CarBrief

NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on file for the 2025 C-Class, and none mention a crash, fire or injury[1]. Two recalls apply, one about a display that can go blank while driving and one about a seat belt cover[2][3].

4owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
22–29MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

The complaint list is short. NHTSA counts 4 complaints for this model year, with no crashes, fires, injuries or deaths reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Because the list is so small, treat the themes below as examples, not as a pattern.

NHTSA also lists one complaint each for the electrical system[10] and for unknown or other[11]. We have no text for those two.

Recalls

Both recalls below are in our data for this car, newest first.

The screen complaints above sound similar to the first recall, but we cannot say whether they are the same issue. To see whether a specific car is included, search its VIN on NHTSA.gov or call Mercedes-Benz USA at 1-800-367-6372[2].

Fuel economy

EPA rates four versions of the 2025 C-Class. All use premium fuel and a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with an Automatic 9-spd[5][12][13][14].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
C300 (rear-wheel drive)[5] 25 / 35 / 29 $2,850
C300 4matic (all-wheel drive)[12] 24 / 33 / 27 $3,050
AMG C43 4matic (all-wheel drive)[13] 19 / 27 / 22 $3,750

The AMG C63 S E Performance runs on premium fuel and electricity. EPA rates it at 20 MPGe combined with 320 miles of range[14].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder in this model year at 255 to 469 hp, depending on version[15].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications for the AMG C43 4MATIC sedan, so a US car can differ slightly[16].

Measure Value
Length[16] 189 in
Width[16] 72 in
Height[16] 57 in
Wheelbase[16] 113 in
Curb weight[16] 4,057 lb

How 2025 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 recalls2014: 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 recalls420252026: 4 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each C-Class model year. The 2025 is highlighted[4].
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

NHTSA shows 4 complaints and 2 recalls for 2025[4]. The 2024 model year has 15 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2026 has 4 complaints and 1 recall[4]. Only 2027, with 0 complaints, has fewer complaints, and 2026 matches 2025[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2025 C-Class?

The complaint record for this year is very small, with 4 complaints and no reported injuries[1]. The more useful check is the recall history, since the display recall can hide the speedometer and warning lights if it is not fixed[2]. Ask a dealer to confirm both recalls were done on the exact car you are considering[2][3]. Pick the version by fuel cost, because EPA's combined ratings run from 29 MPG for the C300 down to 22 MPG for the AMG C43[5][13]. The AMG C63 S E Performance, which also uses electricity, is rated 20 MPGe combined[14].. Our data cannot speak to long-term reliability.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
NHTSA has 4 complaints on file, with no crashes, fires or injuries reported[1]. Owners describe dead screens, a rear camera error, spongy brakes and a broken sunroof, each in very few reports[6][8][7][9].
Are there recalls on the 2025 C-Class?
Yes, two. Recall 26V281 is about an infotainment unit that can blank the instrument display[2]. Recall 25V253 is about a driver-side seat belt cover[3].
What is the gas mileage of the 2025 C-Class?
The C300 is rated 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG[5]. The C300 4matic is rated 24 / 33 / 27[12] and the AMG C43 4matic 19 / 27 / 22[13].
How much horsepower does the 2025 C-Class have?
EPA lists 255 to 469 hp depending on version[15].
Is 2025 a good year for the C-Class?
Its 4 complaints are among the lowest of any year in NHTSA's list, though counts are not adjusted for sales[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V281, filed May 1, 2026: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 25V253, filed May 2, 2025: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz C-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for C300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 2 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 1 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. EPA rating for C300 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. EPA rating for AMG C43 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for AMG C63 S E Performance, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium and Electricity: 20 MPGe combined, 320 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA Test Car List, 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 255 to 469 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, C CLASS AMG C43 4MATIC 4DR SEDAN: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,057 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.