Mercedes-Benz C300 Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Mercedes-Benz C300 across 16 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (20). The words owners use most often: “crankcase ventilation” (11% of reports).
- 119power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Crankcase ventilation: mentioned in 13 of 119 complaints (11%)
- Transfer case: mentioned in 8 of 119 complaints (7%)
- Code P052E: mentioned in 6 of 119 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 119 complaints, 4 mention a crash.
Mercedes-Benz C300 power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 C300 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2023 C300 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2021 C300 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2020 C300 | 3 | 9% | — |
| 2019 C300 | 6 | 9% | 36,000 |
| 2018 C300 | 2 | 2% | 62,000 |
| 2017 C300 | 12 | 6% | 36,000 |
| 2016 C300 | 18 | 6% | 2,246 |
| 2015 C300 | 20 | 5% | 20,148 |
| 2014 C300 | 1 | 1% | 24 |
| 2013 C300 | 3 | 1% | 99,000 |
| 2012 C300 | 5 | 2% | 88,000 |
| 2011 C300 | 10 | 2% | 56,632 |
| 2010 C300 | 15 | 3% | 51,000 |
| 2009 C300 | 5 | 1% | 41,000 |
| 2008 C300 | 16 | 2% | 66,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists power train for the Mercedes-Benz C300. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The M264 2.0L engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure. While making a left turn at an intersection, the vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled, leaving the car stranded in active traffic and creating an immediate safety risk. Prior to the shutdown, the check engine light came on accompanied…
The vehicle experienced a severe safety issue involving a sudden loss of motive power in active traffic. 1. Initial Symptoms & Diagnosis: Recently, the Check Engine Light illuminated. Although the light turned off before my scheduled appointment, I still brought the vehicle to an authorized…
Shifting gears when stopped and the car lunged forward while I was stopped at a red light. I almost hit the car in front of me at the red light. Very rough gear changes and changing out of the correct gear to the wrong one and then back into another one. Severe speed changes - jerking the car back…
My C300 MBZ, 2016 is experiencing the same symptoms as indicated in a recall, but my vehicle is not included in that recall. Camshaft: GENERAL REPAIR A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa. Cams act…
Vehicle has ongoing and recurring electrical and engine-related defects that affect safe operation. The primary systems involved are the electrical system, engine ignition system, and powertrain. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Prior service records show issues beginning in…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mercedes-Benz C300s have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 119 owner complaints about power train for the Mercedes-Benz C300. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mercedes-Benz C300 power train?
No recall currently lists power train for this vehicle.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Mercedes-Benz C300?
The most frequent phrase is “crankcase ventilation”, in 13 of 119 complaints, followed by “transfer case” (8).
Other Mercedes-Benz C300 problems
- Air Bags problems (1,213)
- Electrical System problems (750)
- Steering problems (493)
- Engine problems (455)
- Structure problems (380)
- Exterior Lighting problems (310)
- Suspension problems (307)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (261)
See all Mercedes-Benz C300 problems.