2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 253 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: engine
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2023
I purchased my 2017 C300 class Mercedes-Benz ("MB") in May 2021 from a used car dealership in Mobile, AL. At that time it had 36,000 miles. Less than 2 years later, on or about 12/15/22, as I was driving, the MB suddenly and without warning began to vibrate violently and immediately lost power. The car had @54,000 miles on it. I routinely drive interstate to and from work and had just gotten off of the interstate. I was lucky that I was driving at a low speed when this happened; otherwise, a serious accident could have resulted. I took it to the local MB dealership which told me that the car failed a compression test in the #1 cylinder and that the engine would have to be replaced. Subsequent research on the cause of this total engine failure with low mileage revealed that this engine has a chronic piston defect that damages the #1 cylinder, causing it to lose compression, and that MB has known about the defect for many years, an issued an internal bulletin about it. MB has not alerted the public nor instigated a recall. I was not informed by MB at any time that the C300 class engine had a chronic piston defect that would damage the #1 cylinder which would, in turn, cause the engine to lose power and the vehicle to vibrate and shake, creating a dangerous diving condition under all circumstances, but especially if the car was being driven at speed on a federal interstate highway. Despite demands by me and others, MB refuses to responsibly address the issue. The driving public is, and remains, clearly, in great risk of harm due to this defective engine and associated power train issues. It is patently unreasonable for MB to produce and market such a unsafe, dangerous and defective product that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to its customers and others when being used as it was intended. I understand that the NHTSA has opened an investigation on this defect and wish for my voice to be heard on it. Please contact me [XXX] for further details. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 4, 2023
Hey good morning. There’s been a been a system failure. P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. Warning message I got was the engine light showed
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
My car suddenly turned off at a stop sign. After I restarted it, it turned back on and my engine light turned on. I called the dealership and after inspection I was told that the valve for my crankcase was malfunctioning. The total cost, including both parts and labor are $1775. I have seen many complaints regarding this issue with the same vehicle. It is apparent that a recall should’ve been issued for this months ago. It is truly a safety issue when the car turns off at a stop sign or a ramp. I could’ve been hit while my car was stalling on a ramp exiting major highway. I implore you to rectify this issue immediately before someone gets hurt.
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
Crankcase ventilation valve failure.
Engine, Dec 12, 2022
Most M274 engines have P06DA00 fault code internally. Harness for oil pressure regulating solenoid valve is short/open inside the engine oil pan. It can cause excessive oil pressure and premature oil pump failure. As the broken wire is sunken in the engine oil, I worry if it can cause fire. If the oil pump fair during driving prematurely, engine can be stalled. Mercedes-Benz knew the issue but they decided to ignore it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 9, 2022
Crankcase Breather System: Vent Valve Fault code stored for block crankcase breather valve. The fault code is 052E71. A lot of Mercedes cars are reporting it online and no recall has been made. The labor to change this takes around 8-9 hours and the part costs 300. Company is doing nothing about it as a lot of W205 engines are having this issue
Engine, Oct 25, 2022
ode P052E : Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. This seems to be a common problem with the C300.It's not an easy fix. MB hasn't addressed this common issue. Also strong smell of gas coming into the cabin during start up. Took car to Keys Van Nuys Mercedes in North Hollywood and was no recall. We are inhaling these fumes and they blamed it on a hose that expands and fumes escape into the cabin. Wanted to charge for the repair but I refused.
Engine, Oct 10, 2022
Check engine light. Code: P052E, positive crankcase ventilation regulation performance.
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently and would not exceed 3 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact turned on the hazard lights. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle would not exceed 5 MPH and was making abnormal sounds. The contact veered to the side of the road for approximately 4 hours until there was no longer traffic on the roadway. The contact proceeded to drive at 5 MPH to her residence less than two miles away. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assisted with towing the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the piston rings had blown out and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that the failure was a known failure; however, she would be responsible of the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,650.
Power train, Engine, Sep 5, 2022
My car threw the check engine code P052E, the issue is the positive crankcase ventilation valve being faulty. Incredibly common on this model and now failed on my car too at 60K miles. All maintenance was done up to this point with the dealer and at or before recommended intervals.
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2022
My car leaked oil very fast while me & my wife were on a trip and it stopped on the highway and engine was stalling and misfiring due to a manufacture defect that is common with this model so it did put us in a very dangerous & risky situation. Now after i paid $1,740 the dealer is saying that my car needs a new engine due to cracked piston in cylinder 1 that damaged the engine which is a common problem with this model around the 50k miles.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2022
Diagnosis code P052E PCV regulator valve replacement/crankcase replacement. Dealership does not want to acknowledge code while car was under warranty despite proof that it existed when check engine was diagnosed. Now code keeps coming back with check engine light on dashboard. To replace part, the engine has to be taken down since the crankcase is inside the engine. This is a malfunction during assembly/manufacturing, it is impossible to damage part while under usage. Mercedes Benz should be held responsible for part replacement and labor. I urge you to investigate this matter with other clients and ask the manufacturer to replace part and pay for labor.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
Check engine light came on, took it to the dealership. It is the Crankcase Ventilation Valve that is once again broken. It helps to accurately depict emissions. It is a known problem that hundreds of other drivers are reporting on forums https://www.benzworld.org/threads/2015-c300-crankcase-ventilation-valve-replacement-p052e71.3047538/page-1 https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/739851-check-engine-code-p052e.html There needs to be a recall, this is a consumer protection and environmental safety issue.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
misfire cylinder 1 46300 miles on the engine.Mercedes dealer told me I need new engine and they are not providing warranty coverage.
Engine, May 12, 2022
P06DA00 CODE oil pump vale circuit open
Engine, May 12, 2022
CODE PO052E71 crankcase vent solenoid causing check engine light
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2022
At approximately 26,500 miles of use, the check engine light came on in my Mercedes Benz C300. I brought the vehicle to the dealership and they informed me that the diagnosis was a crankcase vent valve malfunction. The MB fault code is P52E71. After paying Mercedes to fix the issue, I found forums on the internet where many other MB owners reported the same issue at around the same mileage. Being that this seems to be a common malfunction with the C300, I believe that it should be considered as a recall issue. I don't know what could have happened if I didn't service the vehicle, but any engine issue is dangerous while a vehicle is in motion.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 23, 2022
When starting the car in the morning there is fuel smell that gets into the cabin. Additionally, as the car is idle during the drive, the smell of fuel is very obvious. Windows have to be rolled down to avoid the smell
Engine, Jun 8, 2021
Vehicle won’t start or hard to start
Power train, Engine, May 11, 2021
VEHICLE JERKS VERY VIOLENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING OR USING PADDLE SHIFTERS (IN MANUAL MODE). OTHER OWNERS SEEM TO ENCOUNTER SAME ISSUE
Engine, Mar 29, 2021
THIS CAR IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH ENOUGH PROTECTION FOR THE FRONT RADIATORS TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM DEBRIS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR 2017 AND UP VEHICLES. THE RADIATOR SEEMS TO BE VERY FRAGILE DUE TO THE DESIGN AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THE ISSUE, BUT CLAIMS ARE DENIED DUE TO BEING 'ROAD DEBRIS' BUT MERCEDES-BENZ FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE CLASSES OF THEIR CARS. MY CAR HAS 27K MILES AND IS JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THE RADIATOR IS LEAKING IN MULTIPLE PLACES.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 13, 2021
WHEN THE CAR IS IN THE A FEATURE, WHERE IT TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN NOT IN MOTION, IT GETS STUCK IN THAT MODE AS IF A MAGNET IS HOLDING IT IN THAT POSITION. IT WILL NOT MOVE, IT STALLS. I TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON AND SOMETIMES IT STILL WILL NOT MOVE, SOMETIMES, IT WILL NOT TURN BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ONCE, I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF MY MAILBOX TO PICK UP MAIL, AND ANOTHER OCCASION I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE, AND IT STOPPED, AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, I WOULD HATE TO BE IN TRAFFIC, RAILWAY CROSSING, IR STOP SIGN AND THIS OCCURRED. PEOPLES LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO THIS ISSUE. ONE LADY WAS HIT BY A TRAIN WHEN THIS SAME SITUATION OCCURRED AND LOST HER LIFE. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND OF MY GRANDKIDS WHOM I TRANSPORT IN THIS CAR. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE GEARS. SOMETIMES, I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT SITS THERE. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT WILL NOT MOVE. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP.
Engine, Aug 5, 2020
CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE AT IDLE THEN GRADUATED TO SHAKING AT ALL TIMES EVEN DURING ACCELERATION. ACCELERATION VERY SLOW, STUCK FEELING. BROUGHT TO MERCEDES AT 28K MILES. THEY STATED IT IS A CRACKED PISTON IN CYLINDER 1. THIS IS APPARENTLY A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE BUT THERE ARE NO RECALLS YET.
Engine, Aug 2, 2020
2017 MERCEDES C300 COUPE 49,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO THE SERVICE CENTER 10 TIMES FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS " VIBRATIING, JERKING, SHAKING AND TICKING" LAST VISIT AT HOEHN MERCEDES,. SERVICE TECH SAID THAT THESE ENGINES AUTOMATICALLY VIBRATE AND JERK AND THAT IS JUST THE NATURE OF THE BEAST?? WTHECK???!! HAVE ALREADY HAD PISTON 1 CRACK AND BREAK, MECHANIC NEVER FOUND THE BROKEN PIECE. CAR IS MUCH WORSE SINCE THAT REPAIR. HOEHNN MB TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE REPLACING THE ENGIBE BUT WHWN I PICKED UP THE VAN THEY SAID THEY DECIDED JUST TO REPLACE PISTON #1
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2020
PISTON 1 CRACKED AT 48,000 MILES. MB TOLD OWNER THAT THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED BUT WHEN FINDING OUT THAT THE WARRANTY WAS UP AT 50,000 THEY REPLACED THE PISTON INSTEAD. CAR IS STILL SHAKING AT IDLE AND ROUGH RIDE. ENGINE SHAKES AND JERKS.