Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Engine 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.
42
Latest May 6, 2025
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.
32%
of 132 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.
3
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 the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 42 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 engine
The 25 most recent of 42, in the owner's own words
Fuel Rail and fuel injectors Leak contacted Mercedes cooperate to investigate why my car. VIN did not list according to campaign no 2022030003 to replace the fuel Ra and fuel injectors and a Ssfety & Emissios recall campaign that covers 139 Model year 2016-2030 that include my vehicle CLC-Class. My car is experiencing fuel injectors defects but my VIN number was not flagged
NHTSA ID
11659257
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
EngineTransmission
Filed Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the Emissions Center, and the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved DTC: P052E (PCM has detected an inappropriate degree of pressure from the crankcase pressure sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ID
11635618
Incident
Dec 21, 2024
Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine experienced rough idling and the vehicle was shaking violently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that cylinder #1 had a cracked piston and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA ID
11617878
Incident
Oct 2, 2023
Mileage
90,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2024
PVC valve indicator engine light keeps appearing after being replaced twice
NHTSA ID
11614600
Incident
Sep 14, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2024
Check engine light on-pvc failure. Code PO52E-71as determined by reliable repair shop. Recommended to have vehicle repaired by dealer. Shop advised part is vital to emissions system.
NHTSA ID
11614470
Incident
Sep 13, 2024
Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the crank case ventilation sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA ID
11606449
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
Mileage
70,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2024
When driving the car, the engine began to violently shake and fail. The engine ended up having a piston failure due to a small wrist pin and needed the entire engine block replaced. I was lucky that I was not on the freeway or in a more dangerous spot when the engine failed while driving.
NHTSA ID
11606306
Incident
Dec 22, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2024
Diagnose: code P05271 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. Mercedes Benz extended warranty to 15 yr / 150k miles for intake assemble which resolve this issue. Like to acquire a confirmation letter from Benz to cover the repair by the Benz dealer
NHTSA ID
11591965
Incident
Jun 2, 2024
Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2023
The P052E error has popped up which requires the replacement of the PVC assembly. This is a known issue with these engines and causes the engine to run erratically. Mercedes knows that the issue is common. Please investigate and issue a recall if applicable.
NHTSA ID
11553798
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2023
I lost power on while driving at speed and almost got rear-ended before pulling over. I had to tow the car to a mechanic. After diagnosis it turned out the pistons are cracked and had to be replaced as well as the rod bearings. The pistons have a very abnormal burn pattern and rod bearing wear per my mechanic. This is a beautiful car and I take above average care of it. No car sold in the US should have pistons crack at such a short amount of miles. I believe Mercedes Benz should be held liable for their engineering error.
NHTSA ID
11541304
Incident
Jul 20, 2023
Engine
Filed May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankcase ventilation system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA ID
11520208
Incident
Dec 3, 2019
Mileage
30,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2023
2016 GLC300 - Fault code P052E71 positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve displayed on console. I reset code and it came up again in a few days. Plaza Mercedes in St.Louis stated this is a common failure that requires digging deep into the engine. I had valve replaced 15SEP22 costing $1614.36. Invoice is attached.
NHTSA ID
11510134
Incident
Sep 15, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 29, 2022
Check Engine light P052E came on while driving. No collision, normal conditions other than first very cold night of the season. Looked it up and seems to be a common issue with this model.
NHTSA ID
11499425
Incident
Dec 21, 2022
Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2022
Got the MIL obd2 error code P052E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. After some research this seems to be a common issue for this vehicle and other similar Mercedes Benz vehicles with the same engine. It is something that it is extremely expensive to fix (2000) and very labor intensive. I believe that Mercedes Benz should recall these vehicles and replace the Intake line due to its constant failure on many vehicles including mine.
NHTSA ID
11496937
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 6, 2022
Crankcase ventilation valve issues
NHTSA ID
11492457
Incident
Oct 26, 2022
Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2022
Got the MIL obd2 error code P052E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. After some research this seems to be a common issue for this vehicle and other similar Mercedes Benz vehicles with the same engine. It is something that it is extremely expensive to fix (+$1500) and very labor intensive. I believe that Mercedes Benz should recall these vehicles and replace the Intake line due to its constant failure on many vehicles including mine.
NHTSA ID
11489192
Incident
Jul 15, 2022
Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2022
During normal highway driving, the check engine light energized in the display. At the same time, engine power was lost, and the vehicle could no longer accelerate. The Mercedes Benz dealership was less than a mile away, so I went directly there at a slow speed without damaging the engine. Upon inspection, the dealership found that the engine wiring harness was completely engine oil soaked and the oil drained down into the engine control unit (computer), causing loss of one of two turbochargers and loss of engine control and power. It is suspected that the oil originated from one or multiple of the camshaft sensors that are connected to the engine wiring harness. The engine oil traveled through the wiring harness and then completely soaked to engine control unit, which malfunctioned. If this happened while overtaking another vehicle or trying to avoid another, then I would have had a serious accident. I had insufficient engine power to avoid other cars and luckily was in the far-right lane to be able to exit the highway without an accident or damaging my engine due to the higher-than-normal rpms. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and requires a new engine wiring harness which may require removal of the engine to access and replace, a new engine control unit due to being engine oil soaked, and possibly a new turbocharger. This repair could cost well over $10,000 for parts and labor. The vehicle just had its annual maintenance service in September and no oil leak from the engine wiring harness was noted by technicians during the maintenance. The dealership continues to search and localize exactly where the oil originated but believes that either one or multiple camshaft sensors is the cause. The dealership does not know how long it will take to repair the vehicle due to the parts needed and the extent of labor that is required.
NHTSA ID
11488436
Incident
Oct 7, 2022
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 28, 2022
Piston 1 cracked while driving on the highway. My sibling was driving on the highway when the engine suddenly started misfiring and losing power because it lost compression on the piston that cracked. I was lucky enough that I have mechanic experience to replace all the damaged components myself and paid out of pocket. I was super fortunate that the cylinder walls did not get damaged when this happened thus not needing an entire engine replacement which would cost around $10,000 from mercedes. I had to go pick up a trailer from UHaul and go pick up the vehicle from where it broke down. Thinking about this from the perspective of a person who does not have access to rent a trailer, a vehicle to pull said trailer with, or the mechanic experience to fix the vehicle themselves, the cost to get this issue resolved would be much much more than it cost me.
NHTSA ID
11486871
Incident
May 11, 2021
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 23, 2022
While driving on the NYS Thruway last week, when I accelerated to pass another car, my engine bucked and kicked followed by the "check engine" light coming on.In very heavy traffic, I was able to pull to the shoulder. I called my service garage and they suggested I not drive the car for safety reasons. When the tow truck arrived, I briefly started the car with the same bucking and kicking from the engine. The car was taken to my regular garage where the "check engine" codes showed issues with the fuel injector and fuel injection system. I was told there is an existing RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2022030003 for the same year, make and model as mine but, my VIN is not part of that RECALL. I would like your help as I do not believe Mercedes-Benz is being fair or equitable in this RECALL. ThankYou
NHTSA ID
11480844
Incident
Aug 18, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 19, 2022
1)-The crankcase ventilation valve needs to be replaced. This seems to be common problem with these cars. 2)-No safety issues. 3)-Yes many failures as per the internet reports. 4)-Yes- Mercedes 5)-Unknown
NHTSA ID
11469978
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2022
While operating the vehicle at highway speed, the Check Engine Light illuminated on the vehicle dashboard and remained constant. The associated malfunction code(s) displayed were P052E71 (actuator blocked) as well as P06DA00 (electrical-open circuit). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle emitted pungent odor and fumes into the cabin and demonstrated sudden decreased acceleration and rough idling. The problem has yet to be inspected by the manufacturer as it is not sure whether it is safe to operate. No other warning lamps illuminated prior to the failure. Unsure if cold start failure is a symptom associated with current issue or if an electrical problem related to prior recall.
NHTSA ID
11469757
Incident
Jun 14, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 29, 2022
Got a Check Engine Light at 32,400 miles and the code said it was the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulatory Valve. It was under warranty, the job requires over 6 hours of labor, and it's due to a intake breather valve getting gummed up with oil/oil vapors/condensation. Well, the check engine light came on again at 58,000 miles and 3 years later. Now not under warranty, the dealer quoted 6 hours and $1435 to do the same repair that was done before. The part is EXTREMELY difficult to get to in order to change, and requires the removal of many engine components, including one of the engine mounts. It seems like this is one of the most common repairs for this series of car. It's been so troublesome, that Mercedes has redesigned the part.
NHTSA ID
11458836
Incident
Mar 21, 2022
EngineSeat belts
Filed Mar 25, 2022
The vehicle engine amber light on, everything else looks like normally. Bring the vehicle to Mercedes dealership to diagnose and fix. After dealership fix, we find out this vehicle maximum speed is 61 during driving on the freeway and it cannot speed over 61. Also, the engine amber light is on again and seatbelt is not working well. We have safety concerns when driving this vehicle on the freeway. Thanks.
NHTSA ID
11458288
Incident
Mar 13, 2022
Engine
Filed May 13, 2021
AT 40,000 MILES, ONE OF THE WRIST PINS SNAPPED AND THE PISTON BROKE OFF. THIS CAUSED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND THE WHOLE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT CAUSED A RECALL WITH THE 2015 MODEL. THE DEALERSHIP IS MAKING ME PAY FOR THE LABOR, BUT MERCEDES DONATED THE ENGINE (PROBABLY BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT'S THEIR FAULT). SO I'M WONDERING IF THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL AS WELL.
NHTSA ID
11416454
Incident
May 2, 2021
Mileage
40,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureEngine
Filed Jan 2, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported
VEHICLE WAS GOING ON THE LEFT MOST LANE OF THE I580 EASTBOUND AT ADAPTIVE CRUISE AT 65MPH. BOTH STEERING AND SPEED WAS UNDER CONTROL BY THE THE ADAPTIV E CRUISE FEATURE. I WAS HAVING MY HAND ON THE STEERING AND FOOT ON THE BRAKE. ALL OF SUDDEN CAR TOOK LEFT TURN ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO SIDE CONCRETE RAIL FOLLOWED BY A QUICK TURN AND CAME BACK TO THE HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 2ND HIGHWAY LANE. THINGS HAPPENED SO QUICKLY THAT I COULD NOT EVEN REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE WHICH LEAD TO THIS SUDDEN TURN. I WOULD LIKE YOU OR NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER. I AM 7 MONTH PREGNENT AND IN SIGNIFICANT PAIN CAUSED BY THIS ACCIDENT. I AM NOT ABLE TO TAKE ANY HARD DRUGS BECAUSE OF MY PREGNANCY. IT HAS BEEN A BIG TRAUMA FOR ME AT THIS POINT OF MY PREGNANCY. IT WILL BE GOING TO BE VERY TOUGH FOR ME FROM NOW TO TRUST ON THE FEATURES ADVERTISED AND SOLD TO US BY MERCEDES. WE HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH MERCEDES FOR OVER A MONTH. BUT THEY ARE NOT SHOWING ANY PROACTIVENESS TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER. THEY ARE INTENTIONALLY DELAYING THE PROCESS HOPING WE WILL GIVE UP SOONER THAN LATER. I WOULD REQUEST NHTSA TO INTERVENE AND TAKE SEVERE STEPS TOWARDS MERCEDES. MRS MARY ELIZABETH FROM MERCEDES HAS BEEN CONFUSING ABOUT THE PROCESS AND HAS NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT IS NEXT. SHE IS NOT WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION AND AFTER WASTING 20 DAYS SHE IS BLAMING INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT PROVIDE PERMISSION. THEY NEVER BOTHER TO CALL ME AND UPDATE ME ABOUT PROCESS AND JUST FORMALLY SEND AN EMAIL WITH HALF BAKED INFORMATION.
NHTSA ID
11296654
Incident
Dec 2, 2019
Mileage
72,000 mi
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