Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mercedes C-Class (Mk4, 2014-2021) - What should you look for?

The Mk4 Mercedes C-Class has had its fair share of issues, with owners often reporting reliability problems

In its final year being featured as a car available to buy new, the Mercedes C-Class Mk4 wasn’t exactly a standard-setter in our 2021 Driver Power survey. The C-Class was ranked 71st out of 75 cars, and owners said they weren’t impressed with the build quality or reliability. Keep a look out for the issues below when you’re looking around used examples.

Common used Mercedes-Class Mk4 problems

Brakes

Advertisement - Article continues below

The brakes on the Mercedes C-Class Mk4 can squeal, in particular the ones on the front wheels, and this can be difficult to rectify.

Wind noise

Poorly fitting doors and seals can result in an excessive amount of wind noise entering the cabin.

Audio

Many Mercedes C-Class Mk4 owners say the standard-fit stereo isn’t punchy enough. Even the upgraded sound system has suffered from this issue.

Trim

The artificial leather MB-Tex seat upholstery can discolour and appear stained.

Recalls

The Mercedes C-Class Mk4 has suffered 20 recalls to date, covering a variety of faults and defects. These include a leaking AdBlue filler pipe on diesel models, loss of power assistance for the steering, oil and fuel leaks and the engines running the risk of stalling. Other issues the fourth-gen Mercedes C-Class has been recalled for include seatbelts failing to function properly and airbags failing to go off in the event of an accident, and a loss of control when driving due to the steering column working free.

 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes C Class

Mercedes C Class

RRP £34,480Used from £10,137
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £31,935Avg. savings £8,640 off RRP*Used from £11,999
Audi A5

Audi A5

RRP £42,760Avg. savings £5,003 off RRP*Used from £14,995
Toyota Yaris Cross
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars cost too much but some brands are finally finding the price sweet spot
Opinion - new car prices, header image

New cars cost too much but some brands are finally finding the price sweet spot

New cars are expensive, but Mike Rutherford is pleased to see that some manufacturers have found a pricing sweet spot
Opinion
12 Apr 2026
We got it wrong: VW ID.3 and ID.4 will be replaced by “true Volkswagens”
Volkswagen ID.3 - front and rear

We got it wrong: VW ID.3 and ID.4 will be replaced by “true Volkswagens”

The inside story on how the people’s car maker lost touch with the people, before rediscovering its mojo under boss Thomas Schäfer
News
10 Apr 2026
New Lepas L6 coming to the UK: Jaecoo 7 sister car offers hybrid and EV power
Lepas L6 (EV) - front

New Lepas L6 coming to the UK: Jaecoo 7 sister car offers hybrid and EV power

The Lepas L6 will be sold in self-charging hybrid and full EV forms when it arrives later this year
News
13 Apr 2026