2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Powertrain (other) Problems

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

I am reporting a structural failure of the rear subframe (axle carrier) on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W205). The component is exhibiting significant internal-to-external corrosion (perforation), specifically at the suspension mounting points. Safety Impact: The vehicle is currently exhibiting unstable handling and a 'skittish' 'swerving' sensation causing the car to 'fishtail' under braking during normal braking and at highway speeds, indicating a compromise in the structural integrity of the rear axle. This poses an immediate risk of a 'loss of directional control' should the suspension components fully detach from the corroded subframe. The Structural Integrity, Loss of Directional Control, Sudden Suspension Failure, and causes extremely dangerous Safety Hazard for my family and other on the road. The corrosion has compromised the mounting points of the rear suspension, creating a risk that the axle will detach while the vehicle is in motion, leading to a catastrophic loss of control. Context: Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged this defect in previous years (2008-2015) via a 20-year extended warranty and in Service Information S135.00-P-0009A. However, they have failed to include the 2016 W205 in the safety remedy despite identical failure modes and documented safety hazards. Currently, as of April 2026, a 2024/2025 federal court ruling [XXX] v. Mercedes-Benz) allowed a class-action lawsuit to proceed specifically covering 2010–2022 models—including the2016 C300 W205—alleging the exact same manufacturing defect. A thorough inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle shows severe corrosion to the subframe as well as a cracked hub along the drive-train shaft and differential. I have submitted photos along with this Vehicle Complaint From to document the corrosion of the subframe and other defects associated with the devices and systems that transmit power from the engine or propulsion device to the wheels such as the cracks in hubs, shafts, differentials. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

NHTSA ID

11732985

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

The panoramic sunroof is locked in an open position and will no longer close.

NHTSA ID

11655669

Incident

Apr 8, 2024

I own a 2016 Mercedes Benz c300 4matic 44,000 miles and i started my car to pick my girlfriend up and 3-5 mins into the drive my check engine light popped up i went to get it scanned and code “P052E” came back, I did some research about the part and i come across a forum called MBworld and many others are having this same problem. I ask for a recall.

NHTSA ID

11645144

Incident

Feb 26, 2025

My check engine light came on and I got it tested. The code came back as P052E. The power train system valve.

NHTSA ID

11637178

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

I need Positive Crankcase ventilation valve replace It's a common repair that comes up with these makes/models

NHTSA ID

11581717

Incident

Apr 8, 2024

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is crucial for regulating the flow of gases in the engine's crankcase. If the PCV valve malfunctions or becomes clogged in a car like the 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4-matic, several problems can arise: 1. **Increased Pressure:** A malfunctioning PCV valve can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase. This increased pressure can lead to oil leaks, gasket failures, or even engine seals blowing out. 2. **Poor Engine Performance:** When the PCV valve fails, it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture in the engine, leading to rough idling, stalling, or decreased fuel efficiency. This can result in a loss of power and overall poor engine performance. 3. **Contamination:** A faulty PCV valve may not properly route harmful gases, like unburned fuel and moisture, out of the crankcase. This can lead to contamination of the engine oil, reducing its effectiveness in lubricating engine components and potentially causing premature wear and damage. 4. **Increased Emissions:** A malfunctioning PCV valve can result in increased emissions from the vehicle, as it may not properly recirculate harmful gases back into the combustion chamber for burning. Overall, a nonfunctional PCV valve can negatively impact both the car's performance and the environment, potentially leading to costly repairs and increased pollution. Additionally, prolonged exposure to increased emissions from the vehicle can be harmful to both the environment and the health of individuals. Therefore, it's essential to regularly inspect and maintain the PCV valve to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11579368

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

Power Train System - P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Indicates a fault in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve. I repaired my car for the same issue in 2019 January and it failed again in 2024 January. It costs $2000 to repair and it has a warranty of two. It failed after 3 years. Same issue is occurring in Mercedes C300 and GLC 300 and multiple times. But company isnt taking any responsibility to fix the issue or at least extend the warranty. 1. Incident 1 - Jan 2019, Miles 28k 2. Incident 2 - Jan 2024, Miles 61k

NHTSA ID

11567582

Incident

Jan 21, 2024

Started smelling gas then check engine light came on took it to mercedes they did diagnostic which said low boost and that I needed to replace the turbocharger at a cost of over $7000

NHTSA ID

11542440

Incident

Oct 19, 2022

Check engine light comes up. The crankcase ventilation has to be replaced. This is a well known defect in design by Mercedes Benz and there are hundreds of people who have had to replaced the crank case costing thousands of dollar to only have it happen again due to its faulty design. It’s well documented all over the Internet.

NHTSA ID

11537572

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

I was just driving normally boom engine light comes on take it to the dealership and it come up as crank case vent line which they quoted me 2300$. I think this should be recalled I have seen so many people with the same issue I have actually had someone tell me this was the only major problems with the w205 c300 before this happened. I think it should be recalled because from what I’ve seen it happens to every single c300 just at different mileages. Hopefully this will get a recall because it seems to be a very common issue and should be covered by the dealer.

NHTSA ID

11527138

Incident

Jun 14, 2023

I bought the car with 51k miles . Engine failed at 71k miles , due to piston #1 cracking . Almost caused me to get rear ended on a busy street . I went to the dealership and they charged me $10250 to replace the engine with a remanned long block and they offered a 2 year warranty. 9 months, only 19k miles on “new motor” the “new” engine fails again … same reason piston # 1 cracked failed suddenly on the highway and I had to push the car to safety to the emergency lane while cars where coming.. I went back to dealer demanding a replacement and told them this is a common occurrence and they refused to help me . I called corporate. They refused to help me saying I would have to purchase an engine for the second time out of pocket when it only lasted 9 months. This is a big fault in the m274 engine … it’s also a safety hazard that can cause serious injury, fire , or even a deadly accident. I read that it’s a common issue with these engines.

NHTSA ID

11508260

Incident

Oct 19, 2022

I have owned the vehicle for only about 4 months. My wife took the car out for a short errand and returned to tell me that the engine light was on. I took the vehicle to AutoZone and had the code ran on their diagnostic computer and it returned a P052E code for “Positve Crankcase Ventilation Regulation Valve Performance”. I have done a lot of research and have learned that this is a common problem and incurs huge financial impact to unsuspecting buyers. Mercedes has even made improvements to the part because of this issue. It’s not safe due to the possibility of oxygen build occurring in the combustion chamber. This part should be recalled and repaired by Mercedes.

NHTSA ID

11498292

Incident

Dec 17, 2022

my engine failed at 82k odometer miles . replaced it with a new engine for $10065 . and they said it was fixed and working normal , 2nd engine failed at 111000 miles . and has warranty. they refuse to fix it for a 3rd time ...... this is a common problem with m274 engines. please help us m274 engine owners.... its a very widespread known problem...

NHTSA ID

11488550

Incident

Oct 8, 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

Transmission shifted into neutral after coming to a stop. Brake was applied. Similar issue to NHTSA Campaign 21V033000 for 2019 GLA 250.

NHTSA ID

11423434

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

WHEN AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR IS IDLING, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JERKS FORWARD. IF THE BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED HARD, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CAR FEELING LIKE IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD. THIS OCCURS EACH AND EVERY TIME I AM IDLING AT A RED LIGHT.

NHTSA ID

10958226

Incident

Mar 2, 2017

Mileage

3,592 mi

C300 ANTI COLLISION SENSOR MALFUNCTION LIGHT DISPLAYED AND LOSS ENGINE POWER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING APROX 20 MPH AT THE TIME ON CITY STREET. THEN POWER RESUMED, THE WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT. MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA, CA COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WORKORDER 229423, 9/13/16

NHTSA ID

10906348

Incident

Aug 22, 2016

Mileage

900 mi