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
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £6,250 off RRP*Used from £8,672
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Vauxhall Grandland vs Renault Austral: Britain against France in a hybrid SUV clash
Vauxhall Grandland and Renault Austral - front tracking, header image

Vauxhall Grandland vs Renault Austral: Britain against France in a hybrid SUV clash

Renault’s Austral and Vauxhall’s Grandland have both been updated, but which is the better choice?
Car group tests
18 Apr 2026
Used Volkswagen ID.5 (Mk1, 2022-date) buyer’s guide: huge depreciation makes EV very attractive
Used Volkswagen ID.5 - front

Used Volkswagen ID.5 (Mk1, 2022-date) buyer’s guide: huge depreciation makes EV very attractive

A full used buyer’s guide on the Volkswagen ID.5 coupe-SUV that’s been on sale since 2022
Used car tests
19 Apr 2026
New Hyundai Ioniq 3 breaks cover with stunning sci-fi looks
Alastair Crooks with the Hyundai Ioniq 3

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 breaks cover with stunning sci-fi looks

Despite sharing the same underpinnings as the Kia EV2, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 looks radically different
News
20 Apr 2026