Well, the Consumer Reports Reliability rating for the C-Class is finally out. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...eliability.htm

As expected, reliability for the 2015 C doesn't get a high rating. In fact, they rate it "Poor", although it's hard to understand how they got there from the details that are included (Suspension and Body Integrity are "Good"; Power Equipment is "Very Good"; Audio System is "Fair" and everything else is Excellent). But if reports from early buyers of the 2015 C on this forum are at all representative, there were definite quality and reliability problems, at least early in the model year.

But here's the part that's scary. Their prediction for the 2016 model year is "Much Worse than Average". Their comment: "Based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 82% below average".

Based on comments I've seen on this forum by late 2015 and 2016 buyers, quality seems much better. It will be interesting to see if the press and/or Mercedes Benz respond to this new report.

 

I put ZERO credibility into Consumer Reports. Maybe less than zero. They came and said the Tesla was the best car they EVER tested, only to be followed by it has the worst track record for repairs of any car this year.

 

It is worse than average considering that I went to dealership 3 times in less than a year to fix various noise problem. What surprise me the problem for body integrity is bad and audio system is more problematic. That is strange. I guess my C300 is not representative of the real stuff.

I subscribe to Consumer Reports and filled in their survey.

 

The explanation is very simple. The Final score is not an average of the individual scores. Its a comparison to other vehicles aggregate scores. Its called standard deviation if your score is 3SD from the averages you get a poor rating. Given that most cars first year reliability is actually quite good, just a few demerits takes you to the bottom of the heap. AS anyone who reads anything around here, the C class has suffered from a plethora of issues in its first year many of them widespread, from "bleeding" seats to failing audio systems, poor fit and finish, etc. Personally I had a bum air suspension, dead audio system and dead door sensors, being a traditional Honda owner used to zero defects from day one, its certainly a poor showing. For the suspension and audio the car spent over a week in the shop. Since my last visit everything has been fine and thankfully the car hasn't left me stranded anywhere.
The Poor rating is well earned. Hopefully, it will improve with the future iterations once the "bugs" have been worked out.
Mercedes is not alone in its reliability woes, as manufacturers race to jam more technology in cars reliability has suffered.
Consumer reports is simply the messenger, crapping over their reputation is like trying to put out an three alarm fire with a backyard hose. If any journalistic source has any sort of scientific reliability its them.

 

Couldn't agree more. My C has been essentially perfect.

 

My LATE built 2015 C300 Sport 4Matic (late June 2015 delivery) has been pretty much trouble-free...knock on wood.

A hell of a lot better than my old POS first year 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that's for sure! Never again Chrysler, never again!

 

As Im sure they have been for 90%of owners, however, when other brands have over 98%, 90 percent is bad. Simple statistical analysis. Just as there have been cars that have had perfect reliability there have been quite a few around here that have been fairly bad and that least one that was taken in by the dealer for a replacement.
In statistical analysis, your own personal experience in particular is meaningless its simply another data point.
As I pointed out previously Consumer reports as most reviewers think the Tesla performs extraordinarily in their tests. They also scored the C class as the best car in its category, however, once both their reliability came out (collecting data takes no less than a year) both lost their recommendation. Simple, isn't it? Consumer reports is not perfect but it at least can back up their assertions with clear math.

 

It has almost been a year for me and absolutely no issues.
Probably the most enjoyable automobile I have driven in years.

 

Totally agree. It is relative to other vehicles. Also the data comes from other owners so if some of these guys want to blame someone for the poor ratings then blame other MB owners who filled out the survey.

 

So far, my 2016 is too pretty to have any defects. This has been the cheapest car I have ever purchased (since college), but I am really enjoying it the most, it is smooth, silent, it has a nice engine buzz, its fit and finish is beyond words, how could a human design it so well ... its a work of art.

 

I love mine too despite its early flaws, best car Ive owned..

 

Would be interesting to see survey results of what subscribers to Consumer Reports actually drive.

 

Not a single problem on mine since 1 year.

 

But some have issues:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...cond-c300.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...xperience.html