Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205 vs Tesla Model 3: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Tesla Model 3 (6.2/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205 (5.0/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Saloon | Saloon |
| Years | 2014–2021 | 2019–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.0 out of 10 | 6.2 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 4.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 1.6 dCi · Buy | Tesla Model 3 / Model Y · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 5.7/10 | 4.9/10 |
| Suspension | 7.0 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 6.3 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Tyres and wheels | No documented faults | 8.9 out of 101 faultLow severity |
| Steering | 8.1 out of 102 faultsHigh severity | 7.9 out of 100 faults |
| Electrical system | 7.1 out of 102 faultsHigh severity | No documented faults |
| Bodywork and interior | 8.0 out of 100 faults | 7.2 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Airbags and safety | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Mercedes-Benz Clase C W205
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentAirbags and safetyTakata airbags on the first vehicles (2014-2016)C-Class vehicles built up to 2016, including the first W205s, fall under the Takata airbag inflator replacement programme; the inflators can degrade with humidity and heat and fragment when deployed.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemWiring harness rubbing against the driveshaft (risk of loss of drive)Yes: the German KBA registered a campaign in 2023 for the C-Class W205 because a wiring harness of the wrong length can rub against the driveshaft, wear through and cause a loss of drive. The manufacturer has not recorded any accidents because of this.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonSteeringTie rod wear and play in the steeringTwo German used-car analyses point out that the steering tie rod components of the C-Class W205 fail fairly often at the technical inspection (TÜV), with creaking when turning the steering wheel as the first warning.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)Yes: 220 and 250 CDI models built between 2008 and 2011 had Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failing and seizing in the cylinder head. Mercedes-Benz replaced them under warranty in 2009 and switched the 220 CDI to solenoid injectors from 2010-2011, but the 250 CDI kept them.Repair (garage): €3,600–€5,900
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
Main faults of the Tesla Model 3
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionRecall for insufficient front suspension arm mounting (built 2019-2021)In December 2021 Tesla recalled the Model 3 and Model Y built between January 2019 and June 2021 because the mounting of the front suspension arms could be insufficient, with a risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorRecall for possible bonnet latch breakage at high speed (2022 European alert)In April 2022, an alert in the European product safety system (Safety Gate), submitted by France and also confirmed by the Netherlands, warned that the bonnet latch bolt on the Tesla Model 3 and Model S could fracture through vibration at high speed, letting the bonnet open while driving and block the driver's view.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyRecall for possible seat belt anchorage defect (built 2018-2020)In July 2021 Tesla recalled the Model 3 built between July 2018 and March 2020 because the seat belt anchorage could be defective, with a greater risk of injury in a crash.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: RareTesla Model 3 / Model YTotal failure of the traction battery in the Tesla Model 3 and Model YThere are isolated cases of a traction battery being beyond repair in the Model 3: fiches-auto.fr cites a Long Range with 70,000 km and a little over four years old whose battery, valued at around €14,000, was replaced under warranty. Aviloo's measurements show normal degradation in the vast majority of units.Repair: €14,000
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model 3 / Model YFailure of the on-board charger or charging port on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Yfiches-auto.fr records owners of the Model 3 and Model Y reporting on-board AC charger faults, mobile charging cable faults or port locking that prevent charging, sometimes from the day the car was delivered. It is a minority problem, not a widespread one.
- High severityFrequency: RareTesla Model 3 / Model YFailure of the electric motor or traction unit on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y that immobilises the carElectric motor faults on the Model 3 and Model Y are rare: fiches-auto.fr records one case of a motor defect that left a dual-motor Model 3 Long Range immobilised, and ADAC places the Model 3 among the electric cars with the fewest faults.