Home · 2015 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid · Complaints

What 435 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (435)Crash / fire / injury (13)Engine (134)Fuel system (75)Body & structure (73)Electrical system (54)Steering (28)Suspension (28)Airbags (26)Transmission & drivetrain (23)Visibility & wipers (17)Brakes (10)

Newest first · 435 complaints · page 4 of 18

Oct 2, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11617653

Sep 24, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Known/ common issue with the positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve on my 2015 c300.

NHTSA ODI 11616106

Sep 3, 2024

The rear subframe rusted and needed complete replacement. The service department would not pass the car for inspection without replacement. My brother, who also has a Mercedes C300 model but from the prior year, reported that he had the exact same issue. However, Mercedes issued an extended warranty on his model. In researching this issue, I have discovered that this rusted subframe issue is prevalent in C300 models in all years, not just the model years before mine. I compared the service notes from my invoice with my brother's invoice. It is the exact same issue. I contacted both the Mercedes dealership and Mercedes corporate about this issue, seeking resolution. I provided them with all the documentation. Their answer is simply that my VIN does not qualify under their extended warranty and refused to look into it further, despite my pointing out that it is the exact same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11612294

Aug 31, 2024Suspension

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.

NHTSA ODI 11611955

Aug 27, 2024Engine

Crankcase Ventilation Valve Problem code P052E71

NHTSA ODI 11611296

Aug 26, 2024Body & structureSuspension

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)

NHTSA ODI 11610913

Aug 16, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11608926

Aug 9, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11607566

Aug 8, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11607201

Jul 22, 2024Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11603707

Jul 2, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11598380

Jul 2, 2024Visibility & wipers

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.

NHTSA ODI 11598398

Jun 23, 2024Body & structure

My boyfriend and I were driving my 2015 MB C400 down the road in November 2020 and it was a beautiful day out so we decided we would open the sunroof to get some fresh air. I was driving so my boyfriend pressed the button for the sunroof to open. As the sunroof was opening, there was a cracking and popping sound coming from above us. We immediately pulled over at a gas station to see what was happening. Upon getting out of the car and looking closer at the sunroof, we noticed many cheap plastic components that were just broken and crumbled laying inside the sunroof tract. We removed the broken pieces and then tried to close the sunroof several times. T Each time, the sunroof went into the closed position BUT immediately went straight back to the popped up position and would not completely close again. I took my car to the MB dealership in Athens, Ga where they told me it would be almost $2500 to repair which I did not feel as if I should be held responsible for as I had just purchased the car in January 2020 only 11 months earlier. I was in fear that the sunroof would detach from the car and cause serious injury to any motorist behind me. I also have a [XXX] son who is now scared to ride in my car!! After doing much research on this issue, I have found that this is truly a common problem with this MB model. I have reached out to the corporate office a few times and they only tell me that there is no active recalls with my cars VIN. It is completely unacceptable that MB is fully aware of this issue yet they continue to disregard the potential harm to other motorists. Please help!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11595949

Jun 19, 2024

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.

NHTSA ODI 11595223

Jun 11, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11593757

Jun 5, 2024Body & structure

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.

NHTSA ODI 11592633

May 21, 2024EngineFuel system

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11589816

Apr 26, 2024Engine

PCV VALVE FAILURE PO52E ERROR

NHTSA ODI 11585344

Apr 22, 2024Fuel system

Very strong gas smell inside the car when started and heat or air is turned on. I have done research and it is a common issue with this car. This is a very serious issue that can cause an engine fire with the gas leaking in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI 11584382

Apr 17, 2024SteeringAirbags

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

NHTSA ODI 11583449

Apr 11, 2024

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582276

Apr 10, 2024Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582042

Apr 5, 2024Engine

Code P052E

NHTSA ODI 11581305

Apr 3, 2024Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11581046

Apr 2, 2024Engine

Check engine light on with PO52E error

NHTSA ODI 11580772

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Working with the data? Download all 435 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid verdict →