How many engine complaints does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?

NHTSA lists 96 engine-related complaints for the 2016 C300, which is 34% of the 286 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?

The data provided lists no engine-specific recall for the 2016 C300, though some owners referenced recall campaign 17V114000 covering engine and electrical cooling components while waiting for parts.

At what mileage do 2016 C300 engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2016 C300 is 23,750 miles.

Were there any fires linked to engine problems on the 2016 C300?

NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents and 1 crash associated with complaints in this dataset, with no reported injuries.

How does the 2016 C300 compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2016 model's 34% share of engine complaints is close to 2015's 35% and 2017's 38%, all higher than most other model years listed.

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 96 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, 34% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 23,750 miles. No engine recall is currently listed for this model year in the data provided, though owners reference an unrelated campaign (17V114000) tied to parts delays.

Engine complaints: 96; 34% of 286
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 23,750 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report a fire erupting near the battery while driving at low speed, with water reportedly entering the engine and causing hydrolock damage.
Some describe a knocking sound from the engine followed by surging, a burning odor, and a sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed.
Several owners say the engine light came on almost immediately after purchase, with rough running, stalling, and sudden forward lurching on acceleration.
Multiple complaints describe brief loss of engine power at low speed accompanied by a warning light, with the issue not reproducible by the dealer.
One owner reported the engine seizing at various speeds and the vehicle entering limp-home mode, with the dealer unable to duplicate the failure.
A few owners noted an abnormal mold-like odor from the engine or cabin air system that returned after a repair attempt.

When 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 21, 2016, latest May 22, 2026.

96 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2023 Q1 (13).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by C300 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201016 (4%)
201114 (3%)
20126 (2%)
201315 (6%)
20145 (5%)
2015133 (35%)
201696 (34%)
201781 (38%)
201835 (35%)
201918 (26%)
20209 (27%)
20218 (57%)
20223 (12%)
20232 (9%)
20242 (18%)
20251 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?: NHTSA lists 96 engine-related complaints for the 2016 C300, which is 34% of the 286 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?: The data provided lists no engine-specific recall for the 2016 C300, though some owners referenced recall campaign 17V114000 covering engine and electrical cooling components while waiting for parts.
At what mileage do 2016 C300 engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2016 C300 is 23,750 miles.
Were there any fires linked to engine problems on the 2016 C300?: NHTSA data shows 2 fire incidents and 1 crash associated with complaints in this dataset, with no reported injuries.
How does the 2016 C300 compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2016 model's 34% share of engine complaints is close to 2015's 35% and 2017's 38%, all higher than most other model years listed.