Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints (2016)

323 consumer complaints on file.

#11774091October 27, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hi, in the Fall of 2025 my 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic, started giving off smelly fumes while my car was idling/ warming up. I registered a complaint with the Corporate Mercedes Benz Office USA, LLC in April 2026 @ 800-367-6372, after the dealership would not correct the issue free of charge. 1. Hose Clamp Replacement problems. 2. The raw fuel leakage produces strong gasoline odors inside the cabin- via the air filter, risk of car stalling and the smell could be leathal. 3. The problem was confirmed in a lawsuit. 4. The dealership would not repair the issue. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dash board, the only essential issue were the smells, fumes, odors and lawsuit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773422October 24, 2026
SUSPENSION
Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, VIN [XXX], approximately 52014 miles. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in 2017. All maintenance performed at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. On XXX, during a routine B-Service at Mercedes-Benz of Easton ([XXX]), the technician found that the rear subframe (rear axle carrier) was rusted and perforated. The corroded area is located directly above the rear control arm. The technician stated on a recorded inspection video that the corrosion would continue to spread around that area until the control arm disconnects, and described it as a safety hazard. He recommended replacement of the part. Photos and video (technician shared video link - [XXX]) were taken during the inspection and are available. I was not notified of any corrosion in this area during previous dealer services, and the vehicle showed no symptoms that I noticed before this inspection. I am concerned that a structural suspension mounting component has corroded through on a vehicle of this age, and that if the control arm separates from the subframe, it could cause loss of control. I am reporting this so that NHTSA can determine whether it is a wider problem on this model. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771705October 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear sub frame has rusted through and according to repair shop cannot be safely driven until repaired. Mercedes has granted extended warranty for sub frame rust through for the C300 up to model year 2015 so this is a known problem. My car is a 2016 and Mercedes will not offer the extended warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769311October 6, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while performing maintenance on the vehicle with the dealer, it was discovered that the rear subframe was severely rusted and perforated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: MC-10232321-0001; extended warranty, but vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,616.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769345October 6, 2026
SUSPENSION
Failed state safety inspection due to a severely corroded and rotted rear subframe, creating an immediate driving hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764059September 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle has prematurely rusted subframe. It is a know manufacturer defect, for which the manufacturer is covering repair cost for owners of the preceding model, but refuses to acknowledge responsibility on this model. (W204 model covered — W205 Mercedes (only offered $500.00 on a repair they value at over $6,000.00.))
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739458May 22, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736177May 6, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733961April 27, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733625April 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733700April 24, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panoramic sunroof fails to open/ close evenly due to binding issue and plastic track failure. One side binds while the other moves, causing glass to tilt and jam. Risk of dangerous injury including glass shattering, sudden detachment, distraction while driving, and water intrusion affecting airbags/electronics.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11732985April 22, 2026
SUSPENSION, 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728122March 30, 2026
ENGINE
2016 Mercedes-Benz C63 S AMG, M177 4.0L twin-turbo V8. This engine is marketed under Mercedes-Benz's "One Man, One Engine" philosophy — hand-assembled by a single master technician. It failed irreparably at 67,323 miles on a properly maintained vehicle owned by a 14-year Mercedes-Benz customer who has purchased six Mercedes-Benz vehicles. All maintenance performed on schedule with genuine OEM Mercedes-Benz parts at Mercedes-certified shops. At approximately 65,000 miles, check engine light illuminated with cylinder 7 misfire. A Mercedes-certified shop found and replaced a burnt spark plug and all 4 ignition coils with OEM parts. Misfire cleared. Three months later at 67,000 miles, shaking and check engine light returned. All 8 spark plugs replaced with OEM parts. Misfires returned within 100 miles — now on cylinders 1, 3, and 7 — accompanied by violent engine shaking and a fuel smell. Vehicle brought to authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Full diagnostic performed including borescope inspection. Confirmed: broken spark plug ceramic and unrepairable piston pitting in cylinder 4 and engine damage. Dealer confirmed engine is not repairable and recommends complete engine replacement. All findings documented on dealer repair order. Vehicle remains at the dealer and is available for inspection. Mercedes-Benz has published at least three Technical Service Bulletins on persistent misfires specific to this engine: LI54.21-P-062006 (multiple revisions — ECU ground faults, borescope protocol anticipating internal damage), LI07.61-P-073583 (post-turbo exhaust clamp failures), LI07.61-P-069688 (intake manifold cracks). Mercedes has acknowledged this defect pattern internally and has not issued a recall. Sudden power loss and violent shaking at highway speed is a direct safety hazard. NHTSA investigation warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727959March 30, 2026
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719197February 19, 2026
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716937February 10, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716863February 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong fuel smell in cabin Can maybe cause a fire
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714200January 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708321January 2, 2026
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705891December 18, 2025
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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