Mercedes-Benz complaints & recalls by model
Across 4 Mercedes-Benz models and 34 model years, NHTSA has logged 1,610 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns. The brand averages 9.9 complaints per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (index 0.24).
Analysis
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 (20.1 per year) and lowest for 2019 (7.6).
Mercedes-Benz owners complain about Wheels, tires & suspension more than owners in general: 4.5% of complaints, 1.8× the share across all tracked vehicles. In the last 12 months owners filed 395 complaints versus 297 in the previous 12 months — up 33%.
Recalls: 10 recall campaigns across the tracked model years, most of them received in 2025 (4). 4 NHTSA 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 | 529 | 13.3 | 0.33 | Worsening | Rising | 8 | 4 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | Luxury SUVs | 498 | 12.4 | 0.31 | Worsening | Within ±30% year on year | 2 | 1 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Luxury sedans | 341 | 7.0 | 0.17 | Improving | Within ±30% year on year | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Luxury sedans | 242 | 6.0 | 0.15 | Stable | Rising | 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: 40.4
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 “ISG 48-volt on-board electrical system,” 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 databases a…
- Pedestrian alert sounds Closed
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and ele…
- 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…
- Front Roof Panel Detachment Closed
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and i…