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
316 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2023
The code P052E reads at only 49.000 miles....Mercedes wants $3000.00 to repait ir (replace PCV valve ). Car runs and drives normally....its probably a faulty sensor. I have seen a lot of posts with owners havins same issue.
Structure, Jul 11, 2023
Panoramic sunroof is closing right way. While when i drove air comes in .
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2023
The small plastic located inside the sliding panoramic sunroof explode and the Panasonic sunroof can be open/close or up/down normally but when I hit close it will stop where the broken pieces was and the roof will automatically move back to the fully open position Dealer said need the rail replaced -2057800175 -2057800275 Motor is broken, need to be replaced , he said after saying the roof can go forward and backward, up and down but can’t close completely. I was gullible to believe what the technician and sale guy said. Technically technician can check the voltage and say it for sure if it is broken. Also, a technician already knew that the sliding rail is damaged. He jumped to the conclusion that motor is broken because of sunburn. I have asked my nephew what he would do in this situation. He innocently said he would replace new sliding rails first and try to run if the “alleged motor “ is really broken. If it is broken, he can just switch to a new motor before testing to confirm it working. He wouldn’t decide to buy a new motor that cost $1,400 extra while the old one might be working properly. Anyway, labor with rails and “motor” cost $3500. Then later I learn I’m not alone. How many affected from this defective parts that Mercedes doesn’t sell it separately. Owner must buy 2 set of rails- a left set and a right set. Cost $1100 total. So since the number of affected are pretty high, a few factory in China and turkey decides to produce these little and sell it online for $15-92, glue and lubricants included. -number of owners struggling to find parts https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/734208-pano-roof-failure-2.html Parts that Mercedes cannot sell it separately so owners have to buy 2 sets left set and right set rails. “Try words like repair sunroof kit for Mercedes “ on eBay only a few couple thousand people buying it in 2022 alone. https://www.ebay.com/p/28019877104 Motor broken? https://c.xtime.com/tvyUiiMwuwoA2L8JXX#/completePage
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2023
I was just driving normally boom engine light comes on take it to the dealership and it come up as crank case vent line which they quoted me 2300$. I think this should be recalled I have seen so many people with the same issue I have actually had someone tell me this was the only major problems with the w205 c300 before this happened. I think it should be recalled because from what I’ve seen it happens to every single c300 just at different mileages. Hopefully this will get a recall because it seems to be a very common issue and should be covered by the dealer.
Engine, Jun 12, 2023
I have a problem that happened with a trouble code: P052E. It appears for now reason so the problem is in a faulty positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve. It costs a lot and not all the mechanics can do this type of work.
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2023
My car had a problem about starting so I went to see a dealership. They got the job done and charged me $320. I just realized that in the invoice they used recall campaign to cover my car. However, they charged me $320 for no reason. Also, I never got any letter regarding to recall. How did they used recall campaign on my car?? And I recently had a sunroof derailed and they used the campaign again but charge me $2700 for it. And of course my car isn’t in their recall list?? I never got a letter as well
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2023
Vent valve failed and needs repair. I could smell gasoline from my car weeks up to the check engine light going off. These leaking fumes are a hazard to the population and environment. This problem is quite common on Mercedes forums such as MBWorld. This car was diagnosed at an official Mercedes Benz dealership (New London, CT). The check engine light came on weeks after symptoms started to appear (on and off).
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2023
Engine misfire, rough idle, shake when come to red light stop, burnt smell inside cabin, loss of power
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2023
This auto has approximately 45,000 miles on it and was found to have a fuel leakage issue on a high pressure pump and a fuel hose. Gas smell was very bad and upon inspection, gas was leaking at the hose / pump connection directly onto the engine. I had the defect repaired for a total of $1288.57 and tried to submit the claim to Mercedes. I found out that this issue has been a problem for Mercedes and they have published an extended warranty rather than issue a recall. Mercedes has now declined the complaint and because this seems to be a major issue I wanted to press this with your agency. Please let me know if you would like any additional documentation regarding this matter. Thank you - [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 1, 2023
Check engine light P052E, PVC valve. Dealer wants $2,500 for this repair and people are complaining that around 30k-50k it does it. Thats ridiculous. My dealer said its a common issue but Mercedes is not issuing a recall.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2023
I was driving on the local freeway and the strip of glass between the windshield and the sunroof flew off and landed on the pavement behind me. Thankfully the car behind me was far enough away that it didn't hit it--but it could have if it had been. If that had happened I shudder to think what the result would have been. The risk is to those behind me--not to me. The only indication that there was a problem before the event was only a few seconds before the piece flew off when it started to become unattached and the noise from the wind catching it raised my concern. I took the car to Mercedes and had to pay $2300 to have the piece replaced.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2023
Fuel smell in cab of car. Strong smell. Took it to dealer and they said they were damp with fuel
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2023
I bought my 2016 merecedes Benz c 300 4 matic with an engine light on . I took it the dealership and is the positive crankshaft failed . The crankshaft could reduce power on car . At 73000 mile the crankshaft should have not failed .
Engine, May 6, 2023
The PCV Valve/crankcase has broken 3 times on this car with different repairs and parts. This is happening very commonly to these cars and may cause significant safety issues. The code is P052E
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.
Engine, May 3, 2023
my engine light came on. When I took the car to get diagnosticated message P052E showed.
Engine, Apr 1, 2023
PCV Valve causing contamination and shortening the life of the engine oil.
Engine, Mar 31, 2023
Check engine light keeps coming on and off.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Mar 25, 2023, crash
This car is currently stolen out of bishopville south Carolina.
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
Structure, Feb 21, 2023
Panoramic sunroof pillars/rails detaching while operating vehicle. 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. When operating the vehicle at a moderate speed, the sunroof continued to adjust itself on its own. Belive that there is a risk of the sunroof detaching from the stock plastic rails and that it may not be properly bonded. I do not feel comfortable usuing the Panoramic sunroof for fear of it detaching during driving conditions, putting other motorist and myself in danger.
Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2023
I bought the car with 51k miles . Engine failed at 71k miles , due to piston #1 cracking . Almost caused me to get rear ended on a busy street . I went to the dealership and they charged me $10250 to replace the engine with a remanned long block and they offered a 2 year warranty. 9 months, only 19k miles on “new motor” the “new” engine fails again … same reason piston # 1 cracked failed suddenly on the highway and I had to push the car to safety to the emergency lane while cars where coming.. I went back to dealer demanding a replacement and told them this is a common occurrence and they refused to help me . I called corporate. They refused to help me saying I would have to purchase an engine for the second time out of pocket when it only lasted 9 months. This is a big fault in the m274 engine … it’s also a safety hazard that can cause serious injury, fire , or even a deadly accident. I read that it’s a common issue with these engines.
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, Feb 14, 2023
I made 2 engine stalling complaints at the dealership in 2021/2022.. the dealership kept my vehicle for 2 days and said nothing was wrong. My vehicle recently in stalled in drive gear, I had to cut the car off & turn it back on
Engine, Feb 13, 2023
PO52E code showed was the code pulled on my 2016 Mercedes c 300 4 matic . My car had 73000 miles on when I bought it and that code was pulled when I bought it . At 73000 miles my car shouldn’t have this problem .