2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

105 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300, 37% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 69,000 mi.

Engine complaints
105
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
69,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine105
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)1

Engine complaints across Mercedes-Benz C300 years

620085200942010520111201252013220141052015822016
Engine complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k630k–60k1060k–100k4100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V114000Feb 23, 2017307,629 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.

    Risk: If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 6, 202582,000 miTXEngineSteering
    The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable, and the contact was unable to straighten the steering wheel. The brake pedal was also depressed. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle started to stall. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and was able…
    NHTSA complaint #11678756 · source
  2. Filed Jun 26, 2025ILEngine
    Check Engine light came on recently, fault code P052E is identified by scanner. Car has 60,000 miles on original it. MB dealer wants to charge $300 for diagnostics, repair job (parts and labor) may cost over $2,000. Since this is critical emission compliance part/system, why is it not recalling?
    NHTSA complaint #11669468 · source
  3. Filed Mar 5, 2025110,000 miDEEngineSuspension
    The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that approximately every 6-8 months, the vehicle sputtered while driving at various speeds or while idling. The contact stated that a month after the first failure had occurred, the front end of the vehicle lowered as if the shocks or hydraulic system had failed. The failure had occurred 3 times within a year and a half. The contact stated that after the second failure, the entire vehicle lowered several inches,…
    NHTSA complaint #11646427 · source
  4. Filed Feb 11, 2025NCEngine
    The engine lamp turned yellow. The car got inspected by a mechanic and showed code. P052E, which indicates the defect in the crankcase ventilation valve. I see that many cars of the same model in which were produced about the same year had the same defect. I called the manufacture customer service and they claim that my van was not included in the recall. My vehicle likely had the same problem as other people did in the past, but for some reason my vin was not included.
    NHTSA complaint #11642081 · source
  5. Filed Jan 30, 2025NYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    failed piston wrist pins from early production of mercedes w205 c300. The issue was diagnosed by mercedes of manhattan and could not provide me a fix. Stated that the issue is common with the vehicle and it does not warrant a recall for this issue. i believe its a safety issue and my vehicle only has 60K miles
    NHTSA complaint #11639535 · source
  6. Filed Aug 8, 2024MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Purchased vehicle in march 2024 it went thru emission inspection in 2022 after failing it passed second time . I go for inspection and it fails emission test again just passed two years later. After doing my research Positive Crankcase Ventilation System seems to be a very common problem. It also cost 2000 to fix. Appreciate you time thank you
    NHTSA complaint #11607201 · source
  7. Filed Apr 3, 2024OKEngine
    Pcv valve malfunction causing the 0sensor to short. It’s also spitting oil into my CAT.. Mercedes has the part on back order and no one can seem to get it but everyone is having the same issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11581046 · source
  8. Filed Jan 29, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    My 2015 Mercedes Benz vehicle is rarely driven as I took public transportation to work and has ~55000 miles. However, the engine has started throwing error code P052E verified by an independent dealer - crankcase ventilation valve failure. It means the engine could shut off amid driving and I did research and it seems like a very common issue that Mercedes Benz car owner encounter and feels like a severe car defect.
    NHTSA complaint #11568638 · source
  9. Filed Jan 25, 2024WAElectrical SystemEngine
    I keep getting the P052E PCV replacement valve issue. I see online that this has impacted multiple Mercedes C class but no recalls have been issued for this.
    NHTSA complaint #11567915 · source
  10. Filed Jan 6, 2024WAEngine
    Was driving on the highway , car was running for about 7-10 min from the start , and when took off from exit , car started to shake and when pulled off to the side of the road , the car won’t start anymore , dealership said that engine failed ,
    NHTSA complaint #11563918 · source
  11. Filed Dec 9, 2023GAEngine
    My car is registering code P052E71. The diagnosis says the valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. The actuator is blocked. This is a common problem for this car with research. Some people have had to replace this part multiple times for their Mercedes which is a part that shouldn't fail. Nothing has been done such as a recall on this vehicle. The part and labor to repair this issue costs $1000+ dollars. Something should be done to help consumers. I'm doing my…
    NHTSA complaint #11559315 · source
  12. Filed Dec 5, 2023CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Emissions Failure P052E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. Vehicle has been inspected. Warning lamp appeared for my engine recently. Cause by faulty plastic valves that requires a significant costly repair - around $3,000 USD
    NHTSA complaint #11558631 · source

Other 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (57)
  • Body & Structure (51)
  • Other / Unknown (46)
  • Suspension (19)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (16)
  • Electrical System (15)
  • Visibility & Wipers (15)
  • Steering (15)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (9)
  • Wheels & Tires (6)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Brakes (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology