2016 Mercedes Benz C Class Phev
Common Problems
Ranked from 148 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Light Activation Due to PCV Valve Issues
43complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine light activates due to PCV valve malfunction, requiring expensive repairs.
- 2
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Malfunction
43complaintsHigh severityEngineThe PCV valve malfunctions leading to engine light activation and potential engine damage.
- 3
Sunroof Malfunction
34complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof malfunctions, including detachment, sticking, and leaking, posing safety risks.
- 4
Power Steering Failure
27complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, making the vehicle difficult to control and increasing crash risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Fuel smell in cabin during heating
15complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe vehicle emits a strong fuel smell when the heat or defroster is turned on.
- 6
Fuel Leak from Crankcase Ventilation System
14complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe crankcase ventilation system is leaking fuel, causing a strong smell inside and outside the vehicle.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Airbag recall issues
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalIssues with Takata airbags leading to recalls and delayed repairs.
- 8
Fuel line leak
7complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel lines leak, causing a strong fuel smell and potential fire risk.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Wheel Cracking and Leaks
6complaintsHigh severityOtherMercedes-Benz wheels are prone to cracking and leaks, posing a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers.
- 10
Engine Misfire Due to Piston Failure
5complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine is experiencing cylinder misfires due to piston failures, requiring significant repairs.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe stop-start system malfunctions, causing the engine to stall at idle, leading to loss of propulsion and difficulty restarting.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Fuel System Leaks
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel system leaks, particularly in the high-pressure pump and fuel hoses, leading to strong gasoline odors and potential hazards.
- 14
Defective rims
2complaintsMedium severityOtherMercedes-Benz AMG alloy rims crack and cause tire pressure failures.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.