2021 Mercedes-Benz MBO 1421
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205 facelift) is a popular luxury sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. Available engines include a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine, producing around 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Some owners praise its fuel efficiency and agile handling, while others dislike the complexity of its infotainment system and potential for costly repairs. Other options available include the AMG enhanced versions.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M264)
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Could cause the car to not start at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Adjuster/Actuator Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Engine noise (rattling at startup), poor performance, check engine light. Faulty camshaft adjuster, camshaft actuator, or check valve within the lubrication circuit can cause these symptoms.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster and/or actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)
- Rough or Delayed Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hard shifts, hesitation when shifting between gears, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Transmission adaptation reset and software update. If the issue persists, valve body replacement may be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software/adaptation) - $2,500+ (valve body)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped with Airmatic)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, “Vehicle Too Low” warning message, air suspension compressor running constantly or not at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- MBUX Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes, system reboots unexpectedly, unresponsive touch controls.
- Solution: Software update. If the issue persists, the MBUX control unit may need replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (control unit)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery draining quickly, difficulty starting the car after short periods of inactivity. Due to the large number of modules on board, a module may not properly shut down and drain the vehicle’s battery.
- Solution: Diagnose the parasitic draw. Replace module that is causing the drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Rattling/Squeaking
- Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or squeaking noises coming from the sunroof area, especially when driving on uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof seals and tracks. Adjustment of the sunroof mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Malfunctioning Parking Sensors
- Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors giving false alerts or not detecting objects. Can happen due to sensor damage or debris buildup.
- Solution: Clean the sensor face. Replacement of the faulty parking sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while a desirable luxury vehicle, does have some common issues to be aware of. The most frequently reported problems involve the engine (fuel pump, camshaft), transmission (rough shifting), and electrical systems (MBUX, battery drain). While some issues can be resolved with software updates or minor repairs, others, like fuel pump or air suspension compressor replacements, can be quite costly. It’s important to have a qualified mechanic inspect the car thoroughly before purchase, especially if it has high mileage or a history of deferred maintenance.