Last updated: 2026-03-04

47
MixedReliability score: 47 out of 100, rated Mixed
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scores 47/100 ("Mixed"). With 82 recalls and 271 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2022 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (W206).

Recalls

82

Complaints

271

Complaint Rate

103.6

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$908

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
31/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
29/100 (Risky)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
63/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (40)FUEL SYSTEM (28)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)

82 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2022 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (W206).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
  • 5th generation C-Class (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2022 pricing and recall counts against 2023+ before deciding.

Fifth generation (W206)

2022selected
2023

Should You Buy the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scores 47/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 271 owner complaints and 82 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (47) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (47) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (40 complaints)
  • 4 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
  • Safety recall: park-it advisory issued

Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 82 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (40)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (28)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)
  • STEERING (21)
  • POWER TRAIN (18)
  • ENGINE (17)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (15)
  • TIRES (11)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (11)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)
  • SUSPENSION (8)
  • STRUCTURE (6)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5)
  • VISIBILITY (4)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (3)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • WHEELS (3)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
  • Chest Clip (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • SEATS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

82

recalls on record

Park It

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 82 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

103.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 16.5

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

16

Fires

4

Injuries

17

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Recall Details

82 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V4450002023-06-26

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

24V0700002024-02-02

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

24V7240002024-09-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 GLE 350 and 2021-2022 GLE 450 vehicles. The front acceleration sensor's wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, which can prevent the front air bags from deploying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reroute the wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100006.

Showing 10 of 38 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 18.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$908

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated Cost
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement$300 – $372
Engine Oil Pan Replacement$1,091 – $1,416
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir Replacement$299 – $378
Crankshaft Damper Replacement$725 – $853
Engine Leak Inspection$153 – $224
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement$233 – $311
Control Arm Replacement$506 – $620
Ignition Switch Replacement$882 – $924
Brake Pad Replacement$502 – $566
Exhaust Manifold Replacement$5,012 – $5,383

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

When Buying a Used 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect for steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds
  • Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
  • Check for electrical system warnings, especially battery and coolant
  • Verify tire condition for premature wear or sidewall bubbles
  • Test brakes for spongy feel or unexpected activation
  • Check for engine misfire or stalling during test drive
  • Ensure all safety systems, including airbags, are functional

Check Any 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 C-Class in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Common Problems by Component

271 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

40
28
73
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (40)FUEL SYSTEM (28)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)STEERING (21)POWER TRAIN (18)ENGINE (17)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (15)TIRES (11)Other (73)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

40 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class frequently report issues with the electrical system, including malfunctions in the 48-volt battery system and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. Symptoms often include warning lights for the battery and coolant system, loss of power, and unintended acceleration or stalling, sometimes at highway speeds. These issues commonly appear within the first 10,000 to 25,000 miles. Two complaints involve fires, and two report crashes, highlighting potential safety risks such as loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns and the associated safety implications when considering this model.

40 complaints total2 crashes2 fires2 injuries

FUEL SYSTEM

28 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class frequently report issues related to delayed recall repairs for the fuel system, with many stating that parts for these repairs are unavailable. Complaints often mention that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable timeframe for addressing these recalls. A minority of reports describe specific symptoms such as vehicle stalling and fuel odors, with one incident involving a crash and injury linked to a fuel system recall. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, with some reports noting problems around 11,500 to 14,403 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall repair delays and the associated risks, including vehicle stalling and, in rare cases, loss of control.

28 complaints total1 crash1 injury

STEERING

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class frequently report issues with steering, particularly a loss of control at highway speeds and significant steering wheel vibrations. Common symptoms include the steering wheel becoming unresponsive or locking, especially during expressway driving, and vibrations occurring when driving over bumps or road irregularities at speeds typically between 40 to 60 mph. Some incidents have resulted in crashes, with one report of an injury, highlighting potential safety risks. These issues are often observed in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 3,100 to 39,500 miles. This pattern suggests potential concerns for prospective buyers regarding the vehicle's steering reliability and safety.

21 complaints total3 crashes1 injury
POWER TRAIN (18 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class power train. Complaints frequently mention acceleration problems, including failure to accelerate and unintended deceleration, sometimes accompanied by engine stalling or misfires. These issues often occur with vehicle mileage ranging from approximately 20,000 to over 50,000 miles. Multiple owners describe instances where the vehicle shifts to neutral unexpectedly or the gear shifter seizes, leading to a loss of control. Two complaints involve crashes, highlighting safety concerns related to sudden power loss and the inability to accelerate or brake effectively. These patterns suggest potential reliability issues that buyers should consider when evaluating this model.

18 complaints total2 crashes
ENGINE (17 complaints)

ENGINE

17 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class frequently report issues related to engine misfires, often accompanied by a loss of power or stalling. Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, the vehicle entering limp mode, and the need to pull over and restart the vehicle to regain functionality. Complaints often mention these problems occurring around 10,000 to 80,000 miles, with some owners noting recurring issues shortly after warranty expiration. Safety implications are notable, with reports of unintended deceleration and stalling in traffic, leading to hazardous situations. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the possible need for significant engine repairs, such as cylinder head replacements.

17 complaints total1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (15 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly with unexpected activation of the emergency braking system. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle abruptly stopping without any obstruction, which can nearly result in rear-end collisions. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 200 miles. One crash is reported due to the failure of the Active Brake Assist during a frontal impact. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the adaptive speed control and lane-keeping features, which can malfunction or operate inconsistently. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for drivers and others on the road, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection before purchase.

15 complaints total1 crash
TIRES (11 complaints)

TIRES

11 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with tire wear and blowouts on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly with Bridgestone, Yokohama, and Pirelli tires. Complaints frequently mention premature tread wear and sidewall bubbles, with some noting dry cracking and separation after limited mileage, often under 4,000 miles. Multiple owners describe incidents of tire blowouts after hitting potholes, leading to rim damage and, in some cases, injuries. The issues often emerge within the first 6 to 12 months of ownership, with some owners experiencing repeated failures and high replacement costs. These problems suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control, which could be a critical consideration for prospective buyers.

11 complaints total2 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Common problems include sudden brake failures, with some noting a spongy pedal feel followed by total loss of braking capability, often shortly after servicing. Complaints frequently mention the automatic braking system activating unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops without obstacles present, which has led to near-collisions. Additionally, some owners describe brakes seizing after exposure to moisture, requiring excessive force to release. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, from less than 100 miles to over 23,000 miles. Notably, one incident resulted in a crash with minor injuries, highlighting potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.

11 complaints total1 crash1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, with some vehicles accelerating suddenly when using cruise control or during normal driving situations. There are also reports of vehicles failing to accelerate properly, limiting speeds to 20-25 mph even with the accelerator fully pressed. Some owners note incorrect speed limit readings causing abrupt speed changes, which may lead to potential rear-end collisions. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, and one incident involving unintended acceleration resulted in a crash with an injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues that could impact driving safety.

9 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class experiences airbag non-deployment during crashes, with all three complaints involving collisions where airbags did not deploy. Typical symptoms include severe impact without airbag activation, leading to injuries such as concussions, neck, shoulder, and leg injuries, and numbness. These incidents occur at low mileage, ranging from 200 to 1,192 miles. The safety implications are significant, as all complaints involve crashes resulting in injuries. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering purchasing this model.

3 complaints total3 crashes4 injuries

When Do 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

10,000–25,000 milesElectrical system failures
3,100–39,500 milesSteering control issues
10,000–80,000 milesEngine misfires

Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz C-Class Years

Best Mercedes-Benz C-Class Years to Buy

The best Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2024 with a reliability score of 69/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (53/100) and 2018 (51/100).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Years to Avoid

The worst Mercedes-Benz C-Class year is 2020 with a score of 43/100, primarily due to electrical system (64) issues.

See full Mercedes-Benz C-Class years-to-avoid analysis →

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability Score Trend

Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 54/100 compared to 48/100 for older years.

avg 51
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201851/100Mixed
201950/100Mixed
202043/100Mixed
202147/100Mixed
202247/100Mixed
202353/100Mixed
202469/100Good

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202656/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202469/100+16Good720
202353/100+6Mixed83209
2022(selected)47/1000Mixed82271
202147/100+4Mixed149314
202043/100-7Mixed170377
201950/100-1Mixed161477
201851/100Mixed115518

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Common Questions

10 questions from 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners.

Parasitic voltage draw slk350 2007

Bought new amg h6 voltage drops to 12 in one c week More than a week

VisitorFeb 19, 2026

Speedometer not working

no movement ABS and ASR lights on Started today

VisitorFeb 14, 2026

Cam Magnet Leak

2008 Mercedes SL550. The right passenger side Cam magnet is leaking. What is the recommended repair for this? Acceleration More than a year

VisitorJan 28, 2026

C300 Turn signal flashes 3 times then goes out dash says check left turn signal

Every time I start the car, the lights are fine and no messages in dash. As soon as I use the left turn signal, it flashes 3 times then goes out. Dash says check left turn signal. The same thing applies to one of the two front parking lights on each headlight unit (left and right) and and the left side indicator. I can drive all day with no problem but as soon as the automatic headlights come on the parking lights and side maker come on briefly then go out and I get messages for each on dash. Replaced both headlight/turn signal units and the exact same issue persists. Turn it off and it starts all over. Maybe unrelated but when I use rear defroster radio gets static; also volume knob in center dash is inconsistant but the volume buttons on the steering wheel work fine. More than a year

VisitorJan 7, 2026

Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise

Exhaust sounds like a helicopter noise

VisitorJan 2, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a "Mixed" reliability rating (47/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 82 recalls and 271 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (40 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (28 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints), STEERING (21 complaints), POWER TRAIN (18 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 82 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 47/100 and 271 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue