What years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2017, 2018, and 2020 model years are the ones to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 75, and 88 respectively, all higher than other years in the lineup.

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 reliable?

The 2019 AMG C43 falls into a caution category with a complaint index of 50 and 6 complaints, better than the avoid years but with 12 recall campaigns still on record.

What is the most common problem area for the AMG C43?

Suspension, wheels, and tires is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 21 of 61 total complaints, or 34%.

Does the 2017 AMG C43 have transmission problems?

Transmission and powertrain issues are more prominent in the 2018 and 2020 model years; the 2017 model's top problem area is suspension, wheels, and tires at 30% of its complaints.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 have overall?

Across the 2016-2024 model years, NHTSA lists 31 total recall campaigns and 61 total complaints for the AMG C43.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Best and Worst Years (2016–2024)

Among Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 model years, 2017, 2018, and 2020 stand out as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 75, and 88 versus lower scores for other years. 2019 warrants caution at 50. No year in this range earns a Best rating.

Avoid 2017 Avoid 2018 Avoid 2020

Model years: 9; 2016–2024
NHTSA complaints: 61
Recall campaigns: 31
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

AMG C43 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2016	No verdict	25	2	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2017	Avoid	100	23	1	10	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	23	—
2018	Avoid	75	13	0	11	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	22	—
2019	Caution	50	6	0	12	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	22	—
2020	Avoid	88	12	0	9	Transmission & Powertrain	22	—
2021	No verdict	13	1	0	6	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	22	—
2022	No verdict	38	1	0	1	Fuel System	22	—
2023	No verdict	63	3	0	7	Brakes	22	—
2024	No verdict	0	0	0	2	—	23	—

AMG C43 years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Index 100 · 23 complaints · 10 recalls

The 2017 AMG C43 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (23) of any year, plus 10 recall campaigns. Suspension, wheels, and tires make up 30% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 14,750, including tire tread separation reports. Seat belt issues account for 22% of complaints at a much higher median mileage of 58,237. Structure and body complaints followed at 17%, with a median mileage of 71,618.5, tied to a front roof panel recall. Brake-related complaints hit a lower median mileage of 11,700, including reports of the car entering limp mode with brake assist warnings.

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Index 88 · 12 complaints · 9 recalls

The 2020 AMG C43 shows a complaint index of 88 across 12 complaints and 9 recall campaigns. Transmission and powertrain problems lead at 33% of complaints, including reports of the car randomly shifting to neutral while in drive. Collision avoidance and camera issues follow at 17%, tied to a rearview camera software recall, with a median failure mileage of 6,323. Suspension, wheels, and tires round out another 17%. Owners also reported engine misfires, oil leaks, and clogged catalytic converters.

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Index 75 · 13 complaints · 11 recalls

The 2018 AMG C43 carries a complaint index of 75 with 13 complaints and 11 recall campaigns. Suspension, wheels, and tires dominate at 38% of complaints, with a low median failure mileage of 7,950.5, including repeated tire blowouts and sidewall damage reported by owners. Transmission and powertrain issues made up 15% of complaints at a very low median mileage of 2,529, including one report of a pressure control valve failing under 1,000 miles. Owners also reported repeated tire replacements and an engine air conditioning leak alongside recurring tire blowouts.

Most common Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (34%)
Other10 (16%)
Transmission & Powertrain9 (15%)
Seat Belts7 (11%)
Structure & Body7 (11%)
Engine6 (10%)
Brakes5 (8%)
Electrical System3 (5%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (5%)
Airbags2 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2017, 2018, and 2020 model years are the ones to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 75, and 88 respectively, all higher than other years in the lineup.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 reliable?: The 2019 AMG C43 falls into a caution category with a complaint index of 50 and 6 complaints, better than the avoid years but with 12 recall campaigns still on record.
What is the most common problem area for the AMG C43?: Suspension, wheels, and tires is the top problem area across all years, accounting for 21 of 61 total complaints, or 34%.
Does the 2017 AMG C43 have transmission problems?: Transmission and powertrain issues are more prominent in the 2018 and 2020 model years; the 2017 model's top problem area is suspension, wheels, and tires at 30% of its complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 have overall?: Across the 2016-2024 model years, NHTSA lists 31 total recall campaigns and 61 total complaints for the AMG C43.