The German luxury giant produced some incredible cars in the last decade, but these 2010s Mercedes-Benz models are better left alone.
Although Mercedes-Benz has a well-founded reputation for reliability, the German brand has also had its fair share of disappointing models. In more than a century of building cars, it has grown into one of the largest luxury car brands and has created a legacy of innovation, elegance, and excellence. Its legion of successful models is a testament to its commitment to elevating customers' driving experience.
With a strong fan base and impressive sales figures to match, it is clear that the German carmaker has earned the trust of its customers. The 2010s was quite the decade for Mercedes-Benz with the S-Class receiving the stylish coupe variant and the G-Class switching to a fully digitized interior. Models like the elegant SLS AMG, the range-topping AMG GT, and the fully-electric EQC all arrived in that same decade. However, despite Mercedes-Benz's landmark achievements in the 2010s, some of its models just didn't hit the mark - reviewed below are the 10 worst cases.
Having been recalled 13 times, the whole 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup had some really bad PR, but the C300 seems to have the worst hit. In a lineup of 10 recalls for the C300, the latest was over the risk of the roof panel detaching from the vehicle due to deterioration of the adhesive bonding.
There was also a software fault that could give inaccurate vehicle location in an emergency and another that affected the correct deployment of airbags. Apart from the sloppily attached fuel delivery module that could cause a fire, there were also problems with the power steering system.
The 2014 E-Class recall woes started in 2014 over leakage of oil from the chain tensioner gasket, a situation that could cause a fire. There was also the risk of fire from leakage of fuel caused by the use of an incorrect fuel line with a single flare fitting instead of a double flare fitting.
Some cars were recalled over faulty power steering systems while some were recalled over a software fault that may cause the emergency call system (eCall) to malfunction. Furthermore, the airbags also failed to deploy properly in a crash, sometimes increasing the risk of injury or death.
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Although it came fully equipped and offered great versatility and flexibility, the 2016 Sprinter has been pushed onto this list by several complaints and recalls. The latest recalls were over the malfunctioning of the electronic stability control unit and a power steering assist that could fail without any warning.
Some of them were fitted with drive shafts that may become loose and puncture the gas tank while some had incorrect load capacity/tire pressure information on labels. It has also had issues with improperly-tightened seat belt anchorage bolts and frontal airbag inflators that may explode.
For a car that impresses with blistering acceleration and thrilling handling, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT also disappoints with a lineup of six recalls. The earliest, which occurred in December 2017, was for faulty passenger frontal airbag sensors and seat belts that may malfunction as a result of binding inside the guidance loops.
In 2018, the AMG GT was among vehicles that were recalled over faulty driver-side airbag inflators and faulty airbag/restraint control module. Lastly, malfunctioning software could send incorrect vehicle location in the event of a crash.
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Since its launch to date, the 2019 A-Class has been recalled 10 times beginning with one over a poorly welded brake pedal plate. There is also the malfunction of the infotainment system software that causes the rearview camera to display a blank image.
The A-Class was also part of the 2021 recall over the failure of the communication module software to give the eCall system the correct vehicle location during crashes. Other issues with the A-Class include corrosion of the front axle carrier, leakage of fuel between the fuel rail and injectors, improperly adjusted headlights, and improperly installed AC drain hoses.
Although with 20 recalls to its credit (or discredit), we wouldn't recommend the 2017 E-Class range as a whole, the E300 seems to be the biggest culprit. Its problems range from headlights that can't be adjusted and a transmission that doesn't respond to gear shifts, to a roof-mounted spoiler that may detach during driving.
Others are faulty airbags/passenger detection systems, faulty seatbelt warning systems, and faulty software that causes the instrument cluster to malfunction. Then there was the possible loss of power steering assistance, possible damage to fuel pump wiring, and the risk of fire from an overheating starting current limiter.
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Although when the 2017 GLC arrived, it disappointed fans with bland styling and lackluster driving dynamics, the real problems came later. It was among the models recalled in 2017 over a starting current limiter that was prone to overheating and front-seat seatbelt pretensioners that could malfunction during a crash.
Then followed airbags that could deploy unexpectedly and sunroof panels that could detach from the vehicle and pose a hazard to other motorists. Throw in a faulty eCall system and bad rear seatbelts, and you see why the GLC is one of the biggest disappointments from Mercedes-Benz in recent years.
Problems with the 2018 S-Class include a roof panel that could fall off, a disabled eCall function and one that gives a wrong vehicle location in the event of a crash. Others are a seatbelt warning system that doesn't work, incorrect brake components, and an idler gear that could detach from the crankcase and damage the engine.
Even the ultra-luxurious Maybach models have also had their share of the 13 recalls made on the 2018 S-Class lineup. This includes recalls over leaking oil plugs, malfunction of active steering assist, a rear door that doesn't lock, and loose electrical power bars that may impair critical car functions.
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While the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has its good points like a smooth ride and powerful engine options, it has sub-par cargo space. In addition, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports a litany of complaints, more than 400, and 7 recalls for it.
Apart from frontal airbag inflators that could explode, most of the recalls involved faulty airbags that could fail to deploy properly during a crash or deploy inadvertently in some cases. Due to mistakes made during manufacture, fuel filter flange in some cars could crack and leak fuel which may lead to a fire.
Although modern GLE-Class models are pretty good rides with excellent driving dynamics, the M-Class which they replaced was quite rough around the edges. A newer model would be a better choice considering the high total ownership costs that come with the 2015 M-Class.
Oil leakage from the chain tensioner gasket can cause a fire in addition to being a road hazard for other vehicles. To top it off, faulty axle carrier bolts could fracture and compromise handling, and if there is a crash, the right rear seatbelt may fail to protect the passenger.
Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria