2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Engine warning light2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  3.4% All 2014 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  2.7% All 2014 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.6% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  2.3% All 2014 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  18% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  14% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air suspension

  Cars with air suspension

  Cars with air suspension can develop expensive faults that need a specialist.

  At the viewing: Check the car sits level all round, look for uneven front tyre wear, and watch for suspension warnings.

  Source: Parkers: Mercedes C-Class (2014-2021) used review

• Petrol smell or leaks (petrol)

  Petrol

  Petrol models can leak fuel from the pump area or crack plastic air pipes.

  At the viewing: Smell around the car after a cold start, and listen for rough idle.

  Source: Parkers: Mercedes C-Class (2014-2021) used review

• Automatic gearbox behaviour

  Automatic

  Some automatics shift inconsistently.

  At the viewing: Drive through every gear at different speeds. Any odd or jerky changes should be priced in or a reason to walk away.

  Source: Parkers: Mercedes C-Class (2014-2021) used review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?