2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 316 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 7 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
58 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2023
My car failed smog test due to code P052e positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve. Upon some research, I found that this is very common issue with this car. The repair costs +$2000 before tax at the dealership. Please consider this complain as this issue is very common with this make model and unfortunately many drivers don’t realize that it’s due to faulty system.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2023
When i would turn the car to warm up, it has a hefty gasoline smell. Ive seen a lot of people online talk about the same issue. It seems there is a leak somewhere and it is definitely not safe. Especially when i turn on the heat, it just blows the gasoline into my face. This cant be safe and should definitely be fixed
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
Check engine light appeared this morning, had the code scanned and found it to be P052E. This code is in reference to the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, which is responsible for routing excessive crankcase gases. After extensive research online, it would seem this is a known issue for Mercedes once they reach 50,000 miles, right outside of warranty. This is a very costly fix due to it being labor intensive. This should be a recall as it is a known mechanical issue, and even the dealers echo the same.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2023
A fuel smell can be detected at idle inside the vehicle and around the engine area. A recall for some VIN's of this model in this year was enacted but not this particular model. No visible fuel moisture can be detected. A repair facility stated it might be a faulty clamp on the return fuel line. The recall was for dirt on manufacturing between the fuel injectors/fuel rail. This is a safety / emissions problem that hopefully does not lead into a fire. No warning lights are present. This started about 2 months ago
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2023
Strong smell of gasoline on a daily basis for 3 months. Took vehicle to mechanic's and was informed that the fuel lines were leaking. Was shown the cracked lines.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2023
MY VEHICLE (2016 C-CLASS 300) HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD AND IDLING. SEEMS LIKE IT'S COMMON PROBLEM IN W205 C300 CARS. TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS THERE IS A CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION: HTTPS://WWW.SAUDERSCHELKOPF.COM/INVESTIGATIONS/AUTOMOTI VE/MERCEDES-C300-AND-GLA250- FUEL -SMELL-CLASS-ACTIONINVESTIGATION/ YOU CAN SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME FUEL LINES;
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated he noticed an abnormal fume odor entering through the air vents of the vehicle. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle as having a fuel leak from the fuel pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2022
2016 MERCEDES BENZ C300. When I start the car , you smell gas inside and outside of the car. Also the fumes come the vent when the heat is turned on. I have approximately 69,700 miles on my car
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2022
There is a strong fuel smells in the interior of my vehicle during a cold start of the vehicle, this is a 2016 Mercedes Benz C300, i called the Mercedes Benz customer service at 800-367-6372 and i was told my vehicle didn't qualify for a free repair. Thank you. Manuel
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2022
Car smells like gasoline especially when the s/c or heater is in use.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2022
Car cabin continuously smells like gas after several repairs to the AC. AC was repaired because of mold issue a few months back, however, issues with the AC is always a problem with this car and model.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2022
Horrible fuel smell coming through Air conditioning vents on cold start up. This presents a safety hazard as there is an obvious fuel leak on a still late model vehicle with no safety recall in sight.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2022, crash
I was moving my car from one parking space to another space in front of my house. As I was pulling into the new space, I stopped to check the position of my car. As I lifted my foot off the brake, the car unexpectedly started to lurch forward. When I released the brake pedal, the car suddenly accelerated and proceeded to jump the curb and run into the front of my house. Luckily, no one was injured. There was some damage to the exterior of my house. I have reported this issue to the car manufacturer, Mercedes Benz. In response, they have opened a case to research it further.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 16, 2022
Gas smell while driving.Not reported
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2022
Fuel leak from fuel lines from high pressure fuel pump. This is a common problem for C300s from 2015 to 2019, especially in cold weather. Fumes in cabin and fire risk in engine compartment.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2022
My vehicle: (1) smells of gasoline through the vents. The smell of gasoline is SO STRONG that I have had to pull over and get out of the vehicle. My car has 104,000 miles on it. Not a lot of miles for a 2016. There are NO warning lights on indicating a problem with the vehicle. (2) The silver trim/coating that covers the window buttons and around the entire dashboard has bubbled overnight and is flaking off. It constantly cuts fingers and arms. (3) Approximately 5 months ago the headliner in the car started buckling.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2022
With cold weather most w205 Mercedes, and specifically the one I have which is a C300 2016 starts having a strong Gas smell when I start the car at cold, and with the cold weather, the smell is getting stronger. There is already a class action going on in a different state concerning that issue, and it is probably a major and safety concern issue in those cars as a hose is a leaking fuel whenever the weather is cold. I ried with the dealership and they said no recall or anything for that issue yet.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2021
2016 MB 300 C, AWD at 87000 miles started giving gas fuel smell when parked in our garage after driving. I took to a local Foreign Car Repair facility and they found a fuel leak at the fuel injector pump. The mechanic changed the Fuel Injector Pump (Bosch) at a total cost of $745.31. Since the change in the pump, the smell has stopped and I feel safe. Who is responsible to reimburse this cost to me?
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2021
A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE CAR, WE TRIED TO GET THE DEALER TO REPAIR IT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID, OVER FUELING WAS CAUSING IT, HOWEVER WITH THE TANK HALF FULL IT DOES STILL SMELL A LOT LIKE GAS, A STRONG ODOR YOU CAN SMELL IT OUTSIDE, THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY ON IT, AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED THEY CAME UP SAYING SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY FUEL SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BUT ITS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS BUT THEY WANT PEOPLE TO PAY FOR THIS, WE ARE AFRAID THIS COULD START A FIRE WHILE DRIVING, OR EVEN WORSE BURN MY HOUSE DOWN
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2021
TALK TO DEALER VEHICLE HAS FUEL LINE LEAK NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY JUST PURCHASED VEHICLE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF NOTICING THIS ISSUE AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED SAFETY ISSUES FUEL SMELL AND COULD CAUSE FIRE
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 5, 2021
THERE IS A RAW FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE CAR WHEN DRIVING. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A LAWSUIT AGAINST MERCEDES-BENZ FOR FAULTY FUEL LINES THAT THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPAIR. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE FUEL LINES AS COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE WHERE THE RUBBER HOSES ARE FAILING PREMATURELY. I HAVE A 2016 C300 WITH ONLY 37,100 MILES ON IT THAT IS KEPT UP ON AND THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT THE FUEL LINES ARE TYPICAL WEAR ITEMS AND THAT THE CPO WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND LEAKING FUEL INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AND FUEL LINES SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED ALREADY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2021
THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING. DEALER CHANGED THE 2 FUEL LINES AND CLAMPS. IT'S COMMON PROBLEM IN W205 C300 CARS. THE CAR WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS 29K MILES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THESE FUEL HOSES. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION: HTTPS://WWW.SAUDERSCHELKOPF.COM/INVESTIGATIONS/AUTOMOTIVE/MERCEDES-C300-AND-GLA250-FUEL-SMELL-CLASS-ACTION-INVESTIGATION/ YOU CAN SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME FUEL LINES; - HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/LQZZMGFDQ3O - HTTPS://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/C-CLASS-W205/737303-DEALER-SAYS-FUEL-SMELL-LEAK-W205-2015-C300-BASE.HTML
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2020
GAS SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS STARTED OFF EVERY NOW AND THEN AND BECAME MORE FREQUENT. PULLED IT IN THE GARAGE AND THE GAS FUMES MADE THE TOTAL GARAGE SMELL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS FUEL LINE, THAT SITS NEAR THE ENGINE. IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW. AFTER GOOGLING I SEE SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. THEY CANNOT TELL ME YET WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM, I AM WAITING TO HEAR THAT
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2020
THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS AN STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WHEN HE LIFTED THE HOOD AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A MERCEDES DEALER BECAUSE HE WAS NOT CERTIFIED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2020
I PURCHASED MY MB C300 USED CERTIFIED AND HAD NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL WITH MB AND NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED WITH. I HAVE NOW HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE SMELL AND THEY SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AND IT IS NOTHING THAT WILL CAUSE HARM.WELL IT IS NOW COLD OUTSIDE AND THE MORE I USE MY HEAT THE MORE THE SMELL COMES.I CAN LITERALLY SMELL GAS IN MY HOUSE FROM THE CAR JUST BEING (NOT ON OR RUNNING) IN MY ATTACHED GARAGE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A HEALTH ISSUE BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I MAY PASS OUT IF I STAY TOO LONG IN THE CAR WITH THE HEAT ON. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BESIDES BEING TOLD IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE. IF ITS WIDELY KNOWN WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON IT YET. I ALSO DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY WARRANTY /EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS