2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 54owner reports
- 60,000median miles
- $2,300median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report May 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
161 of the 286 complaints on this car are about the engine. 54 of those describe misfire, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 C300.
Tick what matches of 54 reports
Misfire on other C300 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.
All 13 recalls on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the C300
C300 wrist-pin allegation. Closed feb 27, 2024.
Loss of rear lighting assembly. Closed may 12, 2014, led to recall 14V-177.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
18 of the 54 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $2,900.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 52,000 and 72,000 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Complaint Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction Cause The partial-load ventilation valve (a part of ...
Complaint Check engine light on. One of the below fault codes is current in the engine control module (N3/10). P04DB29, P04DB31, P04DB79 Cause Open circuit or high resistance to crankcase vent line contact Remedy 1.
Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction The partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line ...
Check Engine Light is on with DTC P030185/ P030685 for misfire cylinder 1 and 6.
What owners wrote
“Check Engine Light on, I read the code is P052E, after read some information in internet there is positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve needs to be replaced. My car is 52000 miles and it seems like happenned to people even with less miles on the cars”
Filed Mar 22, 2025 · 52,000 miles
“my car broke down while driving on the freeway, with only 58,000 miles the piston broke in cylinder 1 causing my car to loose power can cause an accident due to breaking down on freeway problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic shop check engine light started flashing the moment the engine failed”
Filed Aug 17, 2024 · 58,000 miles
“CRANKCASE VENTILATION- code: P052E came up and I had just bought from the dealership with 87k miles”
Filed Sep 7, 2023 · 87,000 miles
“It is such a common issue reported by many 2016 c300 owner who experienced error code p052e bad Pve valve. My car only has 40,000 miles. I think the manufacture should be responsible for a recall. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Jul 29, 2023 · 40,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 54 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Fuel smells, leaks, or the gauge reads wrong 27 reports