2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 Body Problems

Which parts fail

• Body
  25

Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  229%
• 25k–50k
  229%
• 50k–75k
  114%
• 75k–100k
  114%
• 100k–150k
  114%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, an abnormal sound was heard as a section of the glass roof panel detached from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the missing panel. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V197000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 31,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the right or the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear sub frame of the vehicle had severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by a service technician that there had been a recall for corrosion failures, but the year and the model were not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The contact stated that while performing maintenance on the vehicle with the dealer, it was discovered that the rear subframe was severely rusted and perforated. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: MC-10232321-0001; extended warranty, but vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,616.

--The sunroof glass suddenly shattered without any prior warning while the vehicle was in driving on the road. Some of the broken glass pieces scattered throughout the interior of the car. --The sudden shattering of the glass roof created a hazardous situation for the driver and passengers. Although no one was injured, we were shocked and initially thought it might be an explosion or gunfire. Additionally, the tiny glass shards is very dangerous. --We have called dealer and they said there might be several similar cases reported. --The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but I have called dealer and insurance company. --There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a potential failure before the incident. The glass shattered unexpectedly and spontaneously while driving.

I took my car for service "B" at the dealership. They told me the rear subframe is rusting and there is a hole forming already. Apparently, this is a known problem that Mercedes Benz provided warranty extension up to 20 years with unlimited mileage. However, they stopped at 2015 models. Mine was bought from the same dealership in October 2015, but it is a 2016 model, but actually has the exact same problem earlier models have and they cover with their voluntary extended warranty. I am told to replace it, it will cost at least $4600. They are refusing to cover it under warranty because I my car is at around 60,000. The car did not even reach 100K and well maintained, but has rusted frame already that can be a serious safety hazard according to Mercedes Benz associate.

the Burl wood trim panel on the interior doors are deteriorating , the drivers side panel is deteriorating to the point that it looks like acid is eating away at the material there is red markings showing .. i find this could be a safety hazard as it could eat away at the door itself. i have pictures of evidence. there was a recall on Mercedes E class during the same years i purchased my car, my car is the C-class which was not part of the recall, but falls into the same category as time frame of purchase. Mercedes told me to contact you. i look forward to your response as this is a safety concern thank you

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available to for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Front Stationary Sunroof Panel (between the windshield and the sunroof) deteriorating and cracking in the middle. I've read about a recall on previous year models that will extend to this year model or even further year but waiting on this recall to reach my vin number. I've seen same model year in other states have this issue resolved with the recall update in Feb 2024. This is related to the NHTSA Recall ID: 23V854.

* Component Failed / Malfunction - Panoramic Sunroof Separation. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof has separated from the windshield panel. * Sun roof glass panel is at risk of separating for car and becoming airborne causing injury to driver and others. * Problem has been confirmed by independent service center. * First appeared on approximately April 21, 2025.

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. Risk of dangerous injury including glass shattering, sudden detachment, distraction while driving, and water intrusion affecting airbags/electronics.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Body complaints in other C300 years