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

Luxury cars & SUVs · W205 generation

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: reliability, problems and cost to own

Fair About average

It scores 42 out of 100 for reliability compared with other luxury cars and SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $18,708 to own, including $5,444 in repairs.

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

Reliability

42/100

About average

Repairs, 5 years

$5,444

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,286

28 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$18,512

$16,290 – $20,733, estimate

Recalls

12

on record

Owner complaints

45

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$2,883
Transmission & drivetrain$895
Body, glass & interior$482
Electrical system$329
Driver-assist & stability$273
Steering$166

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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 42 out of 100, about average for luxury cars and SUVs; the 2022 and 2023 scored better.

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?

It scores 42 out of 100 against other luxury cars and SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $5,444 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cost to own?

About $18,708 over 5 years: $5,978 in lost value, $5,444 in repairs and $7,286 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $18,512 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

12 recalls on record with NHTSA.