Home › Mercedes-Benz › C-Class › 2015
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2015 C-Class has 411 NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls, and each recall lists a dealer remedy[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In the owner reports we read, collision-prevention warnings with loss of power, a gasoline smell and sunroof glass breaking stand out[16][17][18][19].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 411 owner complaints on file for the 2015 C-Class[20]. Of those, 11 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 10 an injury, and none report a death[20]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts of the car, so the group counts below overlap and do not add up to the total.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[16] | 132 | 0 | 51,000 |
| Unknown or other[22] | 68 | 0 | 29,750 |
| Fuel/propulsion[17] | 67 | 1 | 47,000 |
| Structure[18] | 64 | 1 | 61,806 |
| Electrical[19] | 52 | 3 | 20,000 |
| Steering[23] | 26 | 3 | 39,500 |
| Suspension[24] | 26 | 0 | 50,000 |
| Power train[25] | 24 | 0 | 14,897 |
The engine group is named most often, with 132 complaints[16]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 6 describe the car losing power, slowing suddenly or stalling while driving, several of them alongside "inoperative" warning messages on the dash[16]. Some of those owners say the dealer could not repeat the problem[16]. In the same sample, 3 owners who mention the starter recall say the repair part was not available yet[16][11].
The electrical group is smaller, at 52 complaints, but it has 3 crashes, the most of any group along with steering, and a median failure mileage of 20,000 miles[19]. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 7 describe a collision-prevention warning that appears while driving[19]. Some of these owners say the car then would not accelerate or slowed down, and in some cases the dealer could not find a fault[19]. Three other texts in the sample are about keyless entry, the touchpad and a door warning[19].
Fuel/propulsion has 67 complaints[17]. In a sample of 12 texts we read, 10 mention a gasoline smell inside the cabin or in the garage, often at a cold start, and some owners describe a leaking fuel line or hose[17]. Two of the 12 texts are identical, and two mention the fuel pump recall number[17][13].
In the structure group, which has 64 complaints, 7 of the 12 texts we read describe a panoramic sunroof that shattered or a roof panel that came loose[18].
Steering has 26 complaints, with 3 crashes and 3 injuries[23]. Power train has 24 complaints and the lowest median failure mileage of the listed groups, 14,897 miles, but the count is small, so it does not point to a common problem[25].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2015 C-Class[1]. Many cover several model years or only certain trims and build dates, so ask a dealer to check your VIN. Each recall below lists a dealer remedy.
- Roof panel expansion (23V854). The front roof panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may have been glued badly during an earlier repair, so it could come off the car[2]. A loose panel on the road raises crash risk[2]. Dealers replace the front panel for free, and owner letters were being mailed in phases[2]. This expands recall 21V197[2].
- Passenger air bag (21V638). A wrong front passenger air bag may have been installed during an earlier repair, and it may not work properly in a crash[3]. Dealers replace it for free[3]. This one covers only a small group of 205 vehicles, including some C250, C350 and C63 AMG coupes[3].
- Roof panel (21V197). On cars with a panoramic sunroof, the front roof panel glue may weaken and let the panel detach, which is a road hazard[4]. Dealers remove the panel and fit a new one with approved glue and primer for free[4].
- Emergency call software (19V787). A software fault can give the emergency call system the wrong date and time, which may send an inaccurate location[5]. That can slow responders[5]. MBUSA used an over-the-air update, and dealers check the software or update the module for free[5].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V010). The inflator in the passenger air bag module can explode after long exposure to humidity and heat, and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death[6]. Dealers replace the module for free[6]. The recall lists certain trims by model year and by the region where the car was registered, so the VIN check matters[6].
- Steering rack (18V850). A locknut in the steering rack can break under high load, and the steering could stick in one position[7]. Dealers replace the steering rack for free[7]. It names certain rear-wheel drive models, including 2015 and 2016 C300 and the 2015 C63S AMG[7].
- Rear axle flange (17V654). On certain C63 models, the rear differential mounting flange can fracture from repeated hard launches[8]. That can lead to driveshaft failure and loss of power, which raises crash risk[8]. Dealers update the stability and chassis control software for free[8].
- Driver air bag (17V627). The driver air bag could go off on its own if static electricity hits poorly grounded steering parts and breaks the clockspring[9]. That raises injury and crash risk[9]. Dealers add grounding to the steering parts for free[9].
- Air bag software (17V177). Some control units may have been loaded with the wrong software, which could affect air bag deployment in a crash[10]. It affects only 51 vehicles, and the list includes the 2015 C300 4Matic sedan and 2015 to 2016 C300 sedan[10]. Dealers update the software for free[10].
- Starter current limiter (17V114). If the engine cannot turn over, repeated start attempts can overheat the starter current limiter and melt nearby parts, which is a fire risk[11]. Dealers add a fuse to the starter line for free[11].
- Power steering software (15V845). A software error can cut electric power steering assist on certain 2015 C300 and C400 4Matic sedans built from January 27, 2014 to December 1, 2014[12]. The wheel then takes more effort, especially at low speed[12]. Dealers update the software for free[12].
- Fuel delivery module (15V138). On certain 2015 C300 and C400 4Matic cars built April 7 to July 25, 2014, the fuel delivery module may be badly secured, and wires may be pinched[13]. That can leak fuel and cause a fire, or stop the fuel pump and stall the car[13]. Dealers inspect and correct the problem for free[13].
- Headlight aim (15V087). Certain 2015 C300 and C400 cars built June 18 to September 5, 2014 have headlight adjusters that owners can change by mistake[14]. A misaimed headlight can light the road poorly or glare at other drivers[14]. Dealers swap the adjusters for sealing caps[14].
- Steering coupling (14V598). On certain 2015 C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic cars built March 28 to September 18, 2014, a steering column shaft could come loose from its coupling[15]. The driver might hear noise, feel play in the wheel and, at worst, lose steering control[15]. Dealers check that the coupling is locked, for free[15].
Fuel economy
EPA lists nine fuel economy ratings for this model year[26][27][28][29][30][31][21][32][33]. Combined economy runs from 15 MPG for the C63 AMG Coupe to 28 MPG for the rear-wheel drive C300[27][21]. All nine are rated for premium fuel[26][27][28][29][30][31][21][32][33].
| EPA model and engine | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| C300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, rear-wheel drive[21] | 25 / 33 / 28 | $2,950 |
| C300 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 4-wheel drive[31] | 24 / 31 / 27 | $3,050 |
| C250 Coupe, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, rear-wheel drive[26] | 21 / 31 / 25 | $3,300 |
| C400 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4-wheel drive[30] | 21 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 |
| C350 Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, rear-wheel drive[29] | 20 / 28 / 23 | $3,550 |
| C350 4matic Coupe, 3.5L 6-cyl, 4-wheel drive[28] | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,750 |
| AMG C63, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, rear-wheel drive[32] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
| AMG C63 S, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, rear-wheel drive[33] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
| C63 AMG Coupe, 6.2L 8-cyl, rear-wheel drive[27] | 13 / 19 / 15 | $5,500 |
All nine are listed as Automatic 7-spd[26][27][28][29][30][31][21][32][33]. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Engine power
EPA's test car list gives these power ratings for the 2015 C-Class, by engine[34][35][36][37][38]:
| Engine | Rated horsepower |
|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cylinder[34] | 201 hp |
| 2.0L 4-cylinder[35] | 241 hp |
| 3.5L 6-cylinder[37] | 302 hp |
| 3.0L 6-cylinder[36] | 329 hp |
| 4.0L 8-cylinder[38] | 469 hp |
These are the ratings listed for EPA test vehicles. Our data does not say which trim gets which engine beyond the fuel economy table above.
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 119 | 0 |
| 1996 | 41 | 1 |
| 1997 | 17 | 0 |
| 1998 | 62 | 1 |
| 1999 | 77 | 1 |
| 2000 | 41 | 0 |
| 2001 | 89 | 3 |
| 2002 | 165 | 3 |
| 2003 | 102 | 3 |
| 2004 | 77 | 4 |
| 2005 | 135 | 6 |
| 2006 | 179 | 7 |
| 2007 | 277 | 5 |
| 2008 | 829 | 8 |
| 2009 | 644 | 8 |
| 2010 | 472 | 6 |
| 2011 | 507 | 6 |
| 2012 | 579 | 7 |
| 2013 | 565 | 7 |
| 2014 | 271 | 6 |
| 2015 | 411 | 14 |
| 2016 | 303 | 14 |
| 2017 | 226 | 16 |
| 2018 | 117 | 19 |
| 2019 | 71 | 18 |
| 2020 | 34 | 12 |
| 2021 | 16 | 7 |
| 2022 | 25 | 9 |
| 2023 | 23 | 9 |
| 2024 | 15 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts by model year let you compare the C-Class with itself[1]. The 2015 model year has 411 complaints and 14 recalls[1]. For complaints, it ranks seventh among the listed years, behind 2008 (829), 2009 (644), 2012 (579), 2013 (565), 2011 (507) and 2010 (472)[1]. For recalls, the 2015 year ties with 2016 at 14, behind 2017 (16), 2019 (18) and 2018 (19)[1].
The neighbors look different. The 2014 model year has 271 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2016 year has 303 complaints and 14 recalls[1]. So among the three, 2015 has the most complaints, and its recall count matches 2016[1]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and recall counts include campaigns that cover many years.
Should you buy a used 2015 C-Class?
The 2015 C-Class has a long recall list, and every recall we have on file has a dealer remedy[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Before buying one, ask a dealer to run the VIN and confirm each open recall was done, especially the steering, fuel delivery module, air bag and roof panel repairs. Owner complaints in the samples we read point to three things to ask about: collision-prevention warnings that come with loss of power, a gasoline smell at cold start, and the panoramic sunroof. These are small samples of unverified reports, so they show what owners describe and not how common it is. Fuel costs vary a lot by version, from $2,950 to $5,500 a year by EPA's estimate[21][27].
Frequently asked questions
- How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2015 model year[1]. They cover steering, air bags, the fuel delivery module, the starter, roof panels, headlights, the rear axle and software[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates.
- What are the most common problems on the 2015 C-Class?
- The engine group has the most complaints, 132 of 411[20][16]. In the samples we read, owners describe a collision-prevention warning with loss of power, a gasoline smell at cold start and a shattering panoramic sunroof[16][17][18][19]. These are small samples of unverified reports.
- What gas mileage does the 2015 C-Class get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the C63 AMG Coupe to 28 MPG for the rear-wheel drive C300[27][21]. The 4-wheel drive C300 4matic is rated at 27 MPG combined[31].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V638, filed August 13, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V787, filed November 1, 2019: Communication. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V010, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V850, filed November 29, 2018: Steering › Rack And Pinion › Rack. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V654, filed October 16, 2017: Power Train › Axle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V177, filed March 14, 2017: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V114, filed February 23, 2017: Electrical System › Starter Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V845, filed December 16, 2015: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V138, filed March 10, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V087, filed February 11, 2015: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V598, filed September 26, 2014: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- 132 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 67 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 64 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,806). NHTSA vehicle records
- 52 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 411 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (11 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for C300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 68 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 26 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 26 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,897). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- EPA rating for C63 AMG Coupe, 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
- 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
- EPA rating for C350 Coupe, 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
- EPA rating for C400 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for C300 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 31 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG C63, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG C63 S, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 329 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 302 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 469 hp. www.epa.gov