2016 Mercedes Benz C300 problems

ENGINE

NHTSA Safety Complaint – 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 | Mileage: 74,662 miles What Happened I’m filing this complaint because my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 suffered a sudden, complete engine failure at 74,662 miles, and I believe it’s a safety risk that deserves investigation. I’ve owned this car since 2016 and followed every recommended service interval. All available warranties were purchased and maintained. The car showed absolutely no signs of trouble before this happened. Last week before filing, I was driving normally when the check engine light came on without any prior warning — no oil pressure light, no temperature alert, nothing else. Within minutes, the engine shut off completely. The car rolled to a stop and I noticed oil leaking from the front of the engine. It was towed to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership, where they confirmed the engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure and needs to be fully replaced. Why This Is a Safety Concern No advance warning. The check engine light appeared only minutes before the engine died. That’s not enough time to safely exit a highway or busy road. A sudden total engine failure at speed affects steering, braking assist, and reaction time — it could easily cause a serious accident. Engine failure at 74,662 miles is not normal. A complete engine failure on a well-maintained luxury vehicle at under 75,000 miles strongly suggests a manufacturing defect or design flaw, possibly affecting other vehicles of the same model year. Oil leak at engine front. The leak observed at failure likely points to a specific component or seal failure. If this is a design weakness, other 2016 C300 owners may be at risk without knowing it. What I’m Requesting 1.Open an investigation into the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 for sudden engine failure and inadequate warning systems. 2.Determine whether other owners have reported similar incidents. 3.Evaluate whether a safety recall is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11739458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I’ve been driving my car since September when it was purchased I just got it from dealership 4/9/26 spent over $1100 and have been working like regular full time schedule, I wake up today 4/27/26 trying to work and car is stalling. Not sure what’s going on with these mechanics and technicians. I pay to dollar to ensure my family safety on the road here I am stuck without support due to my circumstances. Also, my car just idles the shuts off doesn’t turn mall the way on, magically a check engine light flashed then car just immediately stalled and won’t turn back over all the way.

NHTSA complaint #11733961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’ve been driving my car since September when it was purchased I just got it from dealership 4/9/26 spent over $1100 and have been working like regular full time schedule, I wake up today 4/27/26 trying to work and car is stalling. Not sure what’s going on with these mechanics and technicians. I pay to dollar to ensure my family safety on the road here I am stuck without support due to my circumstances. Also, my car just idles the shuts off doesn’t turn mall the way on, magically a check engine light flashed then car just immediately stalled and won’t turn back over all the way.

NHTSA complaint #11733961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I’ve been driving my car since September when it was purchased I just got it from dealership 4/9/26 spent over $1100 and have been working like regular full time schedule, I wake up today 4/27/26 trying to work and car is stalling. Not sure what’s going on with these mechanics and technicians. I pay to dollar to ensure my family safety on the road here I am stuck without support due to my circumstances. Also, my car just idles the shuts off doesn’t turn mall the way on, magically a check engine light flashed then car just immediately stalled and won’t turn back over all the way.

NHTSA complaint #11733961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My C300 MBZ, 2016 is experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in a recall, but my vehicle is not included in that recall. Camshaft: GENERAL REPAIR A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. Cams act as a vital component to your automobile's engine. A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part. Camshafts provide power to the cams which are vital for basic engine operation. The cost of fixing this approximately $10,000 per Mercerdes dealer and estimate from Keyes Mercerdes. The Brief: Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some model cars tied to a faulty drive shaft.T he problem not only can cause vehicles to lose power but may elevate crash risk, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Owners of the affected vehicles can take them to their local dealership to receive free repairs, however per MBZ corporate 2016 C300 not included? Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,092 cars connected to a drive shaft universal joint that may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

NHTSA complaint #11733625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My C300 MBZ, 2016 is experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in a recall, but my vehicle is not included in that recall. Camshaft: GENERAL REPAIR A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. Cams act as a vital component to your automobile's engine. A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part. Camshafts provide power to the cams which are vital for basic engine operation. The cost of fixing this approximately $10,000 per Mercerdes dealer and estimate from Keyes Mercerdes. The Brief: Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some model cars tied to a faulty drive shaft.T he problem not only can cause vehicles to lose power but may elevate crash risk, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Owners of the affected vehicles can take them to their local dealership to receive free repairs, however per MBZ corporate 2016 C300 not included? Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,092 cars connected to a drive shaft universal joint that may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

NHTSA complaint #11733625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My C300 MBZ, 2016 is experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in a recall, but my vehicle is not included in that recall. Camshaft: GENERAL REPAIR A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. Cams act as a vital component to your automobile's engine. A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part. Camshafts provide power to the cams which are vital for basic engine operation. The cost of fixing this approximately $10,000 per Mercerdes dealer and estimate from Keyes Mercerdes. The Brief: Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some model cars tied to a faulty drive shaft.T he problem not only can cause vehicles to lose power but may elevate crash risk, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Owners of the affected vehicles can take them to their local dealership to receive free repairs, however per MBZ corporate 2016 C300 not included? Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,092 cars connected to a drive shaft universal joint that may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

NHTSA complaint #11733625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am reporting a structural failure of the rear subframe (axle carrier) on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W205). The component is exhibiting significant internal-to-external corrosion (perforation), specifically at the suspension mounting points. Safety Impact: The vehicle is currently exhibiting unstable handling and a 'skittish' 'swerving' sensation causing the car to 'fishtail' under braking during normal braking and at highway speeds, indicating a compromise in the structural integrity of the rear axle. This poses an immediate risk of a 'loss of directional control' should the suspension components fully detach from the corroded subframe. The Structural Integrity, Loss of Directional Control, Sudden Suspension Failure, and causes extremely dangerous Safety Hazard for my family and other on the road. The corrosion has compromised the mounting points of the rear suspension, creating a risk that the axle will detach while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a catastrophic loss of control. Context: Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged this defect in previous years (2008-2015) via a 20-year extended warranty and in Service Information S135.00-P-0009A. However, they have failed to include the 2016 W205 in the safety remedy despite identical failure modes and documented safety hazards. Currently, as of April 2026, a 2024/2025 federal court ruling [XXX] v. Mercedes-Benz) allowed a class-action lawsuit to proceed specifically covering 2010–2022 models—including the2016 C300 W205—alleging the exact same manufacturing defect. A thorough inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle shows severe corrosion to the subframe as well as a cracked hub along the drive-train shaft and differential. I have submitted photos along with this Vehicle Complaint From to document the corrosion of the subframe and other defects associated with the devices and systems that transmit power from the engine or propulsion device to the wheels such as the cracks in hubs, shafts, differentials. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

NHTSA complaint #11732985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I am reporting a structural failure of the rear subframe (axle carrier) on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W205). The component is exhibiting significant internal-to-external corrosion (perforation), specifically at the suspension mounting points. Safety Impact: The vehicle is currently exhibiting unstable handling and a 'skittish' 'swerving' sensation causing the car to 'fishtail' under braking during normal braking and at highway speeds, indicating a compromise in the structural integrity of the rear axle. This poses an immediate risk of a 'loss of directional control' should the suspension components fully detach from the corroded subframe. The Structural Integrity, Loss of Directional Control, Sudden Suspension Failure, and causes extremely dangerous Safety Hazard for my family and other on the road. The corrosion has compromised the mounting points of the rear suspension, creating a risk that the axle will detach while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a catastrophic loss of control. Context: Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged this defect in previous years (2008-2015) via a 20-year extended warranty and in Service Information S135.00-P-0009A. However, they have failed to include the 2016 W205 in the safety remedy despite identical failure modes and documented safety hazards. Currently, as of April 2026, a 2024/2025 federal court ruling [XXX] v. Mercedes-Benz) allowed a class-action lawsuit to proceed specifically covering 2010–2022 models—including the2016 C300 W205—alleging the exact same manufacturing defect. A thorough inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle shows severe corrosion to the subframe as well as a cracked hub along the drive-train shaft and differential. I have submitted photos along with this Vehicle Complaint From to document the corrosion of the subframe and other defects associated with the devices and systems that transmit power from the engine or propulsion device to the wheels such as the cracks in hubs, shafts, differentials. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

NHTSA complaint #11732985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A lot of times when I park even on flat surfaces my parking brake engages and It’s hell being able to leave because I have to turn the car off open the door close door start the again put in drive while my foot is on the brake and pull and push the parking brake button 4 times. Then I’m able to drive. This has been happening more frequently and there is an open recall for the parking brakes calLED ESP RECALL

NHTSA complaint #11727959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Spontaneous explosion of sunroof while car is in motion on the expressway 83 and could have caused an accident while my daughter was driving

NHTSA complaint #11719197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the right or the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear sub frame of the vehicle had severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by a service technician that there had been a recall for corrosion failures, but the year and the model were not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11716937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong fuel smell in cabin Can maybe cause a fire

NHTSA complaint #11716863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

fuel lines/ clamps defective causing a fuel leak. vehicle could catch on fire and fumes are extremely strong inside the cabin. issue confirmed by Mercedes dealer, mentioned there is an extended warranty up to 120,000 miles. rejected mine because i was at 120,300 miles. had to pay out of pocket. no warning lights or anything just the really strong smell of fuel and fuel range dropping. this is a very common issue thats known and should be a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11714200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fuel lines/ clamps defective causing a fuel leak. vehicle could catch on fire and fumes are extremely strong inside the cabin. issue confirmed by Mercedes dealer, mentioned there is an extended warranty up to 120,000 miles. rejected mine because i was at 120,300 miles. had to pay out of pocket. no warning lights or anything just the really strong smell of fuel and fuel range dropping. this is a very common issue thats known and should be a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11714200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that whenever the fuel tank was full, there was a fuel-burning odor coming from the engine and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. In addition, when the vehicle was cold, the odor was entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a collision center specializing in foreign vehicles, where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail and injectors had a fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). However, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that his mother owned the vehicle in the past and gave the vehicle to the contact two years ago. The contact's mother remembered receiving a recall letter; however, the contact's mother was unsure if the vehicle had been repaired in the past. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11708321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I am writing to formally report the premature failure and subsequent replacement of the electronic rack and pinion on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic sedan. This repair was performed at Sears Imported Autos on 4/19/2024, at a cost of $5,840.14. Invoice number at Sears Imported Autos is XXX. My vehicle, VIN [XXX] , had only 74,427 miles at the time of the failure. The failure of a critical steering component at such a low mileage is highly unusual and, I believe, directly attributable to a latent manufacturing defect. I have recently become aware of a prior recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 18V850000) concerning the electronic power steering rack on these EXACT vehicles. While I acknowledge that my vehicle VIN was not included in the official scope of the previous NHTSA recall, the nature and timing of my component's failure strongly mirror the documented issues of MY power steering failure. Mercedes-Benz USA Customer Care Center just informed me that my VIN does NOT qualify for the recall, but they did NOT say the failure on my car was a different part. The fact that the very same exact part failed so prematurely, a component that is expected to last for the lifetime of the vehicle under normal conditions, points to a systemic quality control issue beyond the scope of the original recall. The recall should be expanded to include my VIN and likely a few others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11705891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle developed OBD-II code P052E related to crankcase ventilation/PCV system malfunction. Issue causes improper crankcase pressure, rough idle, oil vapor smells, and check engine light. Independent research shows this is a common failure on 2015–2017 Mercedes C300 models. Repair requires replacement of crankcase vent/PCV assembly. This appears to be a premature emissions system failure.

NHTSA complaint #11704880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

An independent service center diagnosed my car as having a fuel leak stemming from the fuel rail and fuel injectors. This is a fire hazard due to a gas leak. There is a gas smell in the interior cabin that I noticed approximately one month ago. I believe this pertains to NHTSA ID #21V961, and I would like NHTSA to consider including my VIN in this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11704054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 started giving off funky fumes last year in 2024, now the fumes have turned into the smell of gas in 2025. Everytime that I call the dealership on Rockside Rd./ Broadway, located in Bedford Ohio, they give me an excuse as to why it's not their responsibility to correct the issue. What can I do?

NHTSA complaint #11703213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 started giving off funky fumes last year in 2024, now the fumes have turned into the smell of gas in 2025. Everytime that I call the dealership on Rockside Rd./ Broadway, located in Bedford Ohio, they give me an excuse as to why it's not their responsibility to correct the issue. What can I do?

NHTSA complaint #11703213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT appeared on dash at approximately 72k miles. Had code read and diagnosed by certified mechanic and he had an active code P06DA00(this code signifies an electrical fault, open circuit, or high resistance in the circuit for the oil pump control valve on vehicles with two stage oil pump, which can lead to incorrect oil pressure, which can cause engine damage if not addressed). Vehicle was taken to Harriman Mercedes in New York. They did not acknowledge an active code but wanted to diagnose and repair a stored code for a small evap leak, which was rectified with a new gas cap. After prying about the P06DA00 code, they finally admitted it did have a stored code but to ignore it because it had something to do with domestic and foreign car engine computers issues. How do you ignore an active code with a potentially serious engine issue and told to ignore it. I know for a fact that this is a common problem with these 2.0L engines in these cars for many years.

NHTSA complaint #11699485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

IT'S RIDICULOUS I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF NOVI, MI) YESTERDAY 2016 MERCEDES C300 4MATIC FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON LOW PRESSURE FUEL HOSE AS THE CAR CABIN SMELLS LIKE GAS FUMES TO THE POINT WHERE IT GOT ME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AND THREW ME IN BED FOR A DAY. WHEN I ARRIVED THERE I WAS TOLD YEAH THIS IS COMMON ON THESE CARS AND WARRANTY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. GOT A CALL LATER SAYING IT WILL NOT BE COVERED AS THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY SURPASSED MY CAR AS MY CAR PRODUCTION DATE IS 09/15, I WAS LIKE PLEASE ITS ONLY A COUPLE MONTH AFTER AND ITS A FIRE HAZARDOUS AND HEALTH MATTER THEY WERE LIKE NO, NOW MY CAR IS THERE AND I HAVE TO PAY THEM $850 TO CHANGE AN ISSUE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN CARE FROM THE BEGINNING FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #11699111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.