The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Years To Avoid
We've identified four Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid. See which years (and why you should steer clear).
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive sedan offered by Mercedes-Benz since 1993 and is still on the market today. While there are some stellar years for sale, some fell short of the ideal standard for the car. Before landing on a used car for your life, it’s vital to know the Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid.
The more dependable your Mercedes-Benz, the longer you’ll attain ownership and the more money you’ll save in the long term. With so many years of the C-Class available, it’s vital to choose wisely. Keep reading to learn more about the C-Class years to avoid, ideal years, and some of the most common troubles in the C-Class.
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Short Answer: 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014.
Most years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class performed decently on the road, so even the worst years aren’t as bad as much of the competition. If we had to advise some years to avoid, we’d recommend refraining from the 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014 selections. Their performance was less than ideal.
C-Class Model Year To Avoid: 1994
Problems:
- Degrading insulation
- Aging interior
- Ignition lock and tumbler failures
Many of the problems with the 1994 C-Class appear due to aging, including cracking in the wood trims and dashboard, thanks to constant exposure to the sun. Similarly, aging can cause the insulation around the wiring harness to degrade, leaving the conductors exposed.
Another error came with age. Those with a 1994 C-Class with ample mileage could notice significant ignition lock and tumbler failures. To repair this trouble, the C-Class requires a complete replacement.
C-Class Model Year To Avoid: 2001
Problems:
- Broken stepper motor
- Dead battery
- Engine performance problems
Several errors appeared in this version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid the 2001 C-Class. A broken stepper in the actuator arm can create clicking from the back of the dash, requiring the system to be taken apart and replaced in specific areas.
A failed seat control module could lead to a dead battery, which often comes from spilling liquid on the front of the vehicle. A crankshaft position sensor failure can also appear, which can lower overall performance.
C-Class Model Year To Avoid: 2013
Problems:
- Engine faults
- Significant oil leaks
- Error with body hardware
The 2013 C-Class wasn’t immune to its issues. One of the most prominent areas of trouble appeared in the engine. The coil can cause the engine to misfire, spark plugs can fail, and the engine computer shut down on the highway. There are many unpredictable areas of the C-Class.
Some drivers also reported significant oil leaks with the 2013 C-Class. In others, the doors sprang free, and power in the driver’s seat stopped working.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS YEARS TO AVOID
There aren’t too many Mercedes-Benz A-Class years to avoid, but the ones we recommend refraining from purchasing tend to have more issues than the ideal selections.
C-Class Model Year To Avoid: 2014
Problems:
- Cylinder head errors
- Climate system breakdown
Last in our lineup of Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid is the 2014 C-Class. This year wasn’t as troublesome as others but had its fair share of errors. One of the biggest was with the cylinder head, which had trouble running well in some cars and necessitated a complete refresh.
In other versions of the C-Class from 2014, the climate system didn’t function properly. The air conditioning was one of the most common areas to fail in the 2014 C-Class.
What Are Some Good Years? 2017, 2018, and 2019.
If you’d prefer something more dependable, there are several years we recommend. So far, it seems best to go with newer years for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if you want to maximize lifespan.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class garners excellent reviews from professional drivers and analyzers, earning an overall score of 80⁄100 from J.D. Power. It offers ample interior storage spaces for belongings, solid vehicle acceleration, and excellent coordination of textures and colors.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2018 iteration of the car is even better, scoring a whopping 82⁄100 from J.D. Power. People enjoyed the comfort of the second-row seats, significant interior storage spaces, and the low-key sound of the engine and the exhaust.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Finally, our newest recommendation is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It earns an 80⁄100 from J.D. Power. Drivers enjoyed the rear visibility, navigation system, and, again, the ample storage space.
Common Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems
When checking out the Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid, it’s also helpful to understand common problems you’ll face. These will help you address errors and prevent anything from spiraling out of control.
Here are some of the most significant C-Class problems:
- Vibration while driving: Excessive vibrations can make the driving experience unpleasant and even dangerous for some.
- MAF sensor failure: The MAF sensor can fail, leading to limited acceleration and insufficient power.
- Squeaky boot: Some cars have boot hinges that aren’t lubricated well, leading to squeaking.
- Headlight bulb failure: In the third generation, the bulbs let in moisture and failed to operate.
ARE MERCEDES-BENZ CARS RELIABLE?
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz car, one of the most common questions you’ll probably ask is: are Mercedes-Benz reliable?
Frequently Asked Questions: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Years to Avoid
Q: Which years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are recommended to avoid?
Several years should be avoided for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. We advise not investing in the 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014 iterations of the C-Class.
Q: Why is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class considered one of the worst model years?
Ample troubles exist in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class that made it less dependable. The breakdown of the climate system and faults in the cylinder head were the most notable.
Q: Which Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are considered reliable and safe to purchase?
There are several versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class years to avoid. However, some are safe. Out of the current lineup, we’d recommend the Mercedes-Benz C-Class selections for the 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Q: Are Mercedes-Benz Cars typically reliable?
Mercedes-Benz C-Classes don’t have incredible reliability, but they are generally reliable across all model years. In particular, the newer versions are more dependable than the older ones.
Q: How much does a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class typically cost?
The price range of a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class can range from $15,000-$30,000. The cost varies depending on factors like the age, miles on the odometer, and the model year purchased.
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