CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has 13 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 291 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 5 fires, 8 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (94 reports).
2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 recalls
Front Roof Panel May Detach, Creating Crash Risk
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.
Fuel leak could cause engine fire
Particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and the fuel injectors during manufacturing, which can cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
Front roof panel may detach while driving, creating a crash hazard
The front roof panel, located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof, may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a previous repair.
Crash Alert May Send Responders to Wrong Location
Certain 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a software problem in the communication module that runs the automatic crash notification (eCall) system.
Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location
A software fault in the emergency call system (eCall) can cause the date and time recorded for the system to differ from the actual date and time.
Steering May Lock in One Position, Raising Crash Risk
A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, which could cause the steering to become stuck in one position.
Driver Airbag May Deploy Unexpectedly, Raising Injury Risk
The driver's front airbag may deploy without warning because the steering components may not be properly grounded.
Steering Assist Can Cut Out, Raising Crash Risk
Some 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicles may have electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor that were not properly welded.
Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash
Some control units in these Mercedes-Benz vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software.
Starter Can Overheat and Melt, Creating a Fire Risk
A starter current limiter can overheat if the engine or transmission fails to turn over and the starter motor repeatedly tries to start the vehicle.
Stability Control May Activate Unexpectedly, Parking Brake May Fail
Certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 and GLC300 vehicles built between February 8 and May 18, 2016 may have an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that was damaged before it was installed.
Steering assist may shut off, raising crash risk
Certain 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic vehicles built between November 4, 2015 and March 1, 2016 have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down because of a software error.
Sunroof Glass Can Detach While Driving
Some panoramic sunroofs may not be properly bonded to the vehicle, so the glass panel can come loose and fall off while the car is being driven.
Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 problems
Problem areas named in the 291 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 94 |
| Unknown Or Other | 65 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 58 |
| Electrical System | 32 |
| Structure | 28 |
| Power Train | 18 |
| Steering | 13 |
| Visibility | 12 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 9 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 |
What owners report
Hi, in the Fall of 2025 my 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic, started giving off smelly fumes while my car was idling/ warming up. I registered a complaint with the Corporate Mercedes Benz Office USA, LLC in April 2026 @ 800-367-6372, after the dealership would not correct the issue free of charge. 1. Hose Clamp Replacement problems. 2. The raw fuel leakage produces strong gasoline odors inside the cabin- via the air filter, risk of car stalling and the smell could be leathal. 3. The problem was confirmed in a lawsuit. 4. The dealership would not repair the issue. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dash board, the only essential issue were the smells, fumes, odors and lawsuit.
Vehicle: 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, VIN [XXX], approximately 52014 miles. Purchased Certified Pre-Owned in 2017. All maintenance performed at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. On XXX, during a routine B-Service at Mercedes-Benz of Easton ([XXX]), the technician found that the rear subframe (rear axle carrier) was rusted and perforated. The corroded area is located directly above the rear control arm. The technician stated on a recorded inspection video that the corrosion would continue to spread around that area until the control arm disconnects, and described it as a safety hazard. He recommended replacement of the part. Photos and video (technician shared video link - [XXX]) were taken d
Rear sub frame has rusted through and according to repair shop cannot be safely driven until repaired. Mercedes has granted extended warranty for sub frame rust through for the C300 up to model year 2015 so this is a known problem. My car is a 2016 and Mercedes will not offer the extended warranty.
Failed state safety inspection due to a severely corroded and rotted rear subframe, creating an immediate driving hazard.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while performing maintenance on the vehicle with the dealer, it was discovered that the rear subframe was severely rusted and perforated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: MC-10232321-0001; extended warranty, but vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,616.
2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 questions
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300: Front Roof Panel May Detach, Creating Crash Risk; Fuel leak could cause engine fire; Front roof panel may detach while driving, creating a crash hazard; Crash Alert May Send Responders to Wrong Location; Emergency call system may send wrong date, time, or location. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300?
Based on 291 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (94), Unknown Or Other (65), Fuel/Propulsion System (58).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.