RoadVitals

2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints 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.
70
Latest May 7, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
18%
of 379 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 70 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming fuel system

The 25 most recent of 70, in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel systemSteering
Filed May 7, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was driving my car was sputtering or trying to shut off while I press the gas and I let go of the gas and it catches and stayed on. I took it to the dealership and they said they found nothing wrong. May 3rd around 12pm im driving on the freeway and as im getting on the express lane going 60 it dies and I couldn't move the steering wheel and I slammed into a guardrail. After doing research my car (vin [XXX] ) had multiple recals from the fuel pump and steering wheel and the dealership never fixed or checked any recalls before selling it to me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11736219
Incident
May 3, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Dec 25, 2025

Fuel hose system leaking. Inhalation of gas fumes caused headaches and nausea. Risk of vehicle fire. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by a Mercedes dealer. This is a known issue with Mercedes C300 2015 models and other years. There have been other complaints/lawsuits against Mercedes not wanting to pay for the issue. No warnings just strong gas smell.

NHTSA ID
11707032
Incident
Nov 2, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jan 24, 2025

There seems to be a continuous gas smell in my car and I see some class action law suits for the same problem but dealership says there is no recall- synopsis of class action below February 26, 2021 — A Mercedes C300 fuel smell has led to a class action lawsuit that alleges 2015-2019 (W205) C-Class vehicles have defects that cause fuel leaks and odors. According to the Mercedes-Benz class action lawsuit, fuel can leak into the engine compartment from fuel line connections to the fuel pump at the rear of the engine compartment. Mercedes C300 and other C-Class vehicle occupants complain of strong fuel smells caused by the fuel leaks. Please assist

NHTSA ID
11638428
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Fuel system
Filed Jan 24, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID
11638347
Incident
Dec 1, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11607201
Incident
Jul 28, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed May 21, 2024

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11589816
Incident
May 13, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Apr 22, 2024

Very strong gas smell inside the car when started and heat or air is turned on. I have done research and it is a common issue with this car. This is a very serious issue that can cause an engine fire with the gas leaking in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ID
11584382
Incident
Mar 2, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Apr 10, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11582042
Incident
Apr 9, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 29, 2024

My 2015 Mercedes Benz vehicle is rarely driven as I took public transportation to work and has ~55000 miles. However, the engine has started throwing error code P052E verified by an independent dealer - crankcase ventilation valve failure. It means the engine could shut off amid driving and I did research and it seems like a very common issue that Mercedes Benz car owner encounter and feels like a severe car defect.

NHTSA ID
11568638
Incident
Sep 1, 2023
Fuel systemVisibility
Filed Jan 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11566872
Incident
Jan 19, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Dec 19, 2023

High pressure fuel line leaking, strong gas fumes smell in cabin

NHTSA ID
11560827
Incident
Dec 6, 2023
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 5, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11558631
Incident
Dec 5, 2023
Fuel systemInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed Oct 17, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11550450
Incident
Oct 17, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Oct 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after refueling, the contact smelled a gasoline odor throughout the interior of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the canister purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V138000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ID
11548209
Incident
Aug 28, 2023
Mileage
10,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 17, 2023

P052E PCV value problem Google search results show this is a very common problem, and despite being a component of the vehicle emissions system, Mercedes is refusing to repair under the emissions warranty.

NHTSA ID
11545073
Incident
Jul 8, 2020
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 25, 2023

Just got my car from the mechanic on 7/21/23 and it through an error code as I drove home. Towed back snd mechanic stated I need to replace the crank case vent valve assembly. Further stated that they keep in stock because it happens often. Error code P2188

NHTSA ID
11534426
Incident
Jul 21, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 26, 2023

Mercedes Benz via American Service Center in Arlington, VA regarding the service they performed on my 2015 C300 W4 4Door Sedan AWD the following issues have presented: ISSUE: 03MBZZWARN1 ENGINE LIGHT TECH: 901844 PROBLEM: ENGINE HARNESS, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, CRANKCASE VENT VALVE, AND O2 SENSOR BANK 1 CAUSE: FOUND OIL IN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND ENGINE HARNESS. OIL IS ENTERING THREW [SIC] THE CRANK CASE VENT VALVE. RECOMMEND REPLACING. Approximate miles at the time of this issue: 63,141. Cost of Repair: $8309.58 Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. Safety concerns: The vehicle is not able to pass an emissions test with the engine light engaged. Per America Service Center in Arlington, VA, which is the only service center that has serviced the vehicle during my ownership, they commented and documented that oil is entering through a vent valve. My additional concerns are: If an odorless fume is passing into the passenger cabin and the vehicle can not pass state emissions these are immediate concerns. The service center advices that I may continue to drive the vehicle. However, I am concerned should the oil fully empty without warning the vehicle may fail while in use on a dangerous roadway due to cause and effect of additional unknown maintenance related operational co-dependent mechanical components.

NHTSA ID
11524033
Incident
Apr 13, 2023
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 30, 2023

2015 C300 Crankcase Ventilation Valve Replacement P052E71 NEED TO BE REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. ONLY HAVE 37,000 MILES MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11514640
Incident
Mar 30, 2023
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 23, 2023

My son's car was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust and had a sweet burning smell and the check engine light came on. The crankcase vent valve is needing to be replaced on this 2015 C300 Mercedes Benz and many owners of this same type of car (different year) are posting about it. Owners of these types of cars are saying that replacement is happening more than once! That it's a common defect of these cars. My son has less than 100,000 miles (61,000 if that) and this shouldn't be happening. And, it's time someone does something to protect the consumer. Mercedes-Benz dealers are taking advantage of consumers and charging ridiculous prices to replace this part, but the part shouldn't be breaking. It's a safety factor in that it can affect driving, there's risk of blowing valves/valve cap and engines, including loss of the vehicle and nowadays no one can afford to buy a new car or even a used one! Consumers buy what they think is a reliable vehicle but Mercedes isn't taking care of their customers. Mercedes-Benz should be forced to do a recall and replace these faulty parts. Read other complaints here: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/2015-c300-crankcase-ventilation-valve-replacement-p052e71.3047538/page-2

NHTSA ID
11513522
Incident
Feb 20, 2023
Mileage
61,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 10, 2023

When start the engine, or idling, it smell gasoline in the cabin so bad.

NHTSA ID
11511283
Incident
Oct 20, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Feb 26, 2023

The car smell like gasoline inside, the gas hose connecting the high pressure gas line to the gas tank is licking due a bad connectors

NHTSA ID
11509173
Incident
Nov 28, 2019
EngineFuel system
Filed Feb 26, 2023

Check engine light came on and strong fuel smell. Crankcase ventilation malfunction code was verified by dealer.

NHTSA ID
11509160
Incident
Feb 15, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 17, 2023

When driving I accelerated and then the engine light turned on. after that the car was jolty and turned off completely when stopped. had to force a restart at the light. code that came back was p052E. This is a major and common issue with these cars. part is 400+ dollars. labor is much more since this is a 6 hour job. the work to replace this part is incredibly intensive that makes it impossible for regular car owners to change. Mercedes refuses to recognizes this as a common issue. but the truth is they designed a faulty system that they claim to have updated a handful of times now.

NHTSA ID
11507757
Incident
Feb 15, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jan 22, 2023

Strong Gas Smell when heater comes on. Could be hazardous due to breathing in Fuel Fumes

NHTSA ID
11503021
Incident
Jan 21, 2023
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 5, 2023

I have an emissions related Check Engine Light (P052E71) relating to the Evaporative/Crankcase ventilation system. I think this should be a Recalled/Warrantee item on the 10 year/100,000 miles federally mandated guarantee. Please advise...

NHTSA ID
11500356
Incident
Dec 21, 2022

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.

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