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Pre-purchase inspection

Should you buy a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Whether a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a good buy depends on the individual vehicle, not the model. Three checks matter before you pay: the NHTSA recall lookup by VIN for open recalls, the seller’s service and accident records, and an independent pre-purchase inspection of that specific vehicle. This page lists the most recent NHTSA recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and what an inspector checks.

As of NHTSA records retrieved 2026-08-27, NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, model years 2016–2024, most often listing electrical system and structure. A recall applies to specific VIN ranges, variants, trims or build dates, so any individual vehicle may be affected by all, some, or none of them, and a campaign count is not a reliability ranking. The most recent campaign on file is 26V481000 (July 2026, latches/locks/linkages).

Which systems do Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls affect?

Recall campaigns by affected system, 2016–2024.

What are the most recent NHTSA recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Showing the 12 most recent of 31 campaigns, newest first, from NHTSA records. Check a specific VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

26V481000NHTSA report received July 2026Model years: 2022–2023

NHTSA campaign 26V481000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class latches/locks/linkages recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge.

25V255000NHTSA report received May 2025Model years: 2023

NHTSA campaign 25V255000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class electrical system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V-115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.

Consequence: An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge.

25V253000NHTSA report received May 2025Model years: 2022–2024

NHTSA campaign 25V253000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class seat belts recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.

Consequence: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge.

24V446000NHTSA report received June 2024Model years: 2022–2023

NHTSA campaign 24V446000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class electrical system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C 300 vehicles. The bolt securing the electrical wire to the pre-fuse box could be improperly tightened, causing the wire to overheat. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024070005.

Consequence: An overheated wire can cause a fire and a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect and rework the wiring harness, as necessary free of charge.

24V115000NHTSA report received February 2024Model years: 2023–2024

NHTSA campaign 24V115000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class electrical system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.

Consequence: An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge.

23V880000NHTSA report received December 2023Model years: 2022–2024

NHTSA campaign 23V880000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.

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

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge.

23V854000NHTSA report received December 2023Model years: 2018–2020

NHTSA campaign 23V854000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class structure recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge.

23V463000NHTSA report received June 2023Model years: 2022–2023

NHTSA campaign 23V463000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class electrical system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 vehicles. The ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating.

Consequence: An overheated wiring harness can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge.

23V445000NHTSA report received June 2023Model years: 2021–2023

NHTSA campaign 23V445000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel system recall

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 per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge.

22V365000NHTSA report received May 2022Model years: 2018–2021

NHTSA campaign 22V365000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class electrical system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge.

22V232000NHTSA report received April 2022Model years: 2019–2021

NHTSA campaign 22V232000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class back over prevention recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

21V961000NHTSA report received December 2021Model years: 2019

NHTSA campaign 21V961000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel system recall

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge.

What does a pre-purchase inspection cover on a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The same full inspection at every tier, at the seller’s location, with a photo-documented report:

Bronze $249 · Silver $349 · Gold $449. Compare Bronze, Silver and Gold. The core inspection is the same at each tier; Silver and Gold add instrumented measurements.

Similar used luxury sedans

Other luxury sedans to weigh against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Recall counts cover different model-year spans and are not a reliability ranking.

What does a pre-purchase inspection not do?

How inspections work · Sample reports · Customer reviews, verbatim from Google

Common questions about buying a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?

As of NHTSA records retrieved 2026-08-27, NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, model years 2016–2024. A recall applies to specific VIN ranges, variants, trims or build dates, so a particular vehicle may be affected by all, some, or none of them, and a campaign count is not a reliability ranking. Whether an open recall is a safety risk depends on the campaign, so read the NHTSA entry for the VIN. Each campaign below shows the remedy NHTSA records, which may be a dealer or service-center repair, an over-the-air software update, or, for some campaigns, a repurchase. This page details the most recent campaigns; the full record for any VIN is at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What should an inspector check on a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Beyond the standard pre-purchase checks, the recall history for this model concentrates in: electrical system, structure, fuel system, seats, air bags, seat belts. An inspector documents the visible and operational condition of those systems without disassembly; internal parts, software-only issues and whether a recall remedy was performed are VIN-lookup questions, not inspection findings.

Can a pre-purchase inspection tell me whether a Mercedes-Benz C-Class recall was done?

No. Whether a recall repair was performed is recorded against the VIN, so NHTSA's lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls (or the manufacturer's own) is the authoritative check. Run it before you travel. The inspection covers what a VIN lookup cannot: the physical condition of the vehicle in front of you.

Can you inspect a Mercedes-Benz C-Class at a dealer, a private seller, or out of state?

Yes. The inspector usually travels to the vehicle at the seller's location — a dealer lot or a private seller — and you do not need to be there. Vehicle Inspectors dispatches an independent inspector within 50 miles of any US ZIP code, widening to 150 miles if needed; more remote locations are quoted case by case. You get a photo-documented PDF report in 24–48 hours.

How much does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class pre-purchase inspection cost?

A pre-purchase inspection of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class through Vehicle Inspectors: Bronze $249 · Silver $349 · Gold $449. Your card is saved at booking, not charged. A hold is placed when an inspector schedules, and you are charged after the inspection is completed. If no inspector accepts within 72 hours, the request auto-cancels and nothing is charged.

Where can I book a Mercedes-Benz C-Class pre-purchase inspection?

Vehicle Inspectors matches buyers with independent inspectors nationwide. Local pages for cities with active inspectors:

Recall data from NHTSA recall records (NHTSA public recalls API), retrieved 2026-08-27. Vehicle Inspectors is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz. A recall is not a defect finding on any individual vehicle.

Inspect that Mercedes-Benz C-Class before you pay

A vetted independent inspector usually goes to the seller’s location and documents the actual condition. Bronze $249 · Silver $349 · Gold $449.

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