Mercedes-Benz C-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 72,438 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1993 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 50.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (16.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 19.4% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.5% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 8.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.3% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 3.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 2.3% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 2% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 1.3% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 15.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 72,438 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 19.4% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.9% |
| First registered | 1993 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz C-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2026-02-02 | electrical system | serious | 9 |
| 2026-01-15 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2025-08-25 | steering | serious | 202 |
| 2025-07-11 | electrical system | serious | 98 |
| 2025-05-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2025-03-20 | steering | serious | 1 |
| 2024-12-16 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2024-12-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 473 |
| 2024-07-11 | electrical system | serious | 37 |
| 2024-07-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 4 |
| 2024-06-10 | electrical system | – | 21 |
| 2024-04-18 | electrical system | serious | 1 |
| 2024-04-04 | electrical system | serious | 933 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 50.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (16.6%), tyre pressure incorrect (9.5%), stub axle (kingpin) has too much play (8.8%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 19.4% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.