976 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.RiskA detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
NHTSA campaign 23V854000reported Dec 15, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Back Over Prevention

2022060007
126,443 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskAn inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
NHTSA campaign 22V232000reported Apr 8, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

2022030003
139 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
NHTSA campaign 21V961000reported Dec 13, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2021110010
27 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLS450, GLS580, GLE350, GLE450, AMG C63, and 2021 AMG GLE53 vehicles. The seats may have been assembled incorrectly.RiskIncorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will inspect and repair the seats, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 8, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021110010.
NHTSA campaign 21V818000reported Oct 18, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Exterior Lighting

2021120011
1,467 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskIncorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V509000reported Jul 2, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.RiskThe adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V197000reported Mar 19, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seat Belts

2021020010
24,550 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskIf the seat belt does not fully retract, the occupant may find the operation of the seat belt inconvenient and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020010.
NHTSA campaign 21V032000reported Jan 29, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2020080016
5,399 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C63 AMG, C63 AMG S, AMG GT 53, AMG GT 63, AMG GT 63 S, and 2020 GLC 63 AMG, GLC 63 AMG S vehicles. An incorrect Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software version may cause the ESP system to react inaccurately. On December 18, 2020, an additional 360 vehicles were added to the recall population.RiskIf the ESP does not react properly to a driving situation, it may increase the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the ESP software, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Letters for the owners of the 360 additional vehicles were mailed January 15, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080016.
NHTSA campaign 20V395000reported Jul 6, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

2020070017
90 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.RiskAn oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.
NHTSA campaign 20V364000reported Jun 22, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
●moderate

Communication

2020030016
239 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.RiskAn inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.
NHTSA campaign 20V068000reported Feb 7, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

NHTSA defect investigations

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Front Roof Panel Detachment closed

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhe

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
45complaints filed

5 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 5 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2020: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2022: 8 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2026: 8

Most-cited components

Engine9
Unspecified7
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Structure4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Power Train4

What owners describe

“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 happened on the interstate and was very lucky they were not involved in a collision. Both vehicles were…”Apr 3, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“points: ⸻ While driving, the vehicle displays the warning “Active Brake Assist Functions Limited – See Operator’s Manual.â€� The message appears during normal driving and does not go away. This warning indicates that the automatic emergency braking / Active Brake Assist system is limited or disabled, reducing a…”Jan 11, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“Uneven wear pattern.The wear often occurs on inner shoulder of the tires 5k to9k miles,which can be dangerous tire can wear down to belts on inside edge while the outer tread still looks fine. i have brought this to dealership multiple time with NO FIX but to sale me new tires and alignments.I have spoke to multiple ow…”Nov 5, 2025 · Suspension · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR 4WDnot rated★★★★☆not rated★★★★☆11%
4 DR RWDnot rated★★★★☆not rated★★★★☆11%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Compare the 2020 C-Class with

2020 Toyota Corolla →

Other C-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

1 recalls · 3 complaints

B

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2 recalls · 4 complaints

D

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

3 recalls · 15 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

10 recalls · 25 complaints

F

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

9 recalls · 26 complaints

F

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

7 recalls · 17 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

18 recalls · 74 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

19 recalls · 128 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

17 recalls · 250 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

14 recalls · 314 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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