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 £35,510Used from £6,150
Audi A5

Audi A5

RRP £42,760Avg. savings £3,966 off RRP*Used from £14,595
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,590Avg. savings £7,311 off RRP*Used from £9,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £5,987 off RRP*Used from £11,140
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Bold new Hyundai Tucson looks ready to conquer the family SUV class
New Hyundai Tucson Mk5 - front static

Bold new Hyundai Tucson looks ready to conquer the family SUV class

The new fifth-generation Tucson combines heavy-duty style, cutting-edge tech and, supposedly, best-in-class cabin space
News
19 Aug 2026
New Dacia Spring 2026 review: with more power comes greater ability
Dacia Spring Extreme - front tracking

New Dacia Spring 2026 review: with more power comes greater ability

A larger and more powerful motor has transformed the Spring into a surprisingly accomplished motorway cruiser, although previous pitfalls remain.
Road tests
20 Aug 2026
New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks
Peugeot 308 Fastback render - front 3_4 Avarvarii

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks

Peugeot knows buyers are moving from hatchbacks to SUVs, so it’s considering a very different look for the 308
News
17 Aug 2026