MYRModel Year Report

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300

● Typical for this model
2016 Mercedes-Benz C300
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
287
Recalls
13

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2010: 453 complaints 2010 2011: 480 complaints 2012: 266 complaints 2012 2013: 260 complaints 2014: 94 complaints 2014 2015: 379 complaints 2016: 287 complaints 2016 287 2017: 214 complaints 2018: 0 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2020: 0 complaints 2020
2010: 453 complaints 2010 2011: 480 complaints 2011 2012: 266 complaints 2012 2013: 260 complaints 2013 2014: 94 complaints 2014 2015: 379 complaints 2015 2016: 287 complaints 2016 287 2017: 214 complaints 2017 2018: 0 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 0 complaints 2020
2010: 453 complaints 2010 2011: 480 complaints 2011 2012: 266 complaints 2012 2013: 260 complaints 2013 2014: 94 complaints 2014 2015: 379 complaints 2015 2016: 287 complaints 2016 287 2017: 214 complaints 2017 2018: 0 complaints 2018 2019: 0 complaints 2019 2020: 0 complaints 2020

2016: 287 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2010453
2011480
2012266
2013260
201494
2015379
2016287
2017214
20180
20190
20200

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

32% · 93 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving approximately 71 MPH, a knocking sound was present coming from the engine. The vehicle began to thrust back and forth as if it were running out of fuel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Also filed under Service brakes

Fuel/propulsion system

20% · 57 reports
CRASH

Electrical system

11% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

After stopping and waiting at a traffic light for 15-30 seconds, I had my feet on the brakes and left turn indicator on. The "Hold" Option to lock my brakes was not engaged. The car was stationary.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-17

Also filed under Structure and vehicle speed control

Structure

9% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Panoramic sunroof fails to open/ close evenly due to binding issue and plastic track failure. One side binds while the other moves, causing glass to tilt and jam.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-24

Power train

6% · 18 reports

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-04-12Visibility16V087000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 vehicles manufactured December 11, 2015, to December 23, 2015, C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured December 12, 2015, to December 29, 2015, and C450 AMG 4Matic vehicles...

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the rear sunroof glass panel, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2016-10-11Electronic stability control (esc)16V603000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESP Hydraulic control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2016-12-19Steering16V438000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured November 4, 2015, to March 1, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist system may shutdown due to a software error.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2017-04-21Air bags, electrical system17V177000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350...

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2017-06-05Steering17V243000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2017-08-31Electrical system, engine and engine cooling17V114000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2017-12-06Air bags17V627000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2019-08-23Steering18V850000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG...

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2019-12-23Communication19V787000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

    Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2021-01-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-10-14 Front Roof Panel Detachment
  11. R
    2021-03-12Communication, electrical system21V058000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2021-09-03Structure21V197000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020...

    Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  14. R
    2022-04-22Fuel system, gasoline21V961000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550...

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2024-03-22Structure23V854000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 93 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 57 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V087000 · Visibility
  • Recall 16V603000 · Electronic stability control (esc)
  • Recall 16V438000 · Steering
  • Recall 17V177000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 17V243000 · Steering
  • Recall 17V114000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 17V627000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V850000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V787000 · Communication
  • Recall 21V058000 · Communication, electrical system
  • Recall 21V197000 · Structure
  • Recall 21V961000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V854000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.