Mercedes-Benz is generally considered a powerhouse among luxury car companies. They excel at making rides that feel luxurious but offer great performance and, more importantly, reliability. A used Mercedes-Benz can be a bargain for buyers looking for a cheap luxury car that'll last them decades, provided they're willing to pay slightly more for maintenance. But that said, there are tons of money pits among used Mercedes-Benz models—cars that'll bankrupt you with repair costs even if you never miss a single service.

An issue is that Mercedes-Benz had some problems in the mid-2000s with car production, which rubbed off on some inferior models compared to their usually great work. Yet even today, the company can produce some cars that were poor when new and even worse on the used market. So as tempting as a great price for them can be, these Mercedes-Benz models have scores of problems to make them ones to avoid on the used market majorly.

10 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

2014 CLA250
Mercedes-Benz

The main issue with the CLA250 is that it's just plain boring. For the high price tag, one would expect a car with a dynamic design, great powertrain, and good handling. The 2014 CLA250 has none of that.

2014 CLA250
via: youtube.com

It's just a dull experience, and that's without issues such as five recalls overblown engines, stalling, blown or misfiring fuses and, as a literal topper, the roof panel capable of coming off during a drive. Put it together and the CLA250 is a "luxury" ride offering little true luxury.

9 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350

2006 ML350
via Mecum Auctions

Modern ML350 models can be pretty good rides, but the earlier ones had their rough edges. The 2006 model is the worst with unexpected shifting in the seven-speed transmission and lacks feedback.

2006 ML350
via: mecum.com

The engine can overheat, and if there's a crash, the sensors will fail to disconnect the fuel pump, which can cause a fire. To top it off, the engine light can remain on even after repairs, and the high repair cost makes this another reason to look at newer ML350 models over an older one.

8 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320

2001 ML 320
via: autotrader.com

Technically, the 2002 ML320 has more complaints, but the 2001 model rates higher as its problems combine with poor mileage. The biggest problem is the brakes locking up with no warning alongside issues of poor stability.

2001 ML320
via: youtube.com

There were five recalls over the power steering hose clamp coming loose, the cruise control failing to work properly and simply the entire system failing with no warning. These carried over into 2002, yet the 2001 model is arguably the worst of the ML320 class.

Related: 5 Best Mercedes-Benz SUVs You Can Buy Used (5 To Avoid At All Costs)

7 2006-07 Mercedes-Benz E350

Black 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic
Via YouTube (Curious Cars Channel)

On the one hand, the 2006 E350 was a step up for the model with a stronger engine and seven-speed transmission. However, that may have contributed to its many problems. The key problem was the balance shaft failing which threw off the performance and could lead to problems with handling and steering.

Silver 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan
Via YouTube (Curious Cars Channel)

There was also an oil pump failure and sudden jerking on the road. Tha carried to the 2007 model with stalling and engine failure constant. Each model had three recalls, so these are two years to avoid the used market.

6 2012-13 Mercedes-Benz C250

2012 C250
via: autotrader.com

Like other cars on this list, the 2012-13 Mercedes-Benz C250 has its good qualities, such as a smooth turbocharged 201-hp four-cylinder engine for a comfortable ride. That makes its failures more notable.

2012-Mercedes-C250-Whole-Car-Passengers-Side
via: autotrader.com

Besides bad mileage, it can be costly to repair with seven recalls, almost all involving faulty airbags. There's also a tendency for fuel leaks which can go undetected by faulty sensors. That carried to the 2013 model as well so these drawbacks hurt an otherwise good car.

Related: These Are The 10 Worst Cars Made By Mercedes-Benz

5 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Siver 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC on the road
Mercedes-Benz

After a lackluster 2018 entry, the 2019 GLC was supposed to be a nice improvement. Instead, it was a rough ride with a lackluster steering wheel and the technology interface not user-friendly.

Silver 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Via Car-Recalls.eu

Then the problems began rolling in with fuel leaks, faulty airbags, power supply cable damage, bad tires and even the eCall system failing to work. There have been nearly a dozen recalls over it and making the GLC one of the worst models Mercedes-Benz has put out in recent years.

4 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230

2007 C230
via: youtube.com

The 2007 C230 has a few good qualities as a spiffy ride that handles well. However, it's also cramped in the rear, confusing electronics and the summer tires may not handle some roads well. The key problem (leading to several recalls) is the engine balance shaft coming loose which can cause a puncture in the fuel area.

2007-mercedes-benz-c-class-c-230-sport-4dr-sedan
via: autotrader.com

The glass panes have a bad habit of coming loose, harming visibility and leading to issues. It's also a bit more expensive to maintain, so the C230 was a showcase for how rough Mercedes-Benz was in the mid-2000's.

3 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Sprinter
via: autotrader.com

It may be called "the Sprinter," but this van tends to be a slow ride and sometimes harder to handle in some areas. But what puts it on this list is the 17 recalls it's endured. The steering can suddenly lose power with no warning, leading to accidents.

Sprinter
via: autotrader.com

Also, the driveshaft may break and puncture the fuel tank, while the brakes may fail. There's also been multiple complaints about seat belts and other safety features failing. All that on top of the poor performance and customers should be sprinting away from this model.

Related: Everyone Regrets Buying These Used Luxury Cars

2 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300
www.ietp.com

Frankly, the entire 2015 C-Class should be avoided, but the C300 is the worst offender. There have been eleven recalls from the steering, which could cause noises and backlash and lead to full on failure. There was also a problem with the fuel delivery module becoming loose enough to spark a fire and overheating.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300
YouTube: Boston Auto Blog

Then there were the faulty airbags and a software issue that could give the wrong location in an emergency. There's how it just isn't that good a ride, loud, poor electronics and very hard to ensure. Put it all together, and the 2015 C-Class is one to avoid majorly on the used market.

1 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Red 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Via GoMechanic

Don't be fooled by Mercedes-Benz claiming this is a "more intelligent" SUV. The 2020 GLE is already underweight and handles horrible compared to the competition. But the kicker is a stunning 28 recalls for one model.

Red 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Via Portland Tribune

The reasons include mild bits like the wipers and headlights not working, fuel leaks that can cause a fire, a faulty powertrain leading to stalling, weak structure, corrosion, and even bad seat belts. It's astounding one model can have so much wrong with it and the GLE is one of the dumber cars Mercedes-Benz has put on the road.

Sources: consumerrports.com, carcomplaints.com, jdpower.com, kbb.com