2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 body & structure problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

25 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, 10% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 53,000 mi.

Body & Structure complaints
25
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
53,000 mi

Specific components reported

Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.

ComponentComplaints
Structure:body22
Structure3

Body & Structure complaints across Mercedes-Benz C300 years

3200820200912201046201152201257201382014512015252016
Body & Structure complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k330k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V854000Dec 15, 20232,976 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. 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, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

    Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

  • Recall 21V197000Mar 19, 202115,096 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. 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.

    Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 6, 202684,616 miDEBody & 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11769311 · source
  2. Filed Apr 24, 2026CA1 injuredBody & StructureOther / Unknown
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11733700 · source
  3. Filed Feb 10, 2026130,000 miMDBody & 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…
    NHTSA complaint #11716937 · source
  4. Filed May 21, 2025PABody & Structure
    * Component Failed / Malfunction - Panoramic Sunroof Separation. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof has separated from the windshield panel. * Sun roof glass panel is at risk of separating for car and becoming airborne causing injury to driver and others. * Problem has been confirmed by independent service center. * First appeared on approximately April 21, 2025.
    NHTSA complaint #11662284 · source
  5. Filed Mar 26, 2025VABody & Structure
    Rusted rear subframe, dime size hole discovered by Mercedes technician on [XXX]. The Mercedes dealer who discovered it was Mercedes Benz of Fredericksburg, VA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11650695 · source
  6. Filed Feb 18, 2025CABody & Structure
    --The sunroof glass suddenly shattered without any prior warning while the vehicle was in driving on the road. Some of the broken glass pieces scattered throughout the interior of the car. --The sudden shattering of the glass roof created a hazardous situation for the driver and passengers. Although no one was injured, we were shocked and initially thought it might be an explosion or gunfire. Additionally, the tiny glass shards is very dangerous. --We have called dealer and…
    NHTSA complaint #11643527 · source
  7. Filed Jul 24, 2024GABody & StructureOther / Unknown
    On [XXX] I was on my way home from running errands and proceeded to open my panoramic sunroof using the button inside of my car. When I arrived home, I pressed the button again to close the sunroof. As it began closing and went into the forward position, once it reached the top of my roof, the back of the sunroof would not go down back into place. This left the sunroof open in the venting position. On [XXX], I went to RBM of Atlanta where I purchased the vehicle [XXX] to…
    NHTSA complaint #11604321 · source
  8. Filed May 29, 2024CABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers
    The complaint is about the sunroof which has an open recall with all warning signs and risks exactly identical to my make, year and model (2016 mercedes benz c300). More than 15,000 vehicles have been affected by this problem and the warning signs suddenly appear with the vehicle. Mercedes Benz after their investigation after several reports were filed, later found that the sunroof glass panels were installed without prior application of the primer (bonding agent) which was…
    NHTSA complaint #11591312 · source
  9. Filed Apr 20, 2024FLBody & Structure
    Panel between windshield and sunroof is peeling off loosing the clear coat even when the car is only 40.000 miles and is inside the garage
    NHTSA complaint #11584263 · source
  10. Filed Apr 4, 2024NCBody & Structure
    Front Stationary Sunroof Panel (between the windshield and the sunroof) deteriorating and cracking in the middle. I've read about a recall on previous year models that will extend to this year model or even further year but waiting on this recall to reach my vin number. I've seen same model year in other states have this issue resolved with the recall update in Feb 2024. This is related to the NHTSA Recall ID: 23V854.
    NHTSA complaint #11581170 · source
  11. Filed Feb 15, 2024PABody & Structure
    I took my car for service "B" at the dealership. They told me the rear subframe is rusting and there is a hole forming already. Apparently, this is a known problem that Mercedes Benz provided warranty extension up to 20 years with unlimited mileage. However, they stopped at 2015 models. Mine was bought from the same dealership in October 2015, but it is a 2016 model, but actually has the exact same problem earlier models have and they cover with their voluntary extended…
    NHTSA complaint #11572113 · source
  12. Filed Jan 18, 2024AZBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The panoramic sunroof gets stuck on passenger side, and came off the rail on the passenger side as i was driving on the freeway
    NHTSA complaint #11566312 · source

Other 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 problem areas

  • Engine (82)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (62)
  • Other / Unknown (60)
  • Electrical System (19)
  • Visibility & Wipers (17)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (16)
  • Steering (13)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Lighting (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2016 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