RoadVitals

2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
Latest Feb 9, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Oct 6, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43, most frequently naming the other / unspecified category. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 109 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Other / unspecified2100.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Oct 6, 2017
495,290 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
The risk: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2017110011View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 9, 2021

FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WENT FLAT AND SUSPECTED TIRE HAD A SMALL LEAK. DEALER INSPECTED AND INDICATED THE WHEEL WAS CRACKED, CAUSING THE LEAK. WHILE WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT, A VEHICLE INSPECTION INDICATED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS ALSO CRACKED, THOUGH NOT YET LEAKING AIR. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DEALER-SERVICED WITH OEM RUN-FLAT TIRES. DEALER INDICATED THAT THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD SEEN IT. I OPTED TO PURCHASE AFTERMARKET WHEELS AS REPLACEMENTS AS ORIGINALS WERE OBVIOUSLY FRAGILE, AND EXPENSIVE. DATE IS ESTIMATED AS IT'S NOT CERTAIN WHEN THE WHEEL CRACK ACTUALLY OCCURRED. DEALER SERVICE COMPLETED ON THAT DATE.

NHTSA ID
11395482
Incident
Dec 26, 2019
Mileage
55,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Feb 6, 2021

MY CAR ONLY HAS 33000 MILES ON IT. THE WHEELS HAS PIRELLI RFT, THAT COMES WITH THE CAR. BOTH THE ORIGINAL MERCEDES FRONT RIMS OF MY CAR CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY FAMILY. THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING AND LIFE THREATENING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MERCEDES WHEELS AND 100S OF CUSTOMERS ARE IMPACTED BY THE SAME ISSUE. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO MERCEDES AND MERCEDES DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. (HTTPS://MBWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/C450-C43-AMG/682223-CRACKED-WHEEL.HTML) (HTTPS://MERCEDESFORUM.COM/FORUM/GENERAL-TECH-5/MULTIPLE-FLAT-TIRES-CRACKED-RIMS-27633/). THESE WHEELS ARE ON HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS AND BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT SOMEONE MIGHT GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO NHTSA'S ATTENTION FEW TIMES. I WOULD REQUEST YOU TO KINDLY CONSIDER THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY AND INVESTIGATE IT. I WOULD ALSO REQUEST THAT MERCEDES WHEELS BE EXAMINED AGAINST THEIR QUALITY AND STRUCTURE SUPPORT . THIS IS REALLY SCARY AND PEOPLES LIFE DEPEND ON IT.

NHTSA ID
11394988
Incident
Jan 12, 2021
Mileage
35,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI40.10-P-059248

STRUCTURE:BODY; WHEELS

Complaint Crackling and cracking noise from the outer wheel on the front axle when cornering Cause The noise is generated by a micromovement on the contact surface between the rim and the brake disk (wheel bolt group) and may be intensified by potential soiling. The more lightweight rim (AMG forged rim) transmits the noise louder; in the case of cast rims, the noise is generally not perceptible. This is not a technical defect, but rather a complaint concerning comfort. Safe operation of the vehicle is ensured at all times. Remedy Important note: The operations described below do not represent a permanent remedy in every case. The noise may reoccur again after an indefinite period of time; sanding the rims with abrasive media multiple times is not permissible. Only cleaning using the Hazet tool 4960-160 (recommendation) can be performed without any concerns each time the wheel is changed or if the complaint reoccurs. Replacing the parts (rim, wheel bolts, wheel bearings, wheel hub, brake disk) is not expedient in the event of this complaint. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clean the components of the wheel bolt connection according to the WIS instructions Sand down the rim and brake disk bowl by performing the following steps: • Manually sand rim (old design only) in area of water drain bores (Figure 1; item A), approx. 1.5 cm left and right of water drain bore (Figure 2) Note: Use abrasive paper with grit size 80. The grooving in this area should no longer be visible (sand down approx. 0.1-0.2mm) • Also sand brake disk bowl using emery cloth or abrasive paper with a grain size of 120 • For vehicles equipped with the AMG ceramic brake system (B07), abrasive paper may not be used for cleaning on the brake disk side Note: Do not use any cleaning agent when cleaning on the rim side. Cleaning using abrasive paper with a grain size of 80 will suffice. Do not apply any grease, lubricant or paste after cleaning The brake disk bowl should be "bare metal" in the area of the imprints made by the hole (Figure 3)

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19

ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

LI00.20-P-080703

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the instrument cluster control unit (N133/1) and powertrain control unit (N127) logs are required before confirming the service or correction using XENTRY Diagnosis. Please open a TIPS case to BCE inbox with the requested information in the attachments.

LI82.85-P-080507

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"

LI82.85-P-080559

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. Cause Before deactivating the HERMES control unit (N112/9), it must be clarified by the legal department of the respective MPC whether and under what conditions deactivation may be carried out. If deactivation is not permissible under applicable law, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) must not be deactivated. Remedy Please inform the customer that, following deactivation, the vehicle will no longer be able to place an automatic emergency call, nor will the customer be able to place a manual emergency call. After deactivation, the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras will also no longer be available. Please have the attached sample form checked by your market's legal department, adapted to local requirements if necessary, and approved. Furthermore, after informing the customer about the effects of deactivation, please have the workshop complete and sign the approved form together with the customer, and send it to the MPC via a TIPS case for audit-compliant documentation. Furthermore, the workshop must affix a sticker to the emergency call button cover on the overhead control panel and to the emergency call button itself. After affixing, pictures of the overhead control panel need to be attached to the TIPS case for audit-proof documentation. After deactivation, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is in the "Out of Service" operating status, and the display "SOS NOT READY" appears in the Audio/COMAND system. This display message tells the customer that the emergency call function is not available. In detail, the following steps must be carried out 1. The workshop must inform the customer about the effects of deactivation (see above) 2. Legal review by the MPC Legal department to determine whether deactivation is permissible for the vehicle and provision of a market-specific customer form based on the examples (see "Example - Deactivation communication module HERMES customer declaration English V3.0.pdf") 3. Completion of the market-specific customer form by the workshop and obtaining the customer’s signature 4. Creation of a XSS ticket by the workshop for the MPC with the signed customer form attached 5. Written confirmation of legally reviewed and approved deactivation by the MPC in the TIPS case (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, point 1) 6. Creation of an XSS ticket for documentation of the SA code "09o" (zero nine oh) in the Vehicle Documentation System (see attachment How+to+request+adding+Code+09o+via+XSS+v2.pdf, steps 2–7) 7. Ordering of stickers (part number A9078172900), quantity: 2 8. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the cover of the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 9. Affixing of the sticker (part number A9078172900) to the emergency call button on the overhead control panel (see attachment HERMES-Deactivation_+pictures+of+sticker.png) 10. Taking photos of the applied stickers and attaching them to the TIPS case 11. After the XSS ticket has been successfully processed, the communication module must be deactivated using XENTRY: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis • Access the HERMES control unit (N112/9) • "Adaptation" tab, menu item "Teach-in processes" -> "Deactivation" • Follow the instructions

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024020
2023270
2022110
2021160
2020129049.8
20195120
20181311146.6
20172310150.6
2016Viewing210

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.