2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2018 model shown · Photo: Chanokchon, CC BY-SA 4.0

Luxury cars & SUVs · W205 generation

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 5 out of 100 for reliability compared with other luxury cars and SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $21,247 to own, including $9,631 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Reliability

5/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$9,631

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,286

28 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$13,408

$11,799 – $15,017, estimate

Recalls

17

on record

Owner complaints

247

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$6,263
Transmission & drivetrain$1,001
Body, glass & interior$756
Electrical system$582
Driver-assist & stability$223
Steering$223

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2015 worst (2/100).

YearReliability
202365/100
202268/100
202151/100
202042/100
201931/100
201821/100
20175/100
20164/100
20152/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 5 out of 100, among the least reliable luxury cars and SUVs of 2015–2024. The 2022 and 2023 C-Class scored much better.

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?

It scores 5 out of 100 against other luxury cars and SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 247 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $9,631 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost to own?

About $21,247 over 5 years: $4,330 in lost value, $9,631 in repairs and $7,286 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,408 today.

What are the best years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2015 worst (2/100).

How many recalls does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

17 recalls on record with NHTSA.