RoadVitals

2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Electrical Problems

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

Data refreshed

Electrical 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.
32
Latest Apr 27, 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.
11%
of 285 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.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 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 electrical

The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 27, 2026

I’ve been driving my car since September when it was purchased I just got it from dealership 4/9/26 spent over $1100 and have been working like regular full time schedule, I wake up today 4/27/26 trying to work and car is stalling. Not sure what’s going on with these mechanics and technicians. I pay to dollar to ensure my family safety on the road here I am stuck without support due to my circumstances. Also, my car just idles the shuts off doesn’t turn mall the way on, magically a check engine light flashed then car just immediately stalled and won’t turn back over all the way.

NHTSA ID
11733961
Incident
Apr 27, 2026
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 24, 2026

My C300 MBZ, 2016 is experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in a recall, but my vehicle is not included in that recall. Camshaft: GENERAL REPAIR A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. Cams act as a vital component to your automobile's engine. A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part. Camshafts provide power to the cams which are vital for basic engine operation. The cost of fixing this approximately $10,000 per Mercerdes dealer and estimate from Keyes Mercerdes. The Brief: Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for some model cars tied to a faulty drive shaft.T he problem not only can cause vehicles to lose power but may elevate crash risk, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Owners of the affected vehicles can take them to their local dealership to receive free repairs, however per MBZ corporate 2016 C300 not included? Mercedes-Benz is recalling 24,092 cars connected to a drive shaft universal joint that may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

NHTSA ID
11733625
Incident
Feb 5, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11675352
Incident
Jul 15, 2025
Mileage
56,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 22, 2025

While driving, my vehicle suddenly shut down in the middle of traffic without any prior warning. I was left stranded in the hot sun, fearing for my safety and praying that I wouldn’t be rear-ended. The incident was not only terrifying but also unacceptable for a vehicle of this caliber. I contact Mercedes customer service. I spoke to a representative name Stephanie. She called the Mercedes dealership service department in Columbus, Ga and received confirmation that my car did shut completely down on me without warning. Stephanie stated she will notate the incident. I told her there should be more than just a notation because this put me in grave danger, not only was my life in jeopardy this is a serious potential threat to others.

NHTSA ID
11662614
Incident
May 19, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed May 10, 2025

When I was driving down the road my car got a message on the dash that said power steering malfunction see owners manual. My steering wheel got locked up and tight it was hard to keep control of my car at 60 miles per hour. When I took it to the repair shop, I asked about the repair and if my Vin had a recall and when I looked up the production date of my car it's 2 numbers off the Vin numbers that were recalled for your. same issue with hat happened in 2016 when my car was produced in 2015, it says the same thing. It will cost like 5k to fix the problem due to the fact that its a sensor, and when I looked up the recall it was the same sensor that the recall was on with my Vin only being 2 numbers off I find it odd that my car is not affected by this bc its the same problem of the recall the part of that controls the power steering in the car

NHTSA ID
11660099
Incident
May 7, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 22, 2025

Check Engine Light on, I read the code is P052E, after read some information in internet there is positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve needs to be replaced. My car is 52000 miles and it seems like happenned to people even with less miles on the cars

NHTSA ID
11649919
Incident
Mar 22, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 16, 2024

Crankcase Ventilation Valve Emission Modification -Error P052E71 -Error P06DA00

NHTSA ID
11572383
Incident
Dec 12, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 22, 2023

Had an oil change at a Mercedes dealership after driving for a couple hours. Check engine was on for a code P052E, being crankcase ventilation system. Had the car diagnosed, cost to repair 1,600 dollars. Went through with repair, the code pop up again (P052E). Having to bring vehicle constantly to Mercedes dealerships.

NHTSA ID
11546064
Incident
Jun 9, 2023
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 9, 2023
1 injury reported

The small plastic located inside the sliding panoramic sunroof explode and the Panasonic sunroof can be open/close or up/down normally but when I hit close it will stop where the broken pieces was and the roof will automatically move back to the fully open position Dealer said need the rail replaced -2057800175 -2057800275 Motor is broken, need to be replaced , he said after saying the roof can go forward and backward, up and down but can’t close completely. I was gullible to believe what the technician and sale guy said. Technically technician can check the voltage and say it for sure if it is broken. Also, a technician already knew that the sliding rail is damaged. He jumped to the conclusion that motor is broken because of sunburn. I have asked my nephew what he would do in this situation. He innocently said he would replace new sliding rails first and try to run if the “alleged motor “ is really broken. If it is broken, he can just switch to a new motor before testing to confirm it working. He wouldn’t decide to buy a new motor that cost $1,400 extra while the old one might be working properly. Anyway, labor with rails and “motor” cost $3500. Then later I learn I’m not alone. How many affected from this defective parts that Mercedes doesn’t sell it separately. Owner must buy 2 set of rails- a left set and a right set. Cost $1100 total. So since the number of affected are pretty high, a few factory in China and turkey decides to produce these little and sell it online for $15-92, glue and lubricants included. -number of owners struggling to find parts https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/734208-pano-roof-failure-2.html Parts that Mercedes cannot sell it separately so owners have to buy 2 sets left set and right set rails. “Try words like repair sunroof kit for Mercedes “ on eBay only a few couple thousand people buying it in 2022 alone. https://www.ebay.com/p/28019877104 Motor broken? https://c.xtime.com/tvyUiiMwuwoA2L8JXX#/completePage

NHTSA ID
11531128
Incident
Feb 14, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jun 10, 2023

My car had a problem about starting so I went to see a dealership. They got the job done and charged me $320. I just realized that in the invoice they used recall campaign to cover my car. However, they charged me $320 for no reason. Also, I never got any letter regarding to recall. How did they used recall campaign on my car?? And I recently had a sunroof derailed and they used the campaign again but charge me $2700 for it. And of course my car isn’t in their recall list?? I never got a letter as well

NHTSA ID
11526403
Incident
Jun 10, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 9, 2023

Engine misfire, rough idle, shake when come to red light stop, burnt smell inside cabin, loss of power

NHTSA ID
11526152
Incident
Jun 9, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 16, 2023

Check engine light appeared this morning, had the code scanned and found it to be P052E. This code is in reference to the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, which is responsible for routing excessive crankcase gases. After extensive research online, it would seem this is a known issue for Mercedes once they reach 50,000 miles, right outside of warranty. This is a very costly fix due to it being labor intensive. This should be a recall as it is a known mechanical issue, and even the dealers echo the same.

NHTSA ID
11507685
Incident
Feb 16, 2023
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 22, 2022
Crash reported

I was moving my car from one parking space to another space in front of my house. As I was pulling into the new space, I stopped to check the position of my car. As I lifted my foot off the brake, the car unexpectedly started to lurch forward. When I released the brake pedal, the car suddenly accelerated and proceeded to jump the curb and run into the front of my house. Luckily, no one was injured. There was some damage to the exterior of my house. I have reported this issue to the car manufacturer, Mercedes Benz. In response, they have opened a case to research it further.

NHTSA ID
11475320
Incident
Jun 19, 2022
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 10, 2022

While driving the check engine light came on. The inside of the car started to smell like gas. A diagnostic check was performed at the Mercedes dealership and it was determined that there were 2 faults: low boost signal & ME control unit this was due to oil leaking from the crankcase vent line through the engine wiring harness and into the ME (engine module).

NHTSA ID
11468718
Incident
Jun 8, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and locking the doors; after a while, the vehicle would independently unlock the doors and then start up without driver input. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ID
11467780
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
43,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 22, 2021

Mercedes-Benz comes with ECO Start/Stop feature. This feature automatically activates when you start the vehicle and have your seat belt fastened with the door closed. When this function is activated, your vehicle’s engine will shut off when you are at a complete stop, like at a stoplight or in standstill traffic. Once it’s time to start moving again, the vehicle’s engine will automatically restart as soon as you lift your foot off the brake. Randomly experiencing an issue with this feature, vehicle will not restart or it will shutdown in the middle of the road, on the busy road or freeway, it is very unsafe or dangerous. In last two years, we experienced this issue for at least 10 times, at least 5 times vehicle was towed to Mercedes Benz service center in Pleasanton, CA. They replaced the battery, starter, relay but issue still exists and service center also do not have any clue on how to resolve this issue. Reported this issue to Mercedes Benz Customer Support but response has not been favorable. I am not the only one facing this issue, several people reported this issue on online blogs, online channels and discussion boards. Mercedes Benz is ignoring the issue and not serious on addressing it. I request NTSB to investigate this issue, it is risky and dangerous. I personally had couple of close calls with other vehicles rear ending, and I am sure others must have found in this situation. Appreciate your help. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11444651
Incident
Dec 10, 2021
ElectricalVisibility
Filed May 8, 2021

SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE, THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! SUNROOF IS CURRENTLY OPEN. ALSO, DEFROST DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY DURING SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS. WHEN IT IS RAINING, MY WINDOWS WILL NOT UNFOG, THIS IS DANGEROUS AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT!

NHTSA ID
11415642
Incident
Sep 24, 2020
ElectricalInterior & seatsVisibility
Filed Feb 3, 2021

SUNROOF WILL NOT CLOSE AT ALL, SEATS WILL NOT ADJUST (ELECTRICAL), WIPER VISIBILITY IS UNCLEAR, DEFROST DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID
11394552
Incident
Sep 10, 2019
Electrical
Filed Jan 3, 2020

ON FOUR OCCASIONS, THE ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD GOES COMPLETELY BLACK AND WILL STAY THAT WAY FOR QUITE SOMETIME. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS 'DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE', BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNING FROM M-B. IT HAPPENS AFTER I PARK IT AND THEN RESTARTED IT.

NHTSA ID
11296803
Incident
Dec 30, 2019
Mileage
29,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 8, 2019

IN FEBRUARY 2019 THE C300 ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, AND THE DEALER TOOK THREE DAYS TO REPAIR IT. THREE WEEKS LATER IN MARCH 2019, WHILE DRIVING 25 MILES PER HOUR STRAIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE CAR SHUT OFF WITHOUT A SOUND, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIT UP, AND THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIE TO RESTART THE CAR, THE STARTER MADE NOISE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND DID THE THREE TIME LOCK AND UNLOCK ROUTINE, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER TOWING THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THE CAR WAS SHOWING NO CODES, THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED AND THE CAR SHOULD BE FINE TO DRIVE AGAIN! I'M NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AND THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11185421
Incident
Mar 7, 2019
Mileage
50,100 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 3, 2018

2016 MERCEDES BENZ C300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STARTER CURRENT LIMITER. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR ON THE STARTER WAS COMPLETED THE FAILURE BEGAN. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. *JS

NHTSA ID
11153790
Incident
May 6, 2018
Electrical
Filed Sep 11, 2017

MY CAR HAS A SAFETY RISK OPEN RECALL SINCE FEBRUARY 08, 2017 THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES BENZ DEALER TO TAKE MY CAR IN AND REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALL. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES SUMMARY: DAIMLER AG (DAG), THE MANUFACTURER OF MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES, HAS DECIDED THAT ON CERTAIN C-CLASS (205 PLATFORM), E-CLASS (213 PLATFORM) AND GLC (253 PLATFORM) VEHICLES, THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER COULD BE OVERLOADED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS DURING THE STARTING PROCEDURE. IN THE EVENT THE STARTER IS BLOCKED DUE TO ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE (E.G. HYDRO LOCKED ENGINE), A VERY HIGH ELECTRIC CURRENT WOULD FLOW THROUGH THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER DURING THE SUBSEQUENT START ATTEMPT. SHOULD THE DRIVER ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY DESPITE THE ENGINE NOT CRANKING, THE VERY HIGH ELECTRIC CURRENT DRAW MIGHT LEAD TO OVERHEATING OF THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER. IN A WORST CASE, SURROUNDING COMPONENTS MIGHT MELT, AND POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND LEAD TO A FIRE. SAFETY RISK: IN THE EVENT THE STARTER IS BLOCKED DUE TO ENGINE/TRANSMISSION DAMAGE (E.G. HYDRO LOCKED ENGINE), A VERY HIGH ELECTRIC CURRENT WOULD FLOW THROUGH THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER DURING THE SUBSEQUENT START ATTEMPT. SHOULD THE DRIVER ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY DESPITE THE ENGINE NOT CRANKING, THE VERY HIGH ELECTRIC CURRENT DRAW MIGHT LEAD TO OVERHEATING OF THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER. IN A WORST CASE, SURROUNDING COMPONENTS MIGHT MELT, AND POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND LEAD TO A FIRE. REMEDY: AN AUTHORIZED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER WILL RETROFIT A FUSE ON THE STARTING CURRENT LIMITER ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE

NHTSA ID
11022759
Incident
Feb 8, 2017
Electrical
Filed Sep 5, 2017
Fire reported

TAKATA RECALL NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 17V114 : PURCHASE THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER OF 2016, WE GOT A RECALL LETTER IN MARCH OF 2017 LETTING US KNOW OF THE RECALL BUT WAS NOTIFY THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR TILL AUGUST OF 2017 . ON AUGUST 05 THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET DUE TO RECALL PART.

NHTSA ID
11021534
Incident
Aug 5, 2017
Mileage
5,600 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 22, 2017
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BECAME STRANDED IN HIGH STANDING WATER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SIBLINGS WERE ABLE TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE HIGH STANDING WATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM BENEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED IN THE FIRE. MERCEDES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CONTACTED BUT FAILED TO SHOW UP. THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST IMPOUNDED AND THEN TOWED TO MERCEDES BENZ OF CUTLER BAY LOCATED AT: 10701 SW 211 ST, CUTLER BAY, FL 33189, (305) 251-0345. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN CONFIRMED AS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID
11018792
Incident
Jul 18, 2017
Mileage
10,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 19, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS MERCEDES-BENZ LOCATED AT 1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096; (770) 279-3600) WAS CALLED AND THE CONTACT LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11006372
Incident
Feb 8, 2017

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .