Mercedes-Benz complaints & recalls by model
Across 4 Mercedes-Benz models and 30 model years, NHTSA has logged 1,547 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns. The brand averages 10.2 complaints per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (index 0.24).
Analysis
Across 30 model years and four Mercedes-Benz models, NHTSA has logged 1,547 owner complaints and launched five recall campaigns. The brand averages 10.2 complaints per year on the road, which is far fewer than typical at an index of 0.24. While the E-Class has the fewest complaints per year among tracked models and the GLC has the most, the average complaint rate was highest for 2025 at 20.3 per year and lowest for 2019 at 7.5. Owners complain about wheels, tires, and suspension more than owners in general, accounting for 4.7% of complaints compared to 1.9 times the share across all tracked vehicles. In the last 12 months, owners filed 368 complaints versus 295 in the previous year, while five recall campaigns occurred with four received in 2025. Two NHTSA defect investigations touch these models, one of which remains open.
Summary drafted by an AI model running on our own server from the figures on this page, and checked number by number against the data before publishing. The statistics and the analysis above come from our fixed methodology, not from the model.Among the tracked Mercedes-Benz models, the E-Class has the fewest complaints per year and the GLC the most. By model year, the brand's average rate is highest for 2025 (20.3 per year) and lowest for 2019 (7.5).
Mercedes-Benz owners complain about Wheels, tires & suspension more than owners in general: 4.7% of complaints, 1.9× the share across all tracked vehicles. In the last 12 months owners filed 368 complaints versus 295 in the previous 12 months — a steady pace.
Recalls: 5 recall campaigns across the tracked model years, most of them received in 2025 (4). 2 NHTSA defect investigations touch Mercedes-Benz models, 1 of them still open.
Models
| Models | Segments | Complaints | Complaints per year on the road | Complaint index | Trend | Recent activity | Recalls | Investigations | Most common issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | Luxury SUVs | 510 | 13.9 | 0.33 | Worsening | Steady | 3 | 2 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Luxury SUVs | 476 | 12.8 | 0.3 | Worsening | Steady | 2 | 0 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Luxury sedans | 331 | 7.5 | 0.18 | Improving | Steady | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Luxury sedans | 230 | 5.9 | 0.14 | Stable | Steady | 0 | 0 | Electrical |
1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.
By model year · Complaints per year on the road
All-vehicle average: 42.1
What owners complain about
vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average
Recalls by year received
Do-not-drive / park-outside: 0
Investigations
- Malfunction Indicator Light / No-Start Closed
In a letter dated July 2, 2023, Aldelberto A. Cordova (the petitioner) submitted a petition requesting that NHTSA initiate an investigation of an alleged defect within the âISG 48-volt on-board electrical system,â which resulted in warning light illumination as well as an inability to start the vehicle in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. ODI reviewed the petition, complaint data in NHTSA's databas…
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupt…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz model has the fewest complaints?
Among the tracked Mercedes-Benz models, the E-Class has the fewest complaints per year and the GLC the most.
What do Mercedes-Benz owners complain about most?
Mercedes-Benz owners complain about Wheels, tires & suspension more than owners in general: 4.7% of complaints, 1.9× the share across all tracked vehicles. In the last 12 months owners filed 368 complaints versus 295 in the previous 12 months — a steady pace.
How many Mercedes-Benz recalls and investigations are there?
Recalls: 5 recall campaigns across the tracked model years, most of them received in 2025 (4). 2 NHTSA defect investigations touch Mercedes-Benz models, 1 of them still open.