2011 Model Year

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
515
Recalls
0
Crashes
15
Severe
34

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 2026

Rear brakes backing plates rotted prematurely despite garage kept and well maintained status. While driving, noticed loud scraping and grinding noises...

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 2025

I drove vehicle to Publix with no problems. When i tried to start vehicle, key turns but car does not start. There is no cranking sound. I called a m...

Brakes
Oct 2025

Car was Off and parked when brake line failed. Further inspection was able to identify that brake pipes was slowly corroded thought entire lower part...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 2025

The driver’s side door handle broke and I was unable to leave the car unless it was unlocked and rolled the window down to open it from the outside th...

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 2025

The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I f...

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 2025

The ESL or electronic steering lock is a very common issue with this year and model at around the 70k mile mark. You cannot start the car once this go...

Exterior Lighting
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the messages to check the rear taillights and rear...

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER Crash
Dec 2024

I was in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. There was a recall on airbags for the Mercedes C300 within the year my vehicle was made, however,...

Steering
Nov 2024

The ESL is going out and is causing the car to not detect the key.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 2024

Rear subframe , so I went in for an alignment and was quickly notified and denied service due to my rear sub frame being broken. Car is reported to be...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 5, 2026

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 515 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Air Bags. 15 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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