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 £13,510Used from £11,980
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £14,530Avg. savings £5,405 off RRP*Used from £9,700
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £53,110Avg. savings £8,140 off RRP*Used from £33,195
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £25,197Avg. savings £8,402 off RRP*Used from £16,807
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking
Hyundai Ioniq 3 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking

The Ioniq 3 is one of a new crop of affordable EVs. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 October.
News
15 Oct 2026
New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring
New Land Rover Defender Sport - Nürburgring front 3/4

New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring

The new baby 4x4 is now likely to be revealed in 2027, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
15 Oct 2026