NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
My driver seat bottom has a rip in the seam . It is exposing the heat wires for the heated seats . I can’t use the heated seats because of the wire exposed .
So many Mercedes Benz owner have issues with the code p052e code postive crankcase ventilation regulator valve This should be a recall
I opened my panoramic sunroof it didn’t open all the way and slammed shut . It didn’t break but if it had there would have been injuries. This is a known problem with this years car . And it needs to corrected .
The complaint is about the sunroof which has an open recall with all warning signs and risks exactly identical to my make, year and model (2016 mercedes benz c300). More than 15,000 vehicles have been affected by this problem and the warning signs suddenly appear with the vehicle. Mercedes Benz after their investigation after several reports were filed, later found that the sunroof glass panels were installed without prior application of the primer (bonding agent) which was supposed to ensure the specified strength of the bonded joint. NHTSA received several complaints concerning this issue where the sunroof suddenly began shaking and rattling which began with the driver noticing excessive wind noises in the area of the sunroof while driving indicating that the panel might be partially separated from the vehicle. I began noticing this on Tuesday May 28th, 2024, when my sunroof tilted open on the left side and failed to open properly. Upon closing it, I began to drive, and the wind noise and excessive rattling was immediately noticeable. It sounded like the wind was forcing open my sunroof and was almost like the wind was about to pull it out. In fear, I slowed down to about 20mph, but it was still very noticeable. I got scared and immediately pulled to the side of the freeway and parked. Then I immediately looked up the issue on google and noticed that there was an open recall for the exact same issue, for my make, model and year. It was noted that the roofs if not fixed will eventually pull out and flyaway posing a safety risk to the driver and other motorists who may crash as they try to avoid the debris or if the panel hits them. Luckily, I pulled over quicky out of fear for it felt like my sunroof was literally about to pull off by the wind. Now I am unable to drive my vehicle because of fear for my safety. Please I would appreciate if this were resolved and for my vehicle to be recalled and fixed immediately as soon as possible. Thanks.
My car on has 80,000 miles and the camshaft position sprockets needs to be replaced. I went to a Mercedes dealer and this was the diagnostic. This causes the engine light to come on, hesitant engine, low acceleration while driving. The dealer said it will cost $8,000 to be replaced and still can go bad. There was a recall for this issue before. RecallCampaign2015100007
P052e positive crankcase ventilation valve. Check engine light triggered by this code.
The rear differential failed, causing both rear axles to be broken and the vehicle to lose all propulsion on a city road. A noise in the drivetrain under acceleration was first reported to a dealership in Nov 2023 about five months prior to the failure, but the report was dismissed as tire slippage and not addressed further. Then the failure occured in April 2024, and the vehicle was towed to a dealership and repaired out of warranty at great expense. There were no warning lights or symptoms immediately prior to the failure.
I am writing to formally report the premature failure and subsequent replacement of the electronic rack and pinion on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic sedan. This repair was performed at Sears Imported Autos on 4/19/2024, at a cost of $5,840.14. Invoice number at Sears Imported Autos is XXX. My vehicle, VIN [XXX] , had only 74,427 miles at the time of the failure. The failure of a critical steering component at such a low mileage is highly unusual and, I believe, directly attributable to a latent manufacturing defect. I have recently become aware of a prior recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 18V850000) concerning the electronic power steering rack on these EXACT vehicles. While I acknowledge that my vehicle VIN was not included in the official scope of the previous NHTSA recall, the nature and timing of my component's failure strongly mirror the documented issues of MY power steering failure. Mercedes-Benz USA Customer Care Center just informed me that my VIN does NOT qualify for the recall, but they did NOT say the failure on my car was a different part. The fact that the very same exact part failed so prematurely, a component that is expected to last for the lifetime of the vehicle under normal conditions, points to a systemic quality control issue beyond the scope of the original recall. The recall should be expanded to include my VIN and likely a few others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 submissions for recalls, that I’m not exactly sure of.
My brother was driving his car on the highway and out of no where the sunroof literally exploded causing the glass to shatter on him and the front panel to detach from the vehicle. Swinging and hanging on the side of the car causing dents, scratches, and chips making this a safety hazard. Thank god my brother was able to safely merge over to the emergency lane without causing any accidents my brother was shocked with glass raining down on him when this happened but he wasn’t injured glad no one was injured in this incident because anything could’ve happened. A lot of Mercedes have a recall for the sunroofs front panel which causes it to detach from the vehicle while driving which I believe is what happened here this can cause a significant safety risk because the person might get jump scared causing him/her to swerve into other cars beside them. My brothers year and model is on the same recall list but his vin number was not included on the recall. Which leads me to think this was a mistake on the manufacturer end. We spoke to Mercedes USA (Manufacturer) And a Mercedes dealership said they cannot help us out or do anything for us to help us fix the sunroof because his vin doesn’t have that recall I asked if there could be a possibility that the car has that recall but it’s just not listed under and the recall they said that could be a possibility but they won’t fix it unless it’s under the vin which just now leaves us to pay 6-7 thousand dollars out of pocket to fix the sunroof, dents, and scratches that were causes by the sunroofs front panel flying off the car. There was not any warning lights or symptoms of this happening and I know for a fact a rock did not hit because the sunroof was closed at the time that this happened and we would have felt and heard it. Our only option now is to file claim with NHTSA and wait to hear back. The vehicle is available to see upon request.
I need Positive Crankcase ventilation valve replace It's a common repair that comes up with these makes/models
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the message "Check Power Steering" was displayed, and the steering wheel became stiff and very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 96,000.
The panoramic sunroof is locked in an open position and will no longer close.
I was taking my son to work and I heard my sunroof open and close when the controls were not being touched . I’m afraid if it opens and it closes on its own that it could fly off my car and hit someone else’s car and possibly injure some one .
I received a warning that my left front headlight was not working. I took the car to my dealer to have the light replaced. I was told that because this is an LCG assembly the entire assembly unit needed to be replaced and the cost would be $3,500.
Panel between windshield and sunroof is peeling off loosing the clear coat even when the car is only 40.000 miles and is inside the garage
P0952 sensor part not available untill Dec 2024 I have documentation from my mechanic
There is a fuel leak in the engine area and as well.as.undermeath the vehicle and Mercedes only covers a extended warranty which is not fully fixing the issues gas is a dangerous thing and I would.wjy haven't there been a recall on this know.issue with these w205 Mercedes
Pcv valve has gone bad, and it seems like everyone i ask that is mercedes technician they all say these parts are terribly made and always break.
PCV Valve Malfunction, common in my model year.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is crucial for regulating the flow of gases in the engine's crankcase. If the PCV valve malfunctions or becomes clogged in a car like the 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4-matic, several problems can arise: 1. **Increased Pressure:** A malfunctioning PCV valve can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase. This increased pressure can lead to oil leaks, gasket failures, or even engine seals blowing out. 2. **Poor Engine Performance:** When the PCV valve fails, it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture in the engine, leading to rough idling, stalling, or decreased fuel efficiency. This can result in a loss of power and overall poor engine performance. 3. **Contamination:** A faulty PCV valve may not properly route harmful gases, like unburned fuel and moisture, out of the crankcase. This can lead to contamination of the engine oil, reducing its effectiveness in lubricating engine components and potentially causing premature wear and damage. 4. **Increased Emissions:** A malfunctioning PCV valve can result in increased emissions from the vehicle, as it may not properly recirculate harmful gases back into the combustion chamber for burning. Overall, a nonfunctional PCV valve can negatively impact both the car's performance and the environment, potentially leading to costly repairs and increased pollution. Additionally, prolonged exposure to increased emissions from the vehicle can be harmful to both the environment and the health of individuals. Therefore, it's essential to regularly inspect and maintain the PCV valve to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.
My 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 started giving off funky fumes last year in 2024, now the fumes have turned into the smell of gas in 2025. Everytime that I call the dealership on Rockside Rd./ Broadway, located in Bedford Ohio, they give me an excuse as to why it's not their responsibility to correct the issue. What can I do?
Electronic power steering failed. The electronic power steering on this vehicle has failed several times, making it almost impossible to steer. When this occurs, steering requires a tremendous amount of force and puts the vehicle and driver at enormous risk of an accident.
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve performance
M274 check engine light P052E71 Crankcase ventilation valve Topic: # LI 01.20-P-076794 crankcase ventilation cylinder head cover WIS-references document # AR01.20-P-9692MRU remove/install oil separator on crankcase.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300W. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the power steering warning light illuminated and the power steering seized. 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 unknown.
Error code PO52e crankcase ventilation
PCV valve
I took my car for service "B" at the dealership. They told me the rear subframe is rusting and there is a hole forming already. Apparently, this is a known problem that Mercedes Benz provided warranty extension up to 20 years with unlimited mileage. However, they stopped at 2015 models. Mine was bought from the same dealership in October 2015, but it is a 2016 model, but actually has the exact same problem earlier models have and they cover with their voluntary extended warranty. I am told to replace it, it will cost at least $4600. They are refusing to cover it under warranty because I my car is at around 60,000. The car did not even reach 100K and well maintained, but has rusted frame already that can be a serious safety hazard according to Mercedes Benz associate.
The sunroof locked open during a road trip. I am mechanically inclined, so adding lubricant and driving through a low pressure air front caused the sunroof to shut. Had I been in an emergency, not mechanically inclined, or if this happen during inclement weather or to a little old lady this would have been a severe issue causing the vehicle to become inoperable due to rain or snow entering the cabin and reducing visibility, and damaging the electronic components in the vehicle's cabin. This is also a safety hazard to the the drivers health in conditions of smog, extreme low temperature, animal attack or if there was an assault from a criminal with ill intentions.
While driving on the highway, I tried to open my panoramic sunroof, it made a grinding sound and was stuck in the open position with one corner for the sunroof slanted higher than the other. I was afraid that the sunroof would shatter or that the wind would blow off components. Afterward, the sunroof would not close even after I took it to the dealership. They informed me that they could not close the sunroof and my only option was to repair it for $4,000 or buy another car. After looking at the costs of replacement cars, I decided to pay for the repairs out of pocket. I found on multiple reddit and mercedes forums that this is a common issue in Mercedes C class vehicles made on and around 2016. My service advisor told me that he has so many customers from these panoramic sunroofs failing due to a cost cutting measure from Mercedes who decided to use plastic tracks instead of metal. He also informed me that they went back to metal a few years after my car was manufactured. This leads me to believe that Mercedes acknowledged the issue and is trying to hide it from NHTSA. Here is a link to a forum post that has a similar picture to how mine looked, notice that one side is stuck in a higher position. [XXX] Here is another post with others with similar issues [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train System - P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Indicates a fault in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve. I repaired my car for the same issue in 2019 January and it failed again in 2024 January. It costs $2000 to repair and it has a warranty of two. It failed after 3 years. Same issue is occurring in Mercedes C300 and GLC 300 and multiple times. But company isnt taking any responsibility to fix the issue or at least extend the warranty. 1. Incident 1 - Jan 2019, Miles 28k 2. Incident 2 - Jan 2024, Miles 61k
The panoramic sunroof gets stuck on passenger side, and came off the rail on the passenger side as i was driving on the freeway
Electric power steering lost power and failed while driving on drive way. The steering became very difficult to turn and the car became very hard to control if not impossible. If it had failed while on the road with other cars, especially while turning, the car could be in a crash with serious accident that could have injured me and others. The problem was reproduced by the dealer. The dealer examined the car and steering components and has confirmed that the electric power steering rack failed. There was a recall done (17V243000) some time ago, however, my VIN is not included in the recall. The problem that my car is having is exactly the same as is described in this recall, 17V243000. It seems that more cars are having this same issue.
My coils are faulty and needing to be replaced, but not part of the existing recall for C63s coils. On the message forums for C63s I’ve come across a lot of owners that are having issues not being part of the recall. Campaign No. 2017060008.
Check engine light P052E crankcase vent valve thousands of same model have this problem should be recall
While driving past, close proximity or even going 30-40mph on a local road or even 60-70 on a highway the break assist function will repeatedly beep, and most times it will stop my car for me. This occurs also, when there are no cars near me! It’s very sudden, and unpredictable. on more occasions than few, if i’m driving in the middle of a 3- lane road, and cars are stopping in the far right lane, or making a turn my break assist will malfunction and automatically break. Multiple occasions I feared that a car may rear-end me. It happens alot. Very scary. This has been occurring for more than 2 years.
Crankcase Ventilation Valve Emission Modification -Error P052E71 -Error P06DA00
Mercedes Benz Selma, Texas Dearlership refuses to service known issue with fuel system leaks on C300 because they cannot reproduce problem. Problem is that don't have the correct environment to test for this know problem. “There is a short rubber fuel line/hose in the engine compartment that is attached with compression clamps; the hose connects the fuel line from the gas tank to the high pressure fuel pump. When it gets cold outside (below ~40 degrees Fahrenheit) the clamps loosen a bit and the hose will leak gas. This is what you will smell in the cabin. Once it gets warmer outside or the engine bay warms up, the smell will tend to go away. No clue how they've gone all this time without a safety recall, but I did make a report to the NHTSB last month when it started happening to me.” The fix is to have the rubber line w/clamps replaced. If you still have warranty the dealer can take care of it. (Provided they are configured to test for this defect properly which they are not. Bottom line, fuel leaks in garages like mine with a gas water heater are a BIG issue. I alerted the dealership that they and MB would be liable if something were to happen since they refused to repair vehicle.
My Mercedes has a P052E check engine light code for its PCV value performance. I do see that many other drivers are having this issue and that repairs are around $2,000.
Pcv valve broke and it emits all sorts of poisonous gases to the cabin!
My panoramic sunroof has an extreme amount wind coming through it while driving 40 miles per hour . I can also hear my panoramic sunroof sliding back and forth . I’m terrified that that it will fly off while driving and cause a road hazard .
In the past few months while driving this car in the Washington DC metro area at normal road speed, the car has suddenly and unexpectedly lost driver power. Each time, I have pushed down on the gas pedal, and after some hesitation the car has moved forward, and then continued to operate normally. This has happened three times in the past 3-4 months.
My mercedes c300 Check engine light came on for P052e positive crankcase ventilation and after doing research, this sounds like a common problem for this car / model
I recently received a CEL code P052e positive crankcase ventilation valve. Common problem seen in multiple forums.
There is a gas smell pervasive in the driving compartment of the car. My mechanic identified a recall campaign for almost every other 2016 C 300 class vehicle. For some reason, my “platform quote number is not listed, but the problem is exactly the same as described in campaign description number. 21P2197456 released on December 17, 2021.
Engine light with code P052E
P052E - PCV Regulator Valve Performance: Actuator Stuck P06DA - Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open no sub type information My understanding is these are common issues and Mercedes and anyone who works on them know it is a common issue for all lines. I also have a broken sunroof that seems to be common on all lines. There are some recalls out for the sunroof but not for the C-Class C300, although all of the videos I have found match the same issues that were recalled on other models. The dealer confirmed these are known issues.
i have been noticing a hissing sound coming from the brake paddle for almost 3 weeks. upon some online research i found out it could be a brake booster and there was a recall for the same car brand due to issues with brake booster in past but not included year 2016. vehicle not inspected yet.
Positive Crankcase ventilation regularly Valve. This issue is in so many c300s and should be recalled for that reason.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026