Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model 3 vs Mercedes BENZ C Class
How the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes BENZ C Class compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ C Class averages fewer NHTSA complaints per year. Tesla Model 3 has 4,181 complaints and 127 recalls on record; Mercedes BENZ C Class has 576 complaints and 0 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model 3 | Mercedes BENZ C Class |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,181 | 576 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 127 | 0 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 429 | 30 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 418.1 | 57.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 239 | 26 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 16 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Tesla Model 3
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,704
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER674
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL625
- 04SERVICE BRAKES559
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM543
“SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IT RECEIVED A SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD CALLED EMERGENCY LANE DEPARTURE AVOIDANCE WHICH IS TESLA'S FANCY NAME FOR A LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO THEIR SERVICE CENTERS 3 TIMES TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BECAUSE IT…”
“After a recent Tesla software update, a mandatory Full Self-Driving disengagement feedback window appears every time I disengage FSD while the vehicle is still moving. The feedback window covers a large portion of the display with a black overlay, noticeable…”
Mercedes BENZ C Class
- 01ENGINE161
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER88
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM60
- 05STRUCTURE56
“The above multiple problems/parts at issue. To include Other/I am not sure. Started at or approximately February 2023. The (Automatic Folding Side View Folding Mirrors before resolution) Malfunctioned 3 separate times before being fixed. During that time the…”
“Throughout the year, the car had many issues, the blind spot sensors and glass sensors didn't work, and it constantly showed that the stop/start system wasn't working. Twice, the car turned off by itself at a stoplight. Since everything is controlled through…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Tesla Model 3 — 127 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first c…
The risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Te…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Feder…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
The risk: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Mercedes BENZ C Class
No recalls on record.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Tesla Model 3 | Mercedes BENZ C Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 1 |
| 2025 | 111 | 0 |
| 2024 | 202 | 14 |
| 2023 | 412 | 25 |
| 2022 | 749 | 26 |
| 2021 | 651 | 14 |
| 2020 | 436 | 45 |
| 2019 | 596 | 73 |
| 2018 | 985 | 126 |
| 2017 | 26 | 252 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Tesla Model 3 or Mercedes BENZ C Class in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model 3 vs Mercedes BENZ C Class
- Tesla Model 3 total complaints
- 4,181
- Mercedes BENZ C Class total complaints
- 576
- Tesla Model 3 total recalls
- 127
- Mercedes BENZ C Class total recalls
- 0
- Tesla Model 3 avg complaints/year
- 418.1
- Mercedes BENZ C Class avg complaints/year
- 57.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ C Class
- Tesla Model 3 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Mercedes BENZ C Class top complaint area
- ENGINE