Used car guide

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 85% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: ball joint 3.3×, engine warning light 2.4× 33,332 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 82% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: ball joint 5.4×, engine warning light 2.2× 77,938 MOTsSee the diesel guide › Hybrid 84% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: ball joint 5.6×, flexible couplings 27× 7,646 MOTsSee the hybrid guide ›

Known faults on every 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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

  • 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

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023380Tyres 16%
20224,795Tyres 26%
202111,663Tyres 27%
202030,441Tyres 29%
201973,990Tyres 29%
201884,961Tyres 30%
2016110,990Tyres 30%
2015103,655Tyres 30%
201477,294Tyres 31%
201372,996Brakes 31%
201281,468Brakes 39%
201160,864Brakes 39%
201042,612Brakes 39%
200941,744Brakes 41%
200844,156Suspension 42%
200739,195Suspension 48%
200631,275Suspension 55%
200527,259Suspension 57%
200420,438Suspension 57%
200314,253Suspension 53%
20027,932Suspension 48%
20014,263Suspension 47%
20001,993Suspension 41%
19992,498Suspension 36%
19982,759Suspension 38%
19972,187Suspension 44%
19961,272Suspension 37%
1995970Brakes 33%
1994779Suspension 37%
1993–Too few tests