2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 engine problems

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 May 22, 2026COEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11739458 · source
2. Filed Apr 24, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11733625 · source
3. Filed Jan 29, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 · source
4. Filed Dec 13, 2025WAEngine

   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 · source
5. Filed Nov 14, 2025NYEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11699485 · source
6. Filed Jul 22, 202556,000 miCATowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the energy saver START/STOP feature engaged, but the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the START/STOP function failed to operate as designed. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V114000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local…

   NHTSA complaint #11675352 · source
7. Filed Jun 9, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance Code P052E indicates a fault in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance for a predetermined.

   NHTSA complaint #11665952 · source
8. Filed Mar 22, 2025WAElectrical SystemEngine

   Check Engine Light on, I read the code is P052E, after read some information in internet there is positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve needs to be replaced. My car is 52000 miles and it seems like happenned to people even with less miles on the cars

   NHTSA complaint #11649919 · source
9. Filed Dec 5, 2024GAEngine

   I have noticed a recurring issue during the colder months where there is a strong gas smell inside the cabin, and I have also observed fuel dripping into the engine compartment. This issue seems to occur primarily in winter conditions. I was surprised to find that there has been no official recall or service bulletin addressing this concern, especially given the potential safety implications.

   NHTSA complaint #11628964 · source
10. Filed Aug 17, 2024CAEngine

    my car broke down while driving on the freeway, with only 58,000 miles the piston broke in cylinder 1 causing my car to loose power can cause an accident due to breaking down on freeway problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic shop check engine light started flashing the moment the engine failed

    NHTSA complaint #11609107 · source
11. Filed Aug 12, 2024CAEngine

    This vehicle was 2nd owner via Mercedes CPO. Note I bought this 2016 in 2018 on CPO, so recalls and technical notes were confirmed to be resolved. Had last taken to Mercedes dealership. Vehicle was always running fine until about 64,000+ miles when a check engine light came on while just entering the freeway and the vehicle started shaking violently. Continue to drive the vehicle for a few miles to get to the destination. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership and the…

    NHTSA complaint #11607884 · source
12. Filed Apr 18, 2024MNEngine

    A couple years back I had an engine light pop up and it was the code P052E which as I’ve done my research and read a lot of forums this is a common problem with the W205 Mercedes Motors. As of today 04/18/24 the engine light came on and I got it diagnosed to find out it is the same problem again. This repair is almost $2000 and it is due to Mercedes faulty manufacturing of the PCV valve. I have read things that say there has been extended warranty on it and a lot of…

    NHTSA complaint #11583914 · source

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