CarBrief

NHTSA has 565 owner complaints for the 2013 C-Class, and the air bags are the most named component[1][2]. The car also has recalls on file, so check that each one has been done before you buy or keep it[3].

565owner complaints[1]
7recalls[3]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 565 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 23 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 25 injuries, with no deaths reported[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several components[1]. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

The largest groups by complaint count:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Air bags[2] 280 61,000
Suspension[5] 73 97,400
Structure[6] 71 80,000
Engine[7] 58 64,500
Steering[8] 46 68,515

Air bags. This group has the most complaints by a wide margin[2]. In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 6 describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash and 4 describe an air bag warning light or "disabled" message[2]. The group lists 17 crashes, 2 fires and 20 injuries[2].

Suspension. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 8 describe a rusted rear subframe, often with the car pulling to one side when braking[5]. Dealers or mechanics found the rust in these reports.

Structure. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 8 describe a broken inside door handle that stops the driver from opening the door from inside[6]. Some of those owners say they rolled the window down to get out. Two other samples describe rust on the rear subframe[6].

Engine. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 9 describe hesitation, stalling or loss of power when accelerating[7]. The engine group lists 4 fires[7]. Two of the 12 sampled texts describe an engine fire or a fire after a crash[7].

Steering has 46 complaints, electrical 33 and fuel/propulsion 27[8][9][10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first:

The inflator recalls carry the most serious stated risk, serious injury or death from fragments in a crash[13][14]. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, and confirm in particular that the 18V043 remedy is available before you count on a fix[14].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
C250, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo[18] 22 / 31 / 25 $3,300
C250 Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo[4] 21 / 31 / 25 $3,300
C350, 3.5L 6-cyl[19] 20 / 28 / 23 $3,550
C300 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl[20] 19 / 28 / 22 $3,750
C63 AMG, 6.2L 8-cyl[21] 13 / 19 / 15 $5,500

Other listed versions fall between these figures, for example the C350 4matic Coupe at 22 combined MPG[22].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for this model year. The 1.8L 4-cylinder is rated 201 hp[23]. The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 248 to 302 hp depending on version[24]. The 6.2L 8-cylinder is rated 510 hp[25].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
C250 4-door sedan RWD[26] 180 in 70 in 57 in 109 in 3,318 lb
C250 coupe[27] 181 in 70 in 56 in 109 in 3,417 lb
C350 4-door sedan RWD[28] 182 in 70 in 57 in 109 in 3,549 lb
C300 / C350 4matic sedan AWD[29] 182 in 70 in 57 in 109 in 3,682 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

1995: 119 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 41 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 17 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 62 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 77 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 89 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 165 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 102 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 77 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 135 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 179 complaints, 7 recalls2007: 277 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 829 complaints, 8 recalls2009: 644 complaints, 8 recalls2010: 472 complaints, 6 recalls2011: 507 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 579 complaints, 7 recalls2013: 565 complaints, 7 recalls56520132014: 271 complaints, 6 recalls2015: 411 complaints, 14 recalls20152016: 303 complaints, 14 recalls2017: 226 complaints, 16 recalls2018: 117 complaints, 19 recalls2019: 71 complaints, 18 recalls20192020: 34 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 16 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 25 complaints, 9 recalls2023: 23 complaints, 9 recalls20232024: 15 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each C-Class model year. The 2013 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951190
1996411
1997170
1998621
1999771
2000410
2001893
20021653
20031023
2004774
20051356
20061797
20072775
20088298
20096448
20104726
20115076
20125797
20135657
20142716
201541114
201630314
201722616
201811719
20197118
20203412
2021167
2022259
2023239
2024153
202542
202641

Among the C-Class model years in NHTSA's data, 2013 has the fourth highest complaint count at 565[3]. Only 2008 (829), 2009 (644) and 2012 (579) are higher[3]. The neighboring years are 579 complaints for 2012 and 271 for 2014[3].

The 2013 model year has 7 recalls, the same as 2012[3]. Some later years have more, with 14 for 2015, 16 for 2017 and 19 for 2018[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough comparison only.

Should you buy a used 2013 C-Class?

The data points to two things to check. One is air bags, which draw the most complaints and are involved in five of the seven recalls[2][11][13][14][15][17]. The other is the owner reports of rear subframe rust and broken door handles in the samples we read[5][6]. Before buying, confirm every recall is closed, and ask the dealer whether the 18V043 inflator replacement has been done on the car[14]. Our data does not cover reliability scores, repair costs or crash test ratings, so a pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Mercedes C-Class?
Air bags have the most NHTSA complaints at 280 of 565[1][2]. Suspension has 73, structure 71 and engine 58[5][6][7].
Does the 2013 C-Class have recalls?
Yes, 7 recalls are on file, including air bag inflator recalls 19V010 and 18V043[3][13][14]. For 18V043, Mercedes sent an interim notice in February 2018 and planned a second notice when parts were available[14].
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 C-Class?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the C63 AMG to 25 MPG for the C250[21][18].
Is 2013 a bad year for the C-Class?
It has the fourth highest complaint count of the listed years at 565, behind 2008, 2009 and 2012[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 565 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (23 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 25 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 280 complaints name the air bags component group (17 crashes, 2 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for C250 Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 73 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 71 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 58 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 46 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,515). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 33 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 27 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Recall 21V638, filed August 13, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 19V787, filed November 1, 2019: Communication. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 19V010, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V043, filed January 10, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V252, filed April 12, 2017: Steering. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V177, filed March 14, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for C250, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for C350, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for C300 4matic, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for C63 AMG, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for C350 4matic Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 248 to 302 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 510 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C250 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,318 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C250 COUPE 2DR: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,417 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C350 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C-CLASS C300 / C350 4MATIC 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,682 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.