VIN REPORT

W1KWF8DB8MR6494122021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-ClassC300

6of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
B-
80/100 composite
Complaints
14
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
5 yrs
Made in SOUTH AFRICA
BUYPurchase Verdict

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 14 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 14 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • Common owner-reported issues: check engine light, electrical problems
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
Owner Complaint Intelligence

14 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (50%), Other (21%), Fuel System (7%). Common issues: check engine light, electrical problems.

6
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
MERCEDES-BENZ
Model
C-Class
Year
2021
Trim / Series
C300
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2L
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
MERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Assembly
EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

76/100
Comprehensive
16 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Pedestrian AEB

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning~Optional
Lane Keep Assist~Optional
Lane Centering Assist~Optional
Blind Spot MonitoringStandard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control~Optional
Adaptive Headlights~Optional
Auto High Beam~Optional
Parking Assist~Optional
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash NotificationStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

20/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class — 7 NHTSA complaints (50% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
7 owner complaints · 50% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class
Owners of the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ.
Complaints14

Complaint Intelligence

14 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
7
Other
3
Fuel System
1
Visibility
1
Electrical
1
Safety Systems
1
2022
1
2023
1
2024
3
2025
7
2026
2
300% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +233%
10
Last 24 months
3
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

PEAKS FALL (SEP–NOV)

35% of complaints filed in Nov & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure3
Engine stalling2
Fire/smoke2
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (1)Parking/low-speed (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

14 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

14found
ODI #11738727FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz C. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle began to lose power, riding rough. The check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel injection failure. The vehicle read diagnostic code P1CEF85. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

ODI #11712287VISIBILITY

I am reporting a safety defect involving the panoramic sunroof on my 2021Mercedes-Benz Coop vehicle. The panoramic sunroof has malfunctioned due to an apparent design or manufacturing defect. The sunroof fails to open / close and makes grinding or popping noises which malfunctioned unexpectedly. This issue occurred without misuse and during normal operation of the vehicle. The defect creates a safety concern because it can distract the driver, allow water intrusion that may affect electrical components, and/or cause sudden glass or mechanical failure while driving. The vehicle has been taken to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for diagnosis and the issue was not resolved due to denied coverage. I was informed that the repair would be costly despite the issue appearing to be a known defect in Mercedes-Benz panoramic sunroof systems. I believe this defect may affect other Mercedes-Benz vehicles with panoramic sunroofs and should be investigated for a potential safety defect or recall.

ODI #11706514ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 30 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not require a restart. The contact also stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided, and the contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,078.

ODI #11704073SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

Driving and something came from underneath the vehicle and cause me to swerve in all the airbags deployed

ODI #11701496FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car had a coolant leak last year a hose broke and I have a 2021. My son’s mercedes sis the same thing on 11/23/2025. I have researched ma y others with this same issue. There should be a recall on that hose or whatever the problem Is.

ODI #11701560ENGINE

2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 with M254 2.0L turbo engine experienced sudden cylinder head failure at 44,000 miles due to manufacturing porosity in the cylinder head and camshaft bore scoring. Dealer confirmed defect. This is a known, recurring issue on 2021–2023 M254 engines with multiple documented failures under 50k miles. Sudden loss of compression and misfires create a safety risk of engine failure or fire while driving. TSB NUMBER LI07.16-P-074000 (February 2023, updated multiple times). This is a known production/early break-in issue with the M254 engine, not the result of owner misuse or delayed maintenance.

ODI #11691568FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving car on Sunday 10/5, it suddenly failed to respond to gas pedal pressure. The car stopped accelerating and rather slowed to 15 MPH, almost causing a car from behind to hit me in the rear side.

ODI #11678865POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

My C300 only had about 42,000 miles and was less than 5 years old. Just after the factory warranty expired, the engine was running rough and hot, and "check engine" light illuminated. My local garage quickly diagnosed the problem as a failed cylinder head, stated that it is common with Mercedes 4-cylinder engines from about 2017, and said Mercedes may cover it since it is a "known problem" and shouldn't happen with that mileage. I was charged $7,860 by my local Mercedes dealer, and despite multiple contacts with MercedezUSA, they refuse to acknowledge this is a problem or cover the cost, although in on-line the forums some people were arbitrarily reimbursed. There should be a recall to check for this obvious defect and should be covered. This defect can cause sudden engine failure and is a significant hazard to the driving public.

ODI #11643229ENGINE

Cylinder head needed to be replaced on the M264 engine at 35,000 miles. The replacement part is also known to be defective for the same reasons. This is a common defect known to the manufacturer and they have not issued a recall. My concern is that of a roadside breakdown that would endanger my wife and myself. Thank you for your consideration.

ODI #11623522BACK OVER PREVENTION

Rearview camera not displaying any image when transmission is put in reverse.

ODI #11579561ENGINE

the check Engine light fault code P012D12 The pressure sensor upstream of the turbocharger had a short circuit to positive. Found Kink wire on upstream pressure sensor. A short circuit to positive. Electrical Wire replaced.

ODI #11568290ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

First day leasing the vehicle within 6 hours lights malfunction and malfunction warning on dash to seek workshop, vehicle was taken for inspection to original dealer (Mercedes Benz of Bakersfield). During inspection I added additional concerning complaints about passenger door not closing correctly/wind noise seeping through when closed, and hood not closing promptly. One month into leasing vehicle passenger window malfunction, took for inspection and repair to original dealer (MBofBakersfield). Concerned with caution for me, my family, and friends when in that vehicle for giving faulty signs so early. One year into leasing vehicle check coolant warning on dash, took for inspection to original dealer. I am now more concerned as it went form electrical to coolant components losing coolant with no reasoning from original dealer service other then a top off. Vehicle drive is rough. 1 year and 6 months into leasing vehicle, again check coolant warning on dash. Took in for inspection, gave no reasoning from original dealer service dept, other then a top off done. Vehicle drives rough. While driving 70mph, a vehicle behind was approaching quick when I went to excel to merge vehicle seemed to be slipping in gear/slow down. No warning lamps on, Quickly decided/managed to merged to next lane so vehicle behind didn’t hit us as we were slowing down With 2 children in the back seat. decided to exit to nearest exit to pull off as it felt unsafe to drive, as exiting and slowing down vehicle began to shake, knock, and make loud bangs. Managed to pull over, and check dash for messages for any type of warnings. No warning lamps, but many symptoms of a faulty unsafe vehicle. Had vehicle towed to original dealer service for diagnosis and report the unsafety incident that occurred with absolutely no warning lamps. Inspection lead to repair of engine but nothing done about no warning lamps/electrical system

ODI #11525102ENGINE

Piston Connecting Rod broke and left the engine making holes in both sides of the block; Mercedes Benz rejected any responsibility because the car has a branded title. Currently a new engine (brand new) is being installed, my concern is that what will happen if the new engine has the same defective part and blew up again.

ODI #11453645AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated the passenger side air bags was enabled warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class — recall years marked in red
04705010020222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 14 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 2025 (7 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 92/100 in 2025.

Notably, despite 14 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$30,084
~$501/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $30,084 (~$501/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: VISIBILITY
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for W1KWF8DB8MR649412. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
5-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINW1KWF8DB8MR649412
Model Year2021
MakeMERCEDES-BENZ
ModelC-Class
TrimC300
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2

Manufacturer

ManufacturerMERCEDES-BENZ CARS
Assembly CityEAST LONDON
Assembly CountrySOUTH AFRICA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)W1K
Check Digit (Char 9)8
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)R
Sequence (Chars 12–17)649412

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count14

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
1
2
K
3
W
4
F
5
8
6
D
7
B
8
8
9
M
10
R
11
6
12
4
13
9
14
4
15
1
16
2
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
1
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
K
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
WF8DB
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
8
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
R
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
649412
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/2/2026, 5:35:04 AM.