2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 100 of 318 complaints (31%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more fire reports (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 444 in 2015 to 318 in 2016.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | vs. 2016 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–5,150 | 2,750–5,150 | 2,600–3,900 | 2,600–4,100 | 2,600–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–25 | 15–28 | 20–30 | 19–30 | 19–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–22 / 19–31 | 13–25 / 19–33 | 18–28 / 25–34 | 17–28 / 22–34 | 17–28 / 22–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 356–576 | 318–576 | 315–440 | 319–470 | 324–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 276 | 444 | 318 | 253 | 117 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 19 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 20 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 17 | 10 | 8 | 17 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 8 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have?
14 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Engine: 100 of 318 NHTSA complaints (31%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class get?
EPA rates it 20–30 MPG combined across 6 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
EPA estimates $2,600–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 440 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,850 | 330 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 7-spd | 8 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 440 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 25 mpg | 34 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | $2,750 | 315 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 7-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 375 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium and Electricity | Compact Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 32 mpg | 30 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 215 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 100 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 67 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 37 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 17 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 35 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 27 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 73 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (14)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 23V854000 · Dec 18, 2023
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS · Campaign 21V961000 · Dec 13, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS · Campaign 21V197000 · Mar 22, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. 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.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
COMMUNICATION · Campaign 19V787000 · Nov 4, 2019
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK · Campaign 18V850000 · Dec 4, 2018
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
Consequence: A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 17V654000 · Oct 18, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 C63 AMG, 2015-2017 C63S and 2017 C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Cabrio vehicles. The rear axle differential mounting flange may fracture from repeated aggressive launches.
Consequence: A fractured rear axle mounting flange can cause the rear differential to become misaligned, possibly resulting in failure of the driveshaft and a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's stability system software and chassis control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2017. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110002. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 17V627000 · Oct 11, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 17V243000 · Apr 12, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact.
Consequence: A loss of electrical contact will cause the electric power steering assist to deactivate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 17V177000 · Mar 17, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. 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.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Show 4 earlier campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY · Campaign 17V114000 · Feb 24, 2017
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. 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.
Consequence: If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Campaign 16V603000 · Aug 16, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.
Consequence: A damaged ESP control unit may inadvertently activate the stability control altering the vehicle's path. Additionally, the electronic parking brake may not function. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESP Hydraulic control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 16V438000 · Jun 15, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured November 4, 2015, to March 1, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist system may shutdown due to a software error.
Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 16V087000 · Feb 16, 2016
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 vehicles manufactured December 11, 2015, to December 23, 2015, C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured December 12, 2015, to December 29, 2015, and C450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured December 12, 2015, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a panoramic sunroof that may not be properly bonded, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation.
Consequence: If the panoramic glass detaches during vehicle operation, it can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the rear sunroof glass panel, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.