NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 0 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class achieved an Average safety rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100. This score reflects a mixed performance in federal assessments. While the model year had no recalls, NHTSA's published data show only partial crash-test coverage. The vehicle's avoidance technology performance was notably weak, contributing to its overall standing.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100 and a 4-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranks 93 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 93 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class exhibits a concerning decline in safety performance compared to its predecessor, with its Safety Index dropping to 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This 8-point decrease from the 2019 model's 83 out of 100 is largely attributable to a poor avoidance technology subscore of 2 out of 10. NHTSA data confirms the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning as standard equipment; only electronic stability control is included. Crash protection scores were adequate at 56 out of 70, supported by 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover ratings. However, the overall and side crash ratings were never completed for this configuration, leaving significant gaps in the available safety profile. A strong point for the 2020 C-Class is its defect record subscore of 16.5 out of 20, bolstered by a complete absence of recalls for this model year. Despite this, 44 owner complaints have been filed, alleging links to 5 crashes and 4 injuries. These complaints are concentrated in the Engine and Power Train categories and, while unverified, warrant attention as the vehicle matures.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned 4 stars in frontal crash protection from NHTSA. Its rollover resistance was also rated at 4 stars, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. No overall or side-impact ratings were published for this model year, indicating NHTSA did not assess these categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15079
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have any recalls?
NHTSA shows zero recall campaigns on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. No park-outside or do-not-drive orders are associated with this model year. While a clean recall record is a positive data point, shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database, as recall status can change.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Owners have filed 44 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year, including alleged reports tied to 5 crashes and 4 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine, Power Train, and Unknown Or Other categories. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Zero open recalls for the 2020 C-Class is a notable point, though recall campaigns can be initiated at any time. Prospective owners should verify a specific vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA database to confirm its recall status and ensure all safety notices have been addressed.
- The 2020 model year Safety Index dropped 8 points to 75/100 Average from the 2019 model year's 83/100 Strong, a meaningful year-over-year decline driven by a 2/10 avoidance-tech subscore.
- NHTSA did not complete overall or side crash-test ratings for the 2020 C-Class 4DR 4WD configuration, leaving those safety dimensions unassessed rather than confirmed.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this specific model year, a clean defect record that contributed 16.5 out of 20 points to the Safety Index.
- The 44 unverified NHTSA complaints include alleged Engine and Power Train issues as the top categories, with 5 alleged crash involvements and 4 alleged injuries reported among those filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class places
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other C-Class years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15079), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 93 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.