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2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Gas
Subcompact Cars
15 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
58 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 12
Complaints5 crash · 5 injured reported 46
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 28 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact sedan 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, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 46 complaints, most often about the engine.

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 / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
C300GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo243528$2,950
C300 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233326$3,150
C300 4matic CoupeGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo213025$3,300
C300 CoupeGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223125$3,300
C300 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212924$3,400
C300 ConvertibleGasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212924$3,400
AMG C43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,750
AMG C43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo192722$3,750
AMG C43 4matic ConvertibleGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182521$3,900
AMG C63GasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182721$3,900
AMG C63 SGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo182721$3,900
AMG C63 ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172420$4,100
AMG C63 CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$4,100
AMG C63 S ConvertibleGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172420$4,100
AMG C63 S CoupeGasRWD4.0L 8-cyl turbo172620$4,100

*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.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
C300, C300 4matic, C300 4matic Convertible, C300 4matic Coupe, C300 Convertible, C300 Coupe6 / 10California LEV-III ULEV50 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 50All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG C43 4matic, AMG C43 4matic Convertible, AMG C43 4matic Coupe5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG C63, AMG C63 Convertible, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S, AMG C63 S Convertible, AMG C63 S Coupe3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

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

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds9

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, 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: AMG C 63 S, AMG C43, C300, C300-4M). 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
Height55.1–57.5 in
Wheelbase111.8 in
Track, front61.4–62.6 in
Track, rear61.0–62.2 in
Curb weight3,583–4,275 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear51/49 to 55/45

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 11 configurations: AMG C 63 S 2-door Convertible, AMG C 63 S 2-door Coupe, C 300 4Matic 4-door Sedan, C 300 4Matic 4-door Wagon, C 43 AMG 4Matic 4-door Sedan, C 43 AMG 4Matic 4-door Wagon …. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain 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 (12)

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

Electrical System

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 →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

2022060007
126,443 vehicles 92% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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 22V232000 reported Apr 8, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2022030003
139 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers 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 21V961000 reported Dec 13, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

2021110010
27 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk Incorrectly assembled seats may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers 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 21V818000 reported Oct 18, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

2021120011
1,467 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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." Risk Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers 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.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V509000 reported Jul 2, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

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

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 →
▲high

Electrical System

2020080016
5,399 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk If the ESP does not react properly to a driving situation, it may increase the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA 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 20V395000 reported Jul 6, 2020 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

2020070017
90 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire. Fix MBUSA 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 20V364000 reported Jun 22, 2020 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Communication

2020030016
239 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-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. Risk An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA 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 20V068000 reported Feb 7, 2020 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

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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
46complaints filed

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

14 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 33,593 C-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

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

Most-cited components

Engine 9
Unspecified 7
Forward Collision Avoidance 4
Structure 4
Fuel/Propulsion System 4
Power Train 4

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.

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 GLC 300.
Electrical System Apr 3, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11729030
I purchased this vehicle on December 26, 2025 from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. Shortly after the purchase, I discovered an issue related to the airbag system, which indicates a potential safety defect.
Air Bags Jan 22, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11712823
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that a section of the roof near the top of the windshield, between the sunroof, had detached and flown off the vehicle while driving 30 MPH in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Structure at 28,722 miles Aug 4, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11678311
I am reporting a catastrophic repeat engine failure on my 2020 Mercedes-Benz C300. On October 9, 2025, with 26,589 miles, the vehicle suffered a Cylinder 2 failure (exhaust valves), causing a dangerous loss of power in traffic.
Engine Feb 17, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11718583
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.
Suspension Nov 5, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11697729
BOTH the front tires in my 2020 Mercedes C300 developed sudden belt separation while driving at highway speed this past weekend. These tires were installed by Mercedes of Delray Beach Florida as part of my CPO vehicle purchase in September of 2022 and have less-than 20K miles on them.
Tires Sep 24, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11689319

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: 12 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 13 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 36 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 12 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 6,000 and 55,000 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.

Too few readings for a curve — the 12 on file: 5 under 10k, 1 10k–20k, 1 20k–30k, 1 30k–40k, 1 50k–60k, 1 80k–90k, 2 100k–150k.

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 4WDnot rated★★★★☆not rated★★★★☆11%
4 DR RWDnot rated★★★★☆not rated★★★★☆11%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 3 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Mercedes-Benz warranty extension (9) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 882
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-26
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 803 service bulletins, 26 others, 21 over-the-air updates

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

  • 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
  • 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:
  • LI27.60-P-076554 Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Power Train
  • Complaint • Harsh 1‑2, 2‑3, and/or 3‑4 shift • Jerky shifting • Jolting when accelerating from stop Cause Insufficient software application causing elevated K81/K27/B05 fill time adaptations and elevated torque adaptations for concerning shift. Note: Shift quality in E Performance models can be affected if the HV Battery state of charge (SOC) reaches 25% or below. Remedy Check VGS software level,

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
C350E
C350E on Mercedes-Benz →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine3 bulletins

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.

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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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class failed the emissions check on 2.2% of first inspections — close to the 2.2% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.72% (every 2020 vehicle: 1.6%).

New York inspections 2.2%

failed emissions

1,656 initial inspections of 1,617 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2020 C-ClassEvery 2020 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.2%2.2%1,649
Failed the safety inspection0.72%1.6%1,656
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.24%0.19%1,656
Miles driven a year7,4779,980odometer at inspection
Average odometer46,89762,630odometer 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 2020 vehicle” is every 2020 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 2020 C-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 12 recall campaigns for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The most serious on file is 23V854000, covering Structure. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (58/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Across the 15 EPA-rated configurations of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 28 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 184.6–187.4 in long, 71.3 in wide (body, without mirrors), 55.1–57.5 in tall, on a 111.8 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,583–4,275 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, most often about engine, unspecified, forward collision avoidance. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 5 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class runs 3 to 6 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 ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV50, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 50, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 882 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, most often covering electrical system, power train, equipment. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class failed the emissions check on 2.2% of first inspections — close to the 2.2% for every 2020 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 0.72% (every 2020 vehicle: 1.6%). 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 & configurations15 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates15 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls12NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints46NHTSA 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 bulletins882NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA 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 NHTSA10 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.

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