Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Wheels
626.1%
Median failure at 29,755 miles
Other & Unspecified
521.7%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
Body & Structure
417.4%
Median failure at 54,500 miles
Electrical System
417.4%
Median failure at 25,070 miles
Steering
28.7%
Median failure at 25,070 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
218.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
218.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
545.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
218.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2016peak 4May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Mercedes Benz C450
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
PE21001Opened 8 Jan 2021Closed 14 Oct 2021STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradati...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carefree, AZ
POWER TRAIN
Sudden fracture of the propeller shaft universal joint at freeway speeds causing catastrophic damage to the transmission and exhaust system. This matches the failure described in NHTSA Recall 26V216. While driving on Arizona Freeway 202. Extreme clanking noise heard and lost all power in middle of rush hour. Barely able to navigate vehicle safely off the freeway. No warning whatsoever. Had to be towed to Mercedes Benz Gilbert where documentation provided as to failure.
NHTSA complaint #11736177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caldwell, ID
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Just purchased this vehicle in Utah, was driving from Utah to Idaho on the interstate at 80mph when all of a sudden my sunroof opened up with high winds and blew right off. Luckily nobody was behind me but I’ve been driving 2 hours without a sunroof due to weak glue/manufacturing defect
NHTSA complaint #11653994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The sunroof locked open during a road trip. I am mechanically inclined, so adding lubricant and driving through a low pressure air front caused the sunroof to shut. Had I been in an emergency, not mechanically inclined, or if this happen during inclement weather or to a little old lady this would have been a severe issue causing the vehicle to become inoperable due to rain or snow entering the cabin and reducing visibility, and damaging the electronic components in the vehicle's cabin. This is also a safety hazard to the the drivers health in conditions of smog, extreme low temperature, animal attack or if there was an assault from a criminal with ill intentions.
NHTSA complaint #11572718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shreveport, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Panoramic sunroof pillars/rails detaching while operating vehicle. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. When operating the vehicle at a moderate speed, the sunroof continued to adjust itself on its own. Belive that there is a risk of the sunroof detaching from the stock plastic rails and that it may not be properly bonded. I do not feel comfortable usuing the Panoramic sunroof for fear of it detaching during driving conditions, putting other motorist and myself in danger.
NHTSA complaint #11508425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Country Club Hills, IL
STEERING
When I go to put my car in reverse, or drive the gear control is malfunctioning and I’m afraid this can be deadly or cause serious injury.
NHTSA complaint #11465794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Country Club Hills, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I go to put my car in reverse, or drive the gear control is malfunctioning and I’m afraid this can be deadly or cause serious injury.
NHTSA complaint #11465794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Country Club Hills, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I go to put my car in reverse, or drive the gear control is malfunctioning and I’m afraid this can be deadly or cause serious injury.
NHTSA complaint #11465794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The part attaching the sunroof to the rails comes off and could cause the sunroof to come detached.
NHTSA complaint #11434980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The panoramic sunroof does not properly seal to car, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation and likely to impair the operator during use. Furthermore, without properly sealing the internal cabin is exposed to the environment (i.e. rain, snow, ect.) causing further damage to the internal safety and electrical features.
NHTSA complaint #11418014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mentone, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panoramic sunroof exploded spontaneously while driving. There was no previous warning. Glass shattered onto driver and passenger. The loud sound and glass shattering onto us could have caused self injury or accident to occur. Auto insurance was notified at time of incident. Vehicle was taken to Mercedes benz dealership for repair.
NHTSA complaint #11418060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
The panoramic sunroof does not properly seal to car, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation and likely to impair the operator during use. Furthermore, without properly sealing the internal cabin is exposed to the environment (i.e. rain, snow, ect.) causing further damage to the internal safety and electrical features.
NHTSA complaint #11418014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The panoramic sunroof does not properly seal to car, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation and likely to impair the operator during use. Furthermore, without properly sealing the internal cabin is exposed to the environment (i.e. rain, snow, ect.) causing further damage to the internal safety and electrical features.
NHTSA complaint #11418014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,511 milesGlendale, CA
WHEELS
THE RIMS CRACKED TWICE WITHIN 1 YEAR. FIRST TIME WAS IN 2018 THE 2ND 2019
NHTSA complaint #11395838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesEdmond, OK
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE VEHICLE HAS A PANORAMIC SUNROOF AND I HAD OPENED THE ROOF WHILE I WAS PARKED AND WHEN I STARTED DRIVING SOMETHING POPPED AND THE FRONT OF THE SUNROOF LIFTED A LITTLE CAUSING IT TO IT THE BACK GLASS PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC ROOF. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT AND SAW THE THE FRONT GUIDES WERE BROKEN/DETATCHED. I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO FORCE THE SUNROOF TO CLOSE. I WAS ONLY GOING AROUND 25 MPH WHEN THE GUIDES GAVE UP. IF I WOULD'VE BEEN GOING FASTER, THE FORCE WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE BACK GLASS.
NHTSA complaint #11320417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesSugar Hill, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
AS PER THIS RECALL LISTED 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C300, C450 AMG 4MATIC RECALLED FOR PANORAMIC SUNROOF DEFECT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED MODEL FROM A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WHILE DRIVING THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ATTEMPTED TO STAND UP VERTICALLY BUT I QUICKLY CAUGHT IT. I PULLED OVER AND MANAGED TO GET IT TO CLOSE AND LATCH AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER NAMED IN THE REPAIR ESTIMATE. I PROVIDED THEM WITH THE PLASTIC PIECES SHOWN IN THE PICTURE THAT I FOUND BROKEN INSIDE THE FRAME AND THEY WOULD NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHOUT A CHARGE OF OVER $3200 WHICH INCLUDED PARTS THAT ARE NOT MALFUNCTIONING. INSTEAD I WAS SENT BACK OUT WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME CONDITION
NHTSA complaint #11317270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesGarland, TX
WHEELS
DEFECTIVE 19'' MERCEDES-BENZ AMG ALLOY RIM CRACKED AND CAUSED TIRE PRESSURE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11270791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesWhiteplains, NY
WHEELS
SINCE I BOUGHT THE MY 2016 C450 AMG IN 2016 BRAND NEW I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE RIMS A MONTH LATER AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CRACKED RIM ,I RESPONDED BY LETTING THEM KNOW I NEVER RAN OVER ANY POTHOLES.THE RIM WAS REPAIRED, BUT A MONTH LATER AGAIN THE PROBLEM ACCURRED.MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM EVERY OTHER MONTH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON EACH OF MY TIRES ,ALL OF MY TIRES HAVE BEEN CRACKED WITHOUT ME RUNNING INTO POTHOLES.JUST YESTERDAY I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK FROM SERVICE AFTER A WEEK OF THEM HAVING IT FOR A CRACKED RIM AGAIN ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE.WHEN I LEFT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS AT 36 PERCENT THIS MORNING ALL THE TIRES ARE AT THEIR NORMAL PRESSURE EXCEPT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IT'S AT 30 PERCENT. IT IS LOSING AIR AGAIN. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 15 TIME FOR PROBLEMS WITH CRACK RIMS WITHOUT ME RUNNING INTO POTHOLES. IS THERE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS?
NHTSA complaint #11173497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,070 milesGardena, CA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 405 FREEWAY VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST AT 65MPH, VEHICLE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO STEER & STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH HAD TO FIGHT WITH THE STEERING TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. TRY TO RESTART VEHICLE ALL LIGHT CAME ON NO-START. BATTERY CABLE HAD TO BE REMOVED WAIT 30MIN AND VEHICLE RESTARTED. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN BEVERLY HILLS, DEALER DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND SOME DTC'S CODES AND RESET AND RETURN VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11164987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,070 milesGardena, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 405 FREEWAY VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST AT 65MPH, VEHICLE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO STEER & STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH HAD TO FIGHT WITH THE STEERING TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. TRY TO RESTART VEHICLE ALL LIGHT CAME ON NO-START. BATTERY CABLE HAD TO BE REMOVED WAIT 30MIN AND VEHICLE RESTARTED. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN BEVERLY HILLS, DEALER DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND SOME DTC'S CODES AND RESET AND RETURN VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11164987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesMount Laurel, NJ
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C450. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRES WERE DEFLATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE CRACKED DUE TO DRIVING OVER POTHOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesMount Laurel, NJ
WHEELS:RIM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C450. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRES WERE DEFLATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE CRACKED DUE TO DRIVING OVER POTHOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesBeverly Hills, CA
WHEELS
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF OUR 2016 MERCEDES IN DECEMBER OF 2015, WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE WARNING DISPLAY OF THE TIRE PRESSURE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP MY WIFE TOOK IT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP WHERE THE OWNER PUT AIR IN THE TIRES AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. IT OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND I ALWAYS WENT TO LOCAL GAS STATIONS AND PUT AIR IN. AFTER GETTING FRUSTRATED WE DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA CALIFORNIA SHOWED THE SERVICE ATTENDANT THE ALERT ON THE DASH. HE RETRIEVED AN AIR PUMP AND PUT AIR IN ALL THE TIRES ACCORDING TO THE SPECS AND SENT US ON OUR WAY WITHOUT DISCUSSING THE WARNING ALERT WHICH WENT OFF. AFTER APPX A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING WE RETURNED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. MY WIFE SPENT 4 HOURS WAITING AND ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE RECEIPT THEY SAID THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AT THE CLIENT'S REQUEST AND NEVER MENTIONED THE ALERT ON THE DASH BEING REPORTED BY THE OWNER. WE HAVE TAKEN IT A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES ONE OF WHICH THE CHECKED AND SUBMERGED ALL THE TIRES TO CHECK FOR LEAKS AND RIM DAMAGE WHICH THEY ALL CHECK OUT PROBLEM FREE. AND AS USUAL THE ALERT CAME BACK ON AFTER APPX. A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING. TODAY THE ALERT IS BACK ON WITH ANOTHER RED WARNING SIGN AND WE ARE GOING TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA TOMORROW SINCE THEY WILL NOT SEND A TOW SERVICE OUT WHEN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLEARLY STATES "IN DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE". THIS IS THE SECOND RED LIGHT WARNING ON THE VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ON THE FIRST OCCASION WHEN THE RED LIGHT CAME ON WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN REGARDLESS OF THE RED LIGHT WARNING. I CONTACTED THE MERCEDES BENZ USA COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS INSTRUCTED ME TO FOLLOW THE ARBITRATION GUIDELINES IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL.
NHTSA complaint #10873656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesBeverly Hills, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF OUR 2016 MERCEDES IN DECEMBER OF 2015, WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE WARNING DISPLAY OF THE TIRE PRESSURE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP MY WIFE TOOK IT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP WHERE THE OWNER PUT AIR IN THE TIRES AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. IT OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND I ALWAYS WENT TO LOCAL GAS STATIONS AND PUT AIR IN. AFTER GETTING FRUSTRATED WE DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA CALIFORNIA SHOWED THE SERVICE ATTENDANT THE ALERT ON THE DASH. HE RETRIEVED AN AIR PUMP AND PUT AIR IN ALL THE TIRES ACCORDING TO THE SPECS AND SENT US ON OUR WAY WITHOUT DISCUSSING THE WARNING ALERT WHICH WENT OFF. AFTER APPX A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING WE RETURNED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. MY WIFE SPENT 4 HOURS WAITING AND ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE RECEIPT THEY SAID THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AT THE CLIENT'S REQUEST AND NEVER MENTIONED THE ALERT ON THE DASH BEING REPORTED BY THE OWNER. WE HAVE TAKEN IT A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES ONE OF WHICH THE CHECKED AND SUBMERGED ALL THE TIRES TO CHECK FOR LEAKS AND RIM DAMAGE WHICH THEY ALL CHECK OUT PROBLEM FREE. AND AS USUAL THE ALERT CAME BACK ON AFTER APPX. A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING. TODAY THE ALERT IS BACK ON WITH ANOTHER RED WARNING SIGN AND WE ARE GOING TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA TOMORROW SINCE THEY WILL NOT SEND A TOW SERVICE OUT WHEN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLEARLY STATES "IN DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE". THIS IS THE SECOND RED LIGHT WARNING ON THE VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ON THE FIRST OCCASION WHEN THE RED LIGHT CAME ON WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN REGARDLESS OF THE RED LIGHT WARNING. I CONTACTED THE MERCEDES BENZ USA COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE DEPT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS INSTRUCTED ME TO FOLLOW THE ARBITRATION GUIDELINES IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL.
NHTSA complaint #10873656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.