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2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Plug-in hybrid Gas
Subcompact Cars
16 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
33 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls3 critical 17
Complaints12 crash · 3 fire · 17 injured reported 253
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 30 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas compact sedan with 16 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the C350e, is EPA-rated at 30 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for this model year, 3 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 253 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz C-Class · Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
C350ePlug-in hybridRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo + 60 kW DCPM283230 (34 MPGe blended)9 mi electric561.5 h$2,750
C300GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo243428———$2,950
C300 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo243127———$3,050
C300 ConvertibleGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233126———$3,150
C300 CoupeGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233026———$3,150
C300 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222925———$3,300
C300 4matic CoupeGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo232925———$3,300
AMG C43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202823———$3,550
AMG C43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202823———$3,550
AMG C43 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192622———$3,750
AMG C63GasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182521———$3,900
AMG C63 SGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182420———$4,100
AMG C63 ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172219———$4,350
AMG C63 CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172319———$4,350
AMG C63 S ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172219———$4,350
AMG C63 S CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172319———$4,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 38969, 38025, 37913, 38141, 37461, 38140, 37428, 38369, 38366, 38367.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
C350e6–9 / 10Federal Tier 3 Transitional Bin 110 / California LEV-III SULEV30/TZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
AMG C63, AMG C63 Convertible, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S, AMG C63 S Convertible, AMG C63 S Coupe, C300, C300 4matic, C300 4matic Convertible, C300 4matic Coupe, C300 Convertible, C300 Coupe7 / 10LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG C43 4matic, AMG C43 4matic Convertible, AMG C43 4matic Coupe7 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes)—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement2 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Engine Output

Horsepower241 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows2
Seating capacity5 seats

Transmission

DrivetrainRWD/Rear-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds7

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning

Optional: Adaptive cruise control, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: 350e, C300, C300-4M, C450-4M Sport AMG). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length184.6–187.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)71.3 in
Height55.1–56.7 in
Wheelbase111.8 in
Track, front61.4–62.6 in
Track, rear61.0–61.8 in
Curb weight3,583–4,220 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear53/47 to 55/45

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 9 configurations: AMG C63/C63S 2-door Convertible, AMG C63/C63S 2-door Coupe, C 300 4Matic 4-door Sedan, C 43 AMG 4Matic 4-door Sedan, C 63 AMG 4-door Sedan, C300 4Matic 2-door Convertible …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Factory warranty running out?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (17)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

2,976 vehicles 41% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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 23V854000 reported Dec 15, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Communication

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A 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. Fix The 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V365000 reported May 20, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles 64% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk The 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. Fix Mercedes-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 21V197000 reported Mar 19, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Communication

2021030005
67 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function. Risk A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign 21V072000 reported Feb 12, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. Fix MBUSA 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 21V058000 reported Feb 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Seat Belts

2021020010
24,550 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk If 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. Fix MBUSA 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 21V032000 reported Jan 29, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Communication

2019120008
24,226 vehicles 78% reported repaired built Jan 20, 2012 – Oct 6, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf Risk An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
NHTSA campaign 19V787000 reported Nov 1, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

2019040007
22,637 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Aug 14, 2015 – Jun 23, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, AMG C43 Coupe, C300 4MATIC Cabriolet, C300 4MATIC Coupe, AMG C43 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S Cabriolet and AMG C63 S Coupe vehicles and 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E400 4MATIC Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat. Risk If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatback on the affected vehicles and replace the seatback lock, as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on April 12, 2019 to notify owners. Owners will receive a second notification when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040007.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V130000 reported Feb 26, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

2019080012
6,373 vehicles 92% reported repaired built Jan 2, 2018 – Oct 5, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position. Risk A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
NHTSA campaign 18V850000 reported Nov 29, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Structure

2018070012
10,826 vehicles 93% reported repaired built May 11, 2016 – Oct 17, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, and C63 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a bonding issue introduced in the production process, the rear beltline trim may separate from the vehicle. Risk If the beltline trim were to separate from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear beltline trim and replace the trim if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V456000 reported Jul 10, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

2018040007
3,088 vehicles 93% reported repaired built Apr 11, 2017 – Aug 11, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG 4Matic Cabriolet and C63S AMG Cabriolet, 2017 C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe, 2018 E400 Coupe and E400 4Matic Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat. Risk If the seatback does not properly lock, in the event of a crash, the seatbacks may fold forward, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatbacks, replacing the seatbacks lock, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018040007.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V207000 reported Mar 29, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Power Train

2017110002
2,098 vehicles 90% reported repaired built Nov 4, 2014 – May 30, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 C63 AMG, 2015-2017 C63S and 2017 C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Cabrio vehicles. The rear axle differential mounting flange may fracture from repeated aggressive launches. Risk A fractured rear axle mounting flange can cause the rear differential to become misaligned, possibly resulting in failure of the driveshaft and a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's stability system software and chassis control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2017. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V654000 reported Oct 16, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

2017110011
495,290 vehicles 81% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Risk If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V627000 reported Oct 6, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

4 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Sep 22, 2016 – Feb 9, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2017 C43 AMG, one E300 4Matic sedan, one GLC300, and one E43 AMG 4Matic sedan. These vehicles have electrical power steering control units with improperly welded contact pins. Risk The improperly welded pins may lose contact, deactivating the power steering assist and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 10, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V574000 reported Sep 19, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

12,743 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Jul 26, 2016 – Dec 22, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4Matic, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, C63S Cabrio, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, GLC43 AMG, S550, S550 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, and Mercedes-Maybach S600 vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." Risk If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V251000 reported Apr 11, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

3 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Jul 11, 2016 – Nov 3, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact. Risk A loss of electrical contact will cause the electric power steering assist to deactivate, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V243000 reported Apr 11, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Engine And Engine Cooling

2017080002
307,629 vehicles 99% reported repaired built Feb 1, 2014 – Feb 1, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle. Risk If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V114000 reported Feb 23, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf. Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a subst

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002 · the investigation’s page →

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 adh

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific C-Class

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2017 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Mercedes-Benz publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
253complaints filed

12 involved a crash · 3 a fire · 17 injuries · 0 deaths reported

33 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 75,809 C-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2016: 1 · 2017: 21 · 2018: 15 · 2019: 14 · 2020: 13 · 2021: 31 · 2022: 34 · 2023: 56 · 2024: 40 · 2025: 23 · 2026: 5

Most-cited components

Unspecified 36
Fuel/Propulsion System 35
Electrical System 33
Seat Belts 27
Structure 24

In depth: engine problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

Check engine light came on, a day after purchasing from dealer. Mileage at 55k. Check engine light code was p052e71, confirmed from 2 auto repairers. One was Mercedes Benz who quoted me $3900 to repair. In the Mercedes Benz booklet warranty says emission related repairs are covered for 15 years/150k miles for hybrid vehicles
Engine Aug 27, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11541047
Car is making weird noises from the front electrical AC side- it is hard to breath AC air (smell like plastic) . Pressing brakes car is handling bad and goes slightly into other lane. I took car to dealer- they could not find the problem
Electrical System Mar 27, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11405100
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair and Honda of Newnan (391 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA 30265) replaced the ball joints and axles, the contact noticed that the roof panel had detached, causing the front panel to loosen, and the driver's side…
Structure at 58,237 miles Apr 7, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11515931
Documentation errors and omissions misinformation regarding proper replacement wheel. This misinformation could result in wheels with improper fit being install potentially resulting in abnormal handling, diminished braking performance and in extreme cases possible separation of the wheel from the vehicle at high speed. Mbusa.
Wheels at 25,000 miles Apr 9, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11407324
On march 8, 2018 my vehicle has been involved in an accident. While driving to a meeting the right rear wheel of the vehicle locked up sending the vehicle into a 360-degree spin. All safety features in the vehicle failed. No brakes, no airbags deployed on impact. On or around october 21st of 2018.
Air Bags at 18,000 miles Feb 29, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11315335
The contact leased a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 Amg equipped with pirelli p zero all season tires, size: p225/40/r19 (na). On several occasions, the low tire pressure warning indicator illuminated. Also, the front driver and passenger tires experienced blowouts and cracked rims.
Tires at 3,997 miles Jan 11, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11166516

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.

Reported by Mercedes-Benz itself: 55 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 3 killed, 68 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 73 per 100,000 built. Every C-Class model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 29k

miles, typically

Half the 71 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 14,000 and 50,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 14
10k–20k 11
20k–30k 12
30k–40k 5
40k–50k 9
50k–60k 9
60k–70k 3
70k–80k 2
80k–90k 3
90k–100k 0
100k–150k 3
150k + 0

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Seat Belts1622,0000.76×
Engine1236,0000.62×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2017-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: engine (0.62×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆11%
4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆11%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 942
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-26
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 894 service bulletins, 23 others, 14 service campaigns

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Engine, Power Train, Exterior Lighting.

  • LI27.00-P-073124 Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Power Train
  • Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of t
  • LI42.10-P-078779 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document i
  • LI27.10-P-075869 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Power Train
  • Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy 1. Check initial quick test for faults in the following
  • LI27.00-P-073124 Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Power Train
  • Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of
  • LI42.10-P-063502 Service bulletin
    2026-09-01 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce noise from high performance AMG brakes. AMG brakes are designed for performance under high load and in certain scenarios, can emit noise. Some scenarios are normal and some are induced by driving style like those listed
  • LI 27.10-P-080851 Service bulletin
    2026-08-29 · Power Train
  • Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmi
  • LI46.35-P-067339 Service bulletin
    2026-08-28 · Steering
  • Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to:

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P052E
P052E on Mercedes-Benz →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine23 owner reports
C350E
C350E on Mercedes-Benz →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine4 bulletins · 1 owner report

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class failed the emissions check on 2.3% of first inspections — lower than the 3.7% for every 2017 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.5% (every 2017 vehicle: 2.1%).

New York inspections 2.3%

failed emissions

2,269 initial inspections of 2,234 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2017 C-ClassEvery 2017 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.3%3.7%2,261
Failed the safety inspection1.5%2.1%2,269
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.40%0.25%2,269
Miles driven a year7,96910,048odometer at inspection
Average odometer73,92793,238odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2017 vehicle” is every 2017 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2017 C-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 17 recall campaigns for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 3 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 18V850000, covering Steering. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

NHTSA gave the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (33/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Across the 16 EPA-rated configurations of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 30 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 184.6–187.4 in long, 71.3 in wide (body, without mirrors), 55.1–56.7 in tall, on a 111.8 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,583–4,220 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, most often about engine, unspecified, fuel/propulsion system. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 17 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class runs 6 to 9 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30/TZEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70, Federal Tier 3 Transitional Bin 110, LEV-III ULEV70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 942 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, most often covering electrical system, equipment, engine. The most recent is dated 2026-09-26. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class failed the emissions check on 2.3% of first inspections — lower than the 3.7% for every 2017 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.5% (every 2017 vehicle: 2.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations16 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates16 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls17NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints253NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins942NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations3NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA13 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

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). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

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

JSON for this page · API