How common are fuel system complaints on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?

NHTSA lists 66 Fuel System complaints for this year, which is 23% of all 286 complaints filed for the 2016 C300, the largest share among the model years shown in this data.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?

Yes. Recall campaign 21V961000, reported December 13, 2021, covers the fuel system. Dealers replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors free of charge.

What is the main fuel system complaint owners describe?

Most owners describe a strong gasoline smell in the cabin, sometimes traced to leaking hose clamp connections on the high-pressure fuel line near the engine.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 60,000 miles at the time of failure for fuel system complaints on this model year.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to these fuel system complaints?

NHTSA records 1 crash and 0 fires among the fuel system complaints for the 2016 C300.

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 66 Fuel System complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, 23% of its 286 total complaints, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. A related recall (campaign 21V961000) covers the fuel rail and fuel injectors on this year. Median mileage at failure is 60,000.

Fuel System complaints: 66; 23% of 286
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Owners report a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin, especially when the heater or defroster is running.
Some describe fuel leaking from hose clamp connections on the high-pressure line between the firewall-mounted fuel pump and the fuel rail, particularly in cold weather.
Several owners say dealers diagnosed a fuel line issue near the engine after they reported the smell, sometimes replacing high-pressure fuel lines.
One owner reported the fuel filler nozzle at the gas station would disengage repeatedly, making it hard to fill the tank.
Independent mechanics in some cases detected the fuel odor under the hood and referred owners to a Mercedes dealer for repair.

When 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 13, 2016, latest Apr 27, 2026.

66 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2016 to Apr 2026; peak Jun 2023 (5).

Fuel System recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300

NHTSA 21V961000Dec 13, 2021Fuel System139 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
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.

Fuel System complaints by C300 model year

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

201026 (6%)
201144 (9%)
201212 (5%)
20133 (1%)
20141 (1%)
201570 (18%)
201666 (23%)
201733 (15%)
201810 (10%)
201912 (17%)
20203 (9%)
20213 (21%)
20227 (28%)
20231 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system complaints on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?: NHTSA lists 66 Fuel System complaints for this year, which is 23% of all 286 complaints filed for the 2016 C300, the largest share among the model years shown in this data.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300?: Yes. Recall campaign 21V961000, reported December 13, 2021, covers the fuel system. Dealers replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors free of charge.
What is the main fuel system complaint owners describe?: Most owners describe a strong gasoline smell in the cabin, sometimes traced to leaking hose clamp connections on the high-pressure fuel line near the engine.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 60,000 miles at the time of failure for fuel system complaints on this model year.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to these fuel system complaints?: NHTSA records 1 crash and 0 fires among the fuel system complaints for the 2016 C300.