Mercedes-Benz is one of the most elite car manufacturers in the world. Over the decades, Mercedes has made a name for itself by producing luxury vehicles. Despite their great history and reputation, they have had their fair share of lemons over the years. Mercedes has some vehicles that are considered some of the best luxury vehicles in the world and some that are simply terrible. Today I'm going to take a look at the worst Mercedes-Benz cars from recent years and why you should avoid these cars whenever possible (to make yourself smarter about your next purchase).
Here are our picks for the worst Mercedes-Benz cars of recent years:
1. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
3. 2017-20 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
4. 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
5. 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300
6. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
7. 2012-13 Mercedes-Benz C250
12020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Consumer Reports did not label the 2020 GLE the least reliable vehicle of the year for nothing. In comparison to its rivals, the 2020 GLE is already underweight and has terrible handling. The shocking 28 recalls for one model are the real deal, though. The causes range from little issues like broken wipers and headlights to serious ones like gasoline leaks that can catch fire, malfunctioning powertrains that stall, weak structures, corrosion, and even improper seat belts.
Incredibly, one model can have so many issues, and the GLE is among the worst vehicles Mercedes-Benz has ever produced. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is thus something you might want to steer clear of if you're looking for a new luxury SUV. It might be wiser to look for alternative luxury SUVs with higher Consumer Report reliability ratings.
The 2019 GLC was expected to be a good upgrade after a disappointing 2018 entry. Instead, the ride was uncomfortable, the steering wheel was poor quality, and the technological interface was difficult to operate. Then, issues started to appear, including fuel leaks, malfunctioning airbags, damage to the power supply cable, worn-out tires, and even an unreliable eCall system. It has been the subject of almost a dozen recalls, making the GLC one of Mercedes- Benz's most recent models.
32017-20 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The Mercedes X-Class, which is advertised as a high-end pickup truck, was introduced in 2017. As the first-ever premium pickup truck, Mercedes wanted to introduce the Pure, Progressive, and Power trim levels. A V6 turbocharged diesel engine with all-wheel drive and 255 horsepower was the top-of-the-line option. The automobile attempted to elevate pickup trucks to a higher level of luxury. But Mercedes missed the goal since it was too pricey and ineffective as a pickup truck; thus, despite how nice it sounds, it should be avoided. However, because it was based on the Nissan Navara, it was perhaps too rural for consumers, much like an SUV. It was challenging to promote as an SUV and equally challenging to market as a pickup. Additionally, because it is based on the somewhat less costly Nissan Navara, prospective purchasers thought it was incredibly pricey for what it had to offer. To put it another way, the X-Class' attempt to elevate pickup trucks to the level of luxury backfired, turning it into a subpar Navara knockoff.
42016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
In an attempt to redeem the Sprinter models after the previous 2015 model failed miserably, the 2016 model made a bad problem even worse. From roof leaks to exploding windshield complaints on the 2015 Sprinter, the 2016 model contained uncomfortable seats, broken driveshafts, seatbelts failing, and braking issues. Worst of all, the steering wheel can lose power unexpectedly, resulting in different kinds of accidents. Due to these issues, the 2016 Sprinter endured 17 recalls. Despite being known as "the Sprinter," this van has a reputation for being sluggish and occasionally difficult to maneuver. All in all, customers need to be running away from this device as soon as they consider all that in addition to its subpar performance.
52015 Mercedes-Benz C300
The 2015 C-Class sedan created a great impression when it was first released because of its eye-catching makeover and technological features. But over time, the vehicle gained a reputation for having low expected dependability ratings and unhappy owners. The 2015 C-Class is a luxury compact car from the C-Class model of Mercedes-Benz. Though critics consider all of the C-Class models as failures, the 2015 C300 is regarded as the most problematic among them. One issue was that the steering made an irritating noise which led to its failure. The fuel supply module also experienced issues with overheating and becoming loose enough to catch fire. Also present were defective airbags and a software flaw that may have provided the incorrect location in an emergency. It's also incredibly difficult to guarantee, noisy, has subpar electronics, and isn't a very pleasant ride. All things considered, the 2015 C-Class should be mostly avoided on the secondhand market.
62014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
At a price range of $30,000-$40,000, the CLA250's primary flaw is that it is quite monotonous. An automobile with a powerful engine, excellent handling, and a hefty price tag would be expected. That's not present in the 2014 CLA250. Even without problems like the five recalls, stalling, blown or misfiring fuses, overheated engines, or the roof panel's potential to come off while driving, it's just a monotonous experience. Driving on rough pavements is a challenge with this model, as it uses a wishbone suspension system than an air suspension. Together, these factors make the CLA250 a "luxury" vehicle with a little real luxury, which does not reflect on Mercedes-Benz's reputation. This demonstrates that luxury does not just refer to aesthetically pleasing design but also the driver's comfort.
72012-13 Mercedes-Benz C250
The 2012 and 2013 model is ranked as the worst C250 model by Car Complaints. This is mainly due to its engine creating a rattling sound. And since many users of this vehicle encounter this problem, they have to spend roughly $3,930 for repairs. Some would even complain about their engine catching fire. Other issues encountered were the airbags failing to activate when needed; fuel leaks and fuel tank assembly issues, and the steering system locking without any significant purpose. The worst part is that it costs so much money for repairs. These might pose a serious safety risk, so you should take the appropriate precautions and address them as soon as you see them.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few of the worst Mercedes-Benz cars of recent years. Before buying a new car, it is crucial to conduct research, and evaluate its dependability and cost, to determine whether it meets one's demands. Hopefully, this article could help you make a more informed purchasing decision if you are in the market for a new Mercedes-Benz. Best of luck out there!