NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Rear subframe cracked while driving and rear of car sways from one lane to the next when brakes are applied. Car is not safe
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63S AMG. The contact stated while driving at 30MPH in a School Zone, pieces of the panoramic sunroof detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the panoramic rails of the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,500.
Due to the type of fuel line and clamps used to fasten them, cold weather has caused them to shrink such that gas leaks, which comes through the car vents into the car cab and now into my [XXX] and [XXX] kids's lungs. Mercedes has issued a 10 year warranty on this specific feature, but it should be a safety recall unless we agree that inhaling gas vapors is okay for your health. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Check engine light came on, it has to be with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve. So I found out that other people are experiencing the same thing. So I know that there is a recall by the manufacturer. And I want to do the same for me.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed by the dealer that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
P052e positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve. 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 turbo 4matic
I had the sunroof opened and it almost blew off, if I didn’t pull over it would have. I took it to the shop and was told it is a manufacturers issue.
Crankcase Ventilation Valve Problem code P052E71
My car (vin [XXX] ) a 2015 Mercedes C300 is experiencing the same premature rusting on the subframe. I was told that while a lot of Mercedes are covered, mine is not for some reason but I'm at the same risk for the subframe getting holes in it and wheels breaking off. I only have 78,000 miles on my car, only have it serviced at the dealer and it has been garaged parked. This type of damage is not typical for a car that has been this well cared for and for the amount it has been driven. I called Mercedes to honor the $5600 or to extend the warranty should it have to be replaced and they said to file a claim here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The defect is a rusted rear subframe with large holes that will break and cause wheels to become detached and lost control of the vehicle. The issue was identified and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealership. Additionally, an authorized Mercedes mechanic provided video of my vehicle showing a rusted rear subframe with huge holes on both sides of the vehicle. He also stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Mercedes has issued an extended warranty on this same exact issue but only to certain VINs.
The rear subframe is rusted through. It is a known manufacturing defect where water sits and rusts through the subframe. This was a recall on various Mercedes up through 2014. Multiple 2015 models have the same issue, including my Mercedes 2015 C300 4MATIC. I have a 2009 SLK with the same issue, which Mercedes previously fixed and acknowledged the manufacturing defect. The part number under the recall through 2014 is "212 250 3805" My 2015 car has part number "212 350 3605" that is not covered but still has rust issues. See attached picture The subframe can result in the back wheels falling off. My subframe is severely rusted through and a risk as a driver. A certified Mercedes dealer has inspected this issue and confirmed the safety but Mercedes will not cover the repairs for the known defect. There are no warning lights or indicators to this issue.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the front roof panel separated and flew off. The contact drove back and was able to pick the front roof panel off the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front roof panel needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000(Structure) was previously performed on the vehicle, and the additional related repair would be at the contact's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
I believe my car was missed on the panoramic roof issue. I have been hearing a lot of wind and road noise coming into my car from the roof and now my roof is having issues completely closing. A few guys with c300 I know were recalled for the same issue and they had theirs repaired from the dealer under recall and after a few trips to different dealers they told me to try and add it here through the website.
Purchased vehicle in march 2024 it went thru emission inspection in 2022 after failing it passed second time . I go for inspection and it fails emission test again just passed two years later. After doing my research Positive Crankcase Ventilation System seems to be a very common problem. It also cost 2000 to fix. Appreciate you time thank you
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light, the STOP/START system activated; however, after releasing the brake pedal and attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel illuminated simultaneously with several unknown warning lights. The vehicle then powered off completely. The contact manually restarted the vehicle and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact turned off the Automatic STOP/START system. The failure occurred two additional times. The failure had not recurred with the Automatic STOP/START system deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.
Known issue with panoramic sunroof on 2015 Mercedes C300 sunroof. Having to be replaced on “many” vehicles costing over $2500.00 for repair. Sunroof gets stuck and will not close.
SUNROOF SLIDE AND SHOE REPAIR. SLIDES HAVE MELTED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERTURES OWNER OPERATIOR DID NOT CAUSE ISSUE. Opened sunroof and sunroof would not closed. Discovered melted slides inside to sunroof tracks. It was a Rainy day and could not get sunroof to closed. Would have interfered with the visibility to drive due to water getting inside vehicle. Cost to repair is extremely high for this repair and when contacting repair shops they are seeing a large number of Mercedes with the same problem.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while washing the vehicle, he observed that the roof panel had become detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crankcase ventilation valve. PCV valve has failed causing check engine light. Very common issue on this model according to my research. The dealer does not have this product in stock to facilitate a repair and no support to find the part. Very difficult when trying to pass an emissions test and this is the last thing holding that back.
Unknown
My car is a 2015 Mercedes Benz, I bought it at the agency in 2022. When I tested the vehicle at the agency, I noticed the steering was a little hard. I asked the sales person and he told me it was normal. Then, after 1 year and 5 months, it was on its way. I went to work and the steering wheel jammed and it wouldn't cross and the car turned off then it didn't want to start and it said the following on the dashboard power stering see operator manual
I got my oil changed last week and not my car has the check engine light on and is throwing the code p025e. From what I’ve read this is common problem in these cars. It’s an environmental hazard, because when this happens the car is not dispelling the fumes as it should and cannot be ventilated correctly.
I got an oil change since it was due then “P052E” It’s a very common issues with the engine first time it’s happened at 66K miles.
Check engine light on with PO52E error
Code P052E
Crank case vent valve assembly
PCV VALVE FAILURE PO52E ERROR
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the panoramic plastic piece suddenly detached from the vehicle. The location where the piece was attached was fractured allowing wind and water to leak inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Pcv valve malfunction causing the 0sensor to short. It’s also spitting oil into my CAT.. Mercedes has the part on back order and no one can seem to get it but everyone is having the same issue.
My wife and I were driving our 2015 C-Class Mercedes on a highway, traveling at roughly 55MPH on 2/25/24, at approximately 2pm, conditions were sunny but windy, when suddenly we heard a loud noise above our heads. The noise sounded like it came from around our sunroof, and it sounded as if maybe the car had been hit by a piece of debris, although neither of us saw anything. We looked in our mirrors but didn't see anything, and I also tried opening and closing the sunroof and it worked fine. I also looked in my rear view mirror and didn't see any cars behind me swerve, or in any way adjust their driving. Because there was no safe shoulder on that part of the road, we continued a mile or so further up the road and then pulled over to see if we could visibly see anything wrong with the car. To our disbelief, a section of the body of the car that is just above the front windshield and just before the sunroof, a piece I believe called the "front stationary sunroof panel" , was completely missing! We were unsuccessful at finding the piece. After some research in recent days, I believe this issue is related to MB recall campaign #2021070010, 22V-954 / 2023010004/5/6. If this is however related to the recall, the Mercedes dealership we took our car to on 3/1/24 told us it would cost us over $2,000.00 to repair. As I thought about a piece of the car simply flying off while driving, I realized how much of a safety hazard this could pose to others, hence this written report.
My car has been identified as having the subframe corrosion issue and is on the list by date and model, but Mercedes Benz will not honor the warranty because my car's VIN is not on their list.
My car failed PA State inspection due to a hole and rusted rear subframe. I have determined that there is a recall associated with this issue but that my vehicle just missed the recall limit. The recall affected 2008-2015 models (C Class with chassis 204). My vehicle is a 2015 C Class with chassis 205. It is evident that my vehicle has the same structural/construction defects as the previous years and should have been included in this recall. I have provided photographic evidence (attached/uploaded below). This is a very expensive repair that I should not have to pay for. Please review and consider having this included in the recall process so that I can be reimbursed for this costly repair as it is the result of a faulty construction process. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve failing and code P052E comes up. Mercedes Benz said this is a problem with all 2015 c300 and should be recalled
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for routine maintenance and was informed that the rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
DURING SAFETY INSPECTION ON [XXX] SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO HAVE A HOLE WHICH FAILED THE INSPECTION. I PAID $4300 TO HAVE IT FIXED ON [XXX]. THIS I LEARNT LATER IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN FATAL ACCIDENTS- A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT EXISTS IN EUROPE AND IN US AS WELL. THIS PART IS SUPPOSED TO LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. DEGRADED PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR MAY WELL BE IMPACTING OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR NOW - I HAVE A CRACKED WINDSHIELD PERHAPS BECAUSE OF FRAME ISSUES? MERCEDES NEEDS TO MAKE SURE PARTS USED DONT ENDANGER DRIVERS LIVES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have a fuel smell in the cabin of my car which started about 3 weeks ago. I have drove the car a couple of times and it was pretty bad, also my sunroof almost blew off the car while driving to dry the car after removing the salt from the streets after the snow. I have since parked it in the garage to avoid any further damage. I will submit pictures so you can see the sunroof.
Was driving on the highway , car was running for about 7-10 min from the start , and when took off from exit , car started to shake and when pulled off to the side of the road , the car won’t start anymore , dealership said that engine failed ,
I have a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic got a letter from the company car had few recalls to address. Dropped the at Mercedes-Benz Hampton VA dealership on 12/06/2023 at 8:30 AM EST. After few hours got a call from the dealership that rear subframe of the has bad corrosion and because of the rust it got holes in it which is a bad safety risk. Risk is so great that it cant pass Virginia state inspection. I did a good online research and found it is a common issue in Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the company issued safety recall on some years and models but not on all the affected vehicles. Like my car has the exact same safety issue rear subframe got rust from inside so it was hard to notice till it became unsafe to drive the car. The dealer is asking almost $5000.00 to replace it. The Mercedes-Benz customer support center is unable to explain why some cars are covered with extended warranty offered by the factory and some doesn't for exact same issue. There are bunch of more people with same complaint but they don't know where to go.
High pressure fuel line leaking, strong gas fumes smell in cabin
Emissions Failure P052E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. Vehicle has been inspected. Warning lamp appeared for my engine recently. Cause by faulty plastic valves that requires a significant costly repair - around $3,000 USD
My car is registering code P052E71. The diagnosis says the valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. The actuator is blocked. This is a common problem for this car with research. Some people have had to replace this part multiple times for their Mercedes which is a part that shouldn't fail. Nothing has been done such as a recall on this vehicle. The part and labor to repair this issue costs $1000+ dollars. Something should be done to help consumers. I'm doing my part to report this hoping something will be done.
Known/ common issue with the positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve on my 2015 c300.
I keep getting the P052E PCV replacement valve issue. I see online that this has impacted multiple Mercedes C class but no recalls have been issued for this.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering) and the contact was referred to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Check engine light- code read Valve For Crankcase Ventilation Has A Malfunction. After googling this, it appears that many Mercedes owners are having this issue and comes back again after repair. This should be recalled by Mercedes.
Crankcase breather faulty
1. A faint smell of fuel, occasionally, external of vehicle. 2. The headlights has a water fog mist inside of headlight lens. 3. The seats and car interior cracks easily. (Seats, arm rest and dashboard) etc.
The rear subframe rusted and needed complete replacement. The service department would not pass the car for inspection without replacement. My brother, who also has a Mercedes C300 model but from the prior year, reported that he had the exact same issue. However, Mercedes issued an extended warranty on his model. In researching this issue, I have discovered that this rusted subframe issue is prevalent in C300 models in all years, not just the model years before mine. I compared the service notes from my invoice with my brother's invoice. It is the exact same issue. I contacted both the Mercedes dealership and Mercedes corporate about this issue, seeking resolution. I provided them with all the documentation. Their answer is simply that my VIN does not qualify under their extended warranty and refused to look into it further, despite my pointing out that it is the exact same problem.
Front drive shaft on 2015 Mercedes Benz C-300 severed from u-joint(s) on highway, causing catastrophic failure of components and significant damage to front exhaust, catalytic converter, and heat shields. Damaged observed on transmission and/or engine block. The approximate cost to repair was $6,500.00 in parts and labor. Failure of subject component(s) resulted in loss of some control and acceleration. Prior to failure, observed increasing vibration from center of vehicle while exceeding 65 mph but no more than 80 on highway. Audible clunking noise when shifting from "park" or "neutral" to "drive." No warning lamps and/or messages regarding failed component(s). Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, and/or insurance representatives. Dealer provided inspection and findings.
P052E. Positive crankcase ventilator valve replacement.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026