2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 6%of 291 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,246miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, 6% of the 291 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,246 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #10958226, filed 2017-03, 3,592 miles“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 complaint #10906348, filed 2016-09, 900 miles“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 complaint #11645144, filed 2025-02“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 complaint #11468718, filed 2022-06“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11732985, filed 2026-04Related service bulletins
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11025560Nov 17, 2025Complaint The shift from 1st to 2nd gear may be uncomfortable under light load. Cause Vehicles with engine M264 and transmission 725.0 may be equipped with specific software…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11025100Nov 3, 2025Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013332Jan 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 11008873Oct 1, 2024Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain…
- 10164811Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of rear axle
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 9% |
| 2023 | 1 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 12 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 6% |
| 2015 | 20 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300
94 complaintsFuel system
67 complaintsOther or unknown
65 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology