2016 Mercedes-Benz C450

Routine

Owners filed 16 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the wheels. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Wheels5
000
Structure › Body4
000
Electrical System3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Power Train1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Communication19V787000
Filed Nov 1, 201924,226 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

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

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Starter Assembly17V114000
Filed Feb 23, 2017307,629 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly16V087000
Filed Feb 16, 201653 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed May 6, 2026AZ

Sudden fracture of the propeller shaft universal joint at freeway speeds causing catastrophic damage to the transmission and exhaust system. This matches the failure described in NHTSA Recall 26V216. While driving on Arizona Freeway 202. Extreme clanking noise heard and lost all power in middle of rush hour. Barely able to navigate vehicle safely off the freeway. No warning whatsoever. Had to be towed to Mercedes Benz Gilbert where documentation provided as to failure.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Apr 10, 2025ID

Just purchased this vehicle in Utah, was driving from Utah to Idaho on the interstate at 80mph when all of a sudden my sunroof opened up with high winds and blew right off. Luckily nobody was behind me but I’ve been driving 2 hours without a sunroof due to weak glue/manufacturing defect

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2024SD

The sunroof locked open during a road trip. I am mechanically inclined, so adding lubricant and driving through a low pressure air front caused the sunroof to shut. Had I been in an emergency, not mechanically inclined, or if this happen during inclement weather or to a little old lady this would have been a severe issue causing the vehicle to become inoperable due to rain or snow entering the cabin and reducing visibility, and damaging the electronic components in the vehicle's cabin. This is also a safety hazard to the the drivers health in conditions of smog, extreme low temperature, animal attack or if there was an assault from a criminal with ill intentions.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 21, 2023LA

Panoramic sunroof pillars/rails detaching while operating vehicle. 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. When operating the vehicle at a moderate speed, the sunroof continued to adjust itself on its own. Belive that there is a risk of the sunroof detaching from the stock plastic rails and that it may not be properly bonded. I do not feel comfortable usuing the Panoramic sunroof for fear of it detaching during driving conditions, putting other motorist and myself in danger.

Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2022IL

When I go to put my car in reverse, or drive the gear control is malfunctioning and I’m afraid this can be deadly or cause serious injury.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 30, 2021GA

The part attaching the sunroof to the rails comes off and could cause the sunroof to come detached.

Structure › Body
Filed May 21, 2021FL

The panoramic sunroof does not properly seal to car, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation and likely to impair the operator during use. Furthermore, without properly sealing the internal cabin is exposed to the environment (i.e. rain, snow, ect.) causing further damage to the internal safety and electrical features.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 21, 2021CA

Panoramic sunroof exploded spontaneously while driving. There was no previous warning. Glass shattered onto driver and passenger. The loud sound and glass shattering onto us could have caused self injury or accident to occur. Auto insurance was notified at time of incident. Vehicle was taken to Mercedes benz dealership for repair.

Wheels
Filed Feb 11, 202135,511 milesCA

THE RIMS CRACKED TWICE WITHIN 1 YEAR. FIRST TIME WAS IN 2018 THE 2ND 2019

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 7, 202058,000 milesOK

THE VEHICLE HAS A PANORAMIC SUNROOF AND I HAD OPENED THE ROOF WHILE I WAS PARKED AND WHEN I STARTED DRIVING SOMETHING POPPED AND THE FRONT OF THE SUNROOF LIFTED A LITTLE CAUSING IT TO IT THE BACK GLASS PORTION OF THE PANORAMIC ROOF. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT AND SAW THE THE FRONT GUIDES WERE BROKEN/DETATCHED. I HAD TO FIND A WAY TO FORCE THE SUNROOF TO CLOSE. I WAS ONLY GOING AROUND 25 MPH WHEN THE GUIDES GAVE UP. IF I WOULD'VE BEEN GOING FASTER, THE FORCE WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE BACK GLASS.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 10, 202051,000 milesGA

AS PER THIS RECALL LISTED 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C300, C450 AMG 4MATIC RECALLED FOR PANORAMIC SUNROOF DEFECT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED MODEL FROM A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WHILE DRIVING THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF ATTEMPTED TO STAND UP VERTICALLY BUT I QUICKLY CAUGHT IT. I PULLED OVER AND MANAGED TO GET IT TO CLOSE AND LATCH AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER NAMED IN THE REPAIR ESTIMATE. I PROVIDED THEM WITH THE PLASTIC PIECES SHOWN IN THE PICTURE THAT I FOUND BROKEN INSIDE THE FRAME AND THEY WOULD NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHOUT A CHARGE OF OVER $3200 WHICH INCLUDED PARTS THAT ARE NOT MALFUNCTIONING. INSTEAD I WAS SENT BACK OUT WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME CONDITION

Wheels
Filed Oct 24, 201939,000 milesTX

DEFECTIVE 19'' MERCEDES-BENZ AMG ALLOY RIM CRACKED AND CAUSED TIRE PRESSURE FAILURE.

Wheels
Filed Feb 1, 201946,000 milesNY

SINCE I BOUGHT THE MY 2016 C450 AMG IN 2016 BRAND NEW I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE RIMS A MONTH LATER AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CRACKED RIM ,I RESPONDED BY LETTING THEM KNOW I NEVER RAN OVER ANY POTHOLES.THE RIM WAS REPAIRED, BUT A MONTH LATER AGAIN THE PROBLEM ACCURRED.MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM EVERY OTHER MONTH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON EACH OF MY TIRES ,ALL OF MY TIRES HAVE BEEN CRACKED WITHOUT ME RUNNING INTO POTHOLES.JUST YESTERDAY I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK FROM SERVICE AFTER A WEEK OF THEM HAVING IT FOR A CRACKED RIM AGAIN ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE.WHEN I LEFT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS AT 36 PERCENT THIS MORNING ALL THE TIRES ARE AT THEIR NORMAL PRESSURE EXCEPT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IT'S AT 30 PERCENT. IT IS LOSING AIR AGAIN. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OVER 15 TIME FOR PROBLEMS WITH CRACK RIMS WITHOUT ME RUNNING INTO POTHOLES. IS THERE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS?

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 201925,070 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE 405 FREEWAY VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST AT 65MPH, VEHICLE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO STEER & STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH HAD TO FIGHT WITH THE STEERING TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. TRY TO RESTART VEHICLE ALL LIGHT CAME ON NO-START. BATTERY CABLE HAD TO BE REMOVED WAIT 30MIN AND VEHICLE RESTARTED. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN BEVERLY HILLS, DEALER DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND SOME DTC'S CODES AND RESET AND RETURN VEHICLE

Wheels
Filed Mar 13, 201824,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C450. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER TIRES WERE DEFLATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF CHERRY HILL (2151 NJ-70, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RIMS WERE CRACKED DUE TO DRIVING OVER POTHOLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Wheels
Filed Jun 10, 20163,000 milesCA

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF OUR 2016 MERCEDES IN DECEMBER OF 2015, WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE WARNING DISPLAY OF THE TIRE PRESSURE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP MY WIFE TOOK IT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP WHERE THE OWNER PUT AIR IN THE TIRES AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. IT OCCURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND I ALWAYS WENT TO LOCAL GAS STATIONS AND PUT AIR IN. AFTER GETTING FRUSTRATED WE DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA CALIFORNIA SHOWED THE SERVICE ATTENDANT THE ALERT ON THE DASH. HE RETRIEVED AN AIR PUMP AND PUT AIR IN ALL THE TIRES ACCORDING TO THE SPECS AND SENT US ON OUR WAY WITHOUT DISCUSSING THE WARNING ALERT WHICH WENT OFF. AFTER APPX A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING WE RETURNED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.. MY WIFE SPENT 4 HOURS WAITING AND ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE RECEIPT THEY SAID THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AT THE CLIENT'S REQUEST AND NEVER MENTIONED THE ALERT ON THE DASH BEING REPORTED BY THE OWNER. WE HAVE TAKEN IT A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES ONE OF WHICH THE CHECKED AND SUBMERGED ALL THE TIRES TO CHECK FOR LEAKS AND RIM DAMAGE WHICH THEY ALL CHECK OUT PROBLEM FREE. AND AS USUAL THE ALERT CAME BACK ON AFTER APPX. A WEEK AND A HALF OF DRIVING. TODAY THE ALERT IS BACK ON WITH ANOTHER RED WARNING SIGN AND WE ARE GOING TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IN VALENCIA TOMORROW SINCE THEY WILL NOT SEND A TOW SERVICE OUT WHEN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLEARLY STATES "IN DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE". THIS IS THE SECOND RED LIGHT WARNING ON THE VEHIC

16 of 16 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20173100Routine
2016 — this page16500Routine

Compare every C450 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.