2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 Complaints

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)

Vehicle developed OBD-II code P052E related to crankcase ventilation/PCV system malfunction. Issue causes improper crankcase pressure, rough idle, oil vapor smells, and check engine light. Independent research shows this is a common failure on 2015–2017 Mercedes C300 models. Repair requires replacement of crankcase vent/PCV assembly. This appears to be a premature emissions system failure.

An independent service center diagnosed my car as having a fuel leak stemming from the fuel rail and fuel injectors. This is a fire hazard due to a gas leak. There is a gas smell in the interior cabin that I noticed approximately one month ago. I believe this pertains to NHTSA ID #21V961, and I would like NHTSA to consider including my VIN in this recall.

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?

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT appeared on dash at approximately 72k miles. Had code read and diagnosed by certified mechanic and he had an active code P06DA00(this code signifies an electrical fault, open circuit, or high resistance in the circuit for the oil pump control valve on vehicles with two stage oil pump, which can lead to incorrect oil pressure, which can cause engine damage if not addressed). Vehicle was taken to Harriman Mercedes in New York. They did not acknowledge an active code but wanted to diagnose and repair a stored code for a small evap leak, which was rectified with a new gas cap. After prying about the P06DA00 code, they finally admitted it did have a stored code but to ignore it because it had something to do with domestic and foreign car engine computers issues. How do you ignore an active code with a potentially serious engine issue and told to ignore it. I know for a fact that this is a common problem with these 2.0L engines in these cars for many years.

IT'S RIDICULOUS I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF NOVI, MI) YESTERDAY 2016 MERCEDES C300 4MATIC FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON LOW PRESSURE FUEL HOSE AS THE CAR CABIN SMELLS LIKE GAS FUMES TO THE POINT WHERE IT GOT ME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AND THREW ME IN BED FOR A DAY. WHEN I ARRIVED THERE I WAS TOLD YEAH THIS IS COMMON ON THESE CARS AND WARRANTY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. GOT A CALL LATER SAYING IT WILL NOT BE COVERED AS THE 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY SURPASSED MY CAR AS MY CAR PRODUCTION DATE IS 09/15, I WAS LIKE PLEASE ITS ONLY A COUPLE MONTH AFTER AND ITS A FIRE HAZARDOUS AND HEALTH MATTER THEY WERE LIKE NO, NOW MY CAR IS THERE AND I HAVE TO PAY THEM $850 TO CHANGE AN ISSUE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN CARE FROM THE BEGINNING FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that there was a gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle on several occasions, while driving at various speeds and while parked. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated, the fuel consumption increased, with the fuel gauge lowered more quickly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who saw gasoline pooling near the fuel injector, and the coils were leaking between the fuel injector and the fuel rail, and the fuel rail or possibly the injector seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the vehicle should be included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the fuel hose downstream of the fuel pump was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the energy saver START/STOP feature engaged, but the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the START/STOP function failed to operate as designed. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V114000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Upon purchasing my 2016 C300, I starting experiencing a right pull whenever I press on the brakes. I was very concerned as I use this vehicle to assist with dropping and pick up of my 2 grandchildren. The more I drove the car, the more unsafe especially when I attempt to bring my car to a stop. I took the car to a local mechanic and I was advice to take it to a Mercedes dealership. The mechanic also advice that it was an issue with the REAR SUB FRAME. A week later I took the car in to Mercedes as suggested and a day later I received a call and video from Mercedes that the subframe was broken and that is why I am getting that hard pull whenever I brake. Mercedes also stated that the control arm bracket is barely on and it is causing the vehicle to flex.