NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Aug 31, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Power steering malfunction Car unable to drive I believe there is supposed to be a recall for this issue but not popping up when I put in VIN number Warning lamps come up. Sometimes every light on dashboard. Took it to Mercedes but it was when code was not popping up and they said I needed a new battery. Did that but still an issue. Has also happened when driving. Sometimes collision assist plus light comes on and power steering acts up. Light I am pointing at in picture is another light that consistently pops up I have been able to intermittently fix problem by resetting computer by unplugging battery for 15min or longer. As well as confirming full service on vehicle. Now it isn’t working though.
Rear subframe broke while driving- made stearing/controlling/breaking car very difficult & dangerous.... After reviewing on internet- MB is aware of this problem
Structure,Body.Roof & Pillars
Engine Light- Crankcase Ventilation Valve Replacement P052E71. Vehicle will jolt aggressively at the time of acceleration.
Have noticed a lot of air noise coming from the panoramic sunroof of my vehicle when driving, and now have issues of it opening or closing properly. I researched and found a recall regarding the issues my vehicle is having, and brought it into a dealership for diagnosis. Was told my vehicle VIN was not included in the recall. This is a dangerous issue that needs to be remedied. If the sunroof malfunctions I’m afraid it will come loose from the vehicle as it is doing the same things that the recalled VIN vehicles had issue with. Mercedes needs to update and add additional VINs to this recall. I did not repair, as I was told the entire thing will need to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the front end of the vehicle began to drift to the right while the rear drifted to the left. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 136,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a routine maintenance check, the contact was informed that there was severe corrosion on the subframe of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that several failures might occur due to the failure. The contact stated that recently, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle swerved, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there was a warranty on the vehicle related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
I took the car for annual maintenance to Mercedes-Benz dealership. After routine check up they came back to report rusty rear subframe and told me that needs to be replaced. However this part is really expensive and models from 2008 to 2015 C300 had the same issue(premature rust) and they all received extended warranty from Mercedes-Benz for free replacement. I wanted to report this safety issue for C300 model including mine that is not covered under extended warranty.
I took my vehicle to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance and while there I was advised that the vehicle is suffering from the subframe corrosion issue. I called the manufacturer service center and they took my VIN and said I was not covered under the bulletin. The independent contractor gave me an estimate to get it repaired, however Mercedes doesn’t even have the parts needed in stock as they are backed ordered nation wide. This is our only car and it now I am forced to drive an unsafe vehicle.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud clicking sound coming from the panoramic sunroof. The contact stated that the sunroof then became inoperable. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V854000 (Structure) and 21V197000 (Structure). The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The sunroof panel being cracked on this car is a well known and documented issue. There have been several recalls for it just not on my specific model. Yet I’m just like them, stuck with a broken in half sunroof panel that let water seep in and ruin my sunroof twice now, and the only fix is to pay $4500. This is insanely high for the small panel I’m talking about.
Panoramic roof explode sound like a gunshot but the roof exploded
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes Benz C400. The contact stated that while vehicle was inside a high-pressure car wash, water leaked from the roof panel at the front of the vehicle, nearby the front windshield. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The engine lamp turned yellow. The car got inspected by a mechanic and showed code. P052E, which indicates the defect in the crankcase ventilation valve. I see that many cars of the same model in which were produced about the same year had the same defect. I called the manufacture customer service and they claim that my van was not included in the recall. My vehicle likely had the same problem as other people did in the past, but for some reason my vin was not included.
failed piston wrist pins from early production of mercedes w205 c300. The issue was diagnosed by mercedes of manhattan and could not provide me a fix. Stated that the issue is common with the vehicle and it does not warrant a recall for this issue. i believe its a safety issue and my vehicle only has 60K miles
On January 21,2025, I had an appointment for an inspection at Mercedes Benz of Smithtown, the dealership I use. I was informed that my car required replacement of a rotted rear subframe. A hole had rotted through, causing the car to "Fail inspection and was NOT SAFE" to drive. I was provided a video showing the damage. There was a recall in effect however, my Vin # was not included and it’s status has not changed. The 2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupe Vin # [XXX] , which was neglected to be included in the recall covers 2008-2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupes, regarding rotted rear subframe. MBUSA extended the vehicle Warranty 4 yrs/ 50,000 miles to 20 yrs/unlimited miles. However, I do not qualify for reimbursement of $4,014.92, because my Vin # was left off the list. Mercedes customer assistant center states they can't help, has to be included by NHTSA, when I said they cannot add a Vin #. I was then told, it has to come from the head office in Germany. Nothing like getting a run around not what I expected from Mercedes Benz USA, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crank case ventilation Valve needs replaced. This is a hazard and multiple Mercedes owners have reported the same issues.
Rear subframe cracked while driving and rear of car sways from one lane to the next when brakes are applied. Car is not safe
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63S AMG. The contact stated while driving at 30MPH in a School Zone, pieces of the panoramic sunroof detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the panoramic rails of the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,500.
Due to the type of fuel line and clamps used to fasten them, cold weather has caused them to shrink such that gas leaks, which comes through the car vents into the car cab and now into my [XXX] and [XXX] kids's lungs. Mercedes has issued a 10 year warranty on this specific feature, but it should be a safety recall unless we agree that inhaling gas vapors is okay for your health. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Check engine light came on, it has to be with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve. So I found out that other people are experiencing the same thing. So I know that there is a recall by the manufacturer. And I want to do the same for me.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed by the dealer that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
P052e positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve. 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 turbo 4matic
I had the sunroof opened and it almost blew off, if I didn’t pull over it would have. I took it to the shop and was told it is a manufacturers issue.
Crankcase Ventilation Valve Problem code P052E71
My car (vin [XXX] ) a 2015 Mercedes C300 is experiencing the same premature rusting on the subframe. I was told that while a lot of Mercedes are covered, mine is not for some reason but I'm at the same risk for the subframe getting holes in it and wheels breaking off. I only have 78,000 miles on my car, only have it serviced at the dealer and it has been garaged parked. This type of damage is not typical for a car that has been this well cared for and for the amount it has been driven. I called Mercedes to honor the $5600 or to extend the warranty should it have to be replaced and they said to file a claim here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The defect is a rusted rear subframe with large holes that will break and cause wheels to become detached and lost control of the vehicle. The issue was identified and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealership. Additionally, an authorized Mercedes mechanic provided video of my vehicle showing a rusted rear subframe with huge holes on both sides of the vehicle. He also stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive. Mercedes has issued an extended warranty on this same exact issue but only to certain VINs.
The rear subframe is rusted through. It is a known manufacturing defect where water sits and rusts through the subframe. This was a recall on various Mercedes up through 2014. Multiple 2015 models have the same issue, including my Mercedes 2015 C300 4MATIC. I have a 2009 SLK with the same issue, which Mercedes previously fixed and acknowledged the manufacturing defect. The part number under the recall through 2014 is "212 250 3805" My 2015 car has part number "212 350 3605" that is not covered but still has rust issues. See attached picture The subframe can result in the back wheels falling off. My subframe is severely rusted through and a risk as a driver. A certified Mercedes dealer has inspected this issue and confirmed the safety but Mercedes will not cover the repairs for the known defect. There are no warning lights or indicators to this issue.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the front roof panel separated and flew off. The contact drove back and was able to pick the front roof panel off the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front roof panel needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000(Structure) was previously performed on the vehicle, and the additional related repair would be at the contact's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000(Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
I believe my car was missed on the panoramic roof issue. I have been hearing a lot of wind and road noise coming into my car from the roof and now my roof is having issues completely closing. A few guys with c300 I know were recalled for the same issue and they had theirs repaired from the dealer under recall and after a few trips to different dealers they told me to try and add it here through the website.
Purchased vehicle in march 2024 it went thru emission inspection in 2022 after failing it passed second time . I go for inspection and it fails emission test again just passed two years later. After doing my research Positive Crankcase Ventilation System seems to be a very common problem. It also cost 2000 to fix. Appreciate you time thank you
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light, the STOP/START system activated; however, after releasing the brake pedal and attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel illuminated simultaneously with several unknown warning lights. The vehicle then powered off completely. The contact manually restarted the vehicle and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact turned off the Automatic STOP/START system. The failure occurred two additional times. The failure had not recurred with the Automatic STOP/START system deactivated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.
Known issue with panoramic sunroof on 2015 Mercedes C300 sunroof. Having to be replaced on “many” vehicles costing over $2500.00 for repair. Sunroof gets stuck and will not close.
SUNROOF SLIDE AND SHOE REPAIR. SLIDES HAVE MELTED DUE TO HIGH TEMPERTURES OWNER OPERATIOR DID NOT CAUSE ISSUE. Opened sunroof and sunroof would not closed. Discovered melted slides inside to sunroof tracks. It was a Rainy day and could not get sunroof to closed. Would have interfered with the visibility to drive due to water getting inside vehicle. Cost to repair is extremely high for this repair and when contacting repair shops they are seeing a large number of Mercedes with the same problem.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while washing the vehicle, he observed that the roof panel had become detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crankcase ventilation valve. PCV valve has failed causing check engine light. Very common issue on this model according to my research. The dealer does not have this product in stock to facilitate a repair and no support to find the part. Very difficult when trying to pass an emissions test and this is the last thing holding that back.
Unknown
My car is a 2015 Mercedes Benz, I bought it at the agency in 2022. When I tested the vehicle at the agency, I noticed the steering was a little hard. I asked the sales person and he told me it was normal. Then, after 1 year and 5 months, it was on its way. I went to work and the steering wheel jammed and it wouldn't cross and the car turned off then it didn't want to start and it said the following on the dashboard power stering see operator manual
I got my oil changed last week and not my car has the check engine light on and is throwing the code p025e. From what I’ve read this is common problem in these cars. It’s an environmental hazard, because when this happens the car is not dispelling the fumes as it should and cannot be ventilated correctly.
I got an oil change since it was due then “P052E” It’s a very common issues with the engine first time it’s happened at 66K miles.
Check engine light on with PO52E error
Code P052E
Crank case vent valve assembly
PCV VALVE FAILURE PO52E ERROR
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the panoramic plastic piece suddenly detached from the vehicle. The location where the piece was attached was fractured allowing wind and water to leak inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Pcv valve malfunction causing the 0sensor to short. It’s also spitting oil into my CAT.. Mercedes has the part on back order and no one can seem to get it but everyone is having the same issue.
My wife and I were driving our 2015 C-Class Mercedes on a highway, traveling at roughly 55MPH on 2/25/24, at approximately 2pm, conditions were sunny but windy, when suddenly we heard a loud noise above our heads. The noise sounded like it came from around our sunroof, and it sounded as if maybe the car had been hit by a piece of debris, although neither of us saw anything. We looked in our mirrors but didn't see anything, and I also tried opening and closing the sunroof and it worked fine. I also looked in my rear view mirror and didn't see any cars behind me swerve, or in any way adjust their driving. Because there was no safe shoulder on that part of the road, we continued a mile or so further up the road and then pulled over to see if we could visibly see anything wrong with the car. To our disbelief, a section of the body of the car that is just above the front windshield and just before the sunroof, a piece I believe called the "front stationary sunroof panel" , was completely missing! We were unsuccessful at finding the piece. After some research in recent days, I believe this issue is related to MB recall campaign #2021070010, 22V-954 / 2023010004/5/6. If this is however related to the recall, the Mercedes dealership we took our car to on 3/1/24 told us it would cost us over $2,000.00 to repair. As I thought about a piece of the car simply flying off while driving, I realized how much of a safety hazard this could pose to others, hence this written report.
My car has been identified as having the subframe corrosion issue and is on the list by date and model, but Mercedes Benz will not honor the warranty because my car's VIN is not on their list.
My car failed PA State inspection due to a hole and rusted rear subframe. I have determined that there is a recall associated with this issue but that my vehicle just missed the recall limit. The recall affected 2008-2015 models (C Class with chassis 204). My vehicle is a 2015 C Class with chassis 205. It is evident that my vehicle has the same structural/construction defects as the previous years and should have been included in this recall. I have provided photographic evidence (attached/uploaded below). This is a very expensive repair that I should not have to pay for. Please review and consider having this included in the recall process so that I can be reimbursed for this costly repair as it is the result of a faulty construction process. Thank you. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve failing and code P052E comes up. Mercedes Benz said this is a problem with all 2015 c300 and should be recalled