2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Vehicle developed OBD-II code P052E related to crankcase ventilation/PCV system malfunction. Issue causes improper crankcase pressure, rough idle, oil vapor smells, and check engine light. Independent research shows this is a common failure on 2015–2017 Mercedes C300 models. Repair requires replacement of crankcase vent/PCV assembly. This appears to be a premature emissions system failure.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT appeared on dash at approximately 72k miles. Had code read and diagnosed by certified mechanic and he had an active code P06DA00(this code signifies an electrical fault, open circuit, or high resistance in the circuit for the oil pump control valve on vehicles with two stage oil pump, which can lead to incorrect oil pressure, which can cause engine damage if not addressed). Vehicle was taken to Harriman Mercedes in New York. They did not acknowledge an active code but wanted to diagnose and repair a stored code for a small evap leak, which was rectified with a new gas cap. After prying about the P06DA00 code, they finally admitted it did have a stored code but to ignore it because it had something to do with domestic and foreign car engine computers issues. How do you ignore an active code with a potentially serious engine issue and told to ignore it. I know for a fact that this is a common problem with these 2.0L engines in these cars for many years.
This vehicle was 2nd owner via Mercedes CPO. Note I bought this 2016 in 2018 on CPO, so recalls and technical notes were confirmed to be resolved. Had last taken to Mercedes dealership. Vehicle was always running fine until about 64,000+ miles when a check engine light came on while just entering the freeway and the vehicle started shaking violently. Continue to drive the vehicle for a few miles to get to the destination. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership and the dealership declared that cylinder 1 had lost 80% compression and had a cylinder 1 piston crack. This is consistent with numerous claims on Mercedes message boards. Mercedes dealership said that this vehicle was not drivable and was not covered under warranty. Requested $11,000 for single piston repair or $15,000 for full engine rebuild replacement. Please note that M274 engine has this complaint. The engine is apparently a Nissan collaboration designed i-4 turbocharged engine and car is assembled in Alabama. Internal Mercedes technical bulletins talk about piston wrist pins. So Mercedes know there is an issue and they know status on my vehicle. Mercedes dealers have sent me documents on piston wrist pins replacement status. The recommendation is to rebuild or buy new motor. So i have no confidence that an engine rebuild will fix the issue. All oil change maintenance records show proper oil at proper intervals and multi-point inspections. Correct use of premium gas was used. Vehicle had been inspected and given all green remarks on multipoint review before the incident. - Got It ? Requesting investigation as I have 3 vehicles, Toyota (2002), Honda(2008), and YES a Mercedes(2005) with 216K miles. So don't tell me that this is my fault.
P0952 sensor part not available untill Dec 2024 I have documentation from my mechanic
my car broke down while driving on the freeway, with only 58,000 miles the piston broke in cylinder 1 causing my car to loose power can cause an accident due to breaking down on freeway problem has been confirmed by a certified mechanic shop check engine light started flashing the moment the engine failed
error code P052E positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve performance
Code P052E71 Saying the Crankcase is bad. Seems to be an issue with MB.
check engine light p052e positive crankcase ventilation regulator value performance
I have noticed a recurring issue during the colder months where there is a strong gas smell inside the cabin, and I have also observed fuel dripping into the engine compartment. This issue seems to occur primarily in winter conditions. I was surprised to find that there has been no official recall or service bulletin addressing this concern, especially given the potential safety implications.
A couple years back I had an engine light pop up and it was the code P052E which as I’ve done my research and read a lot of forums this is a common problem with the W205 Mercedes Motors. As of today 04/18/24 the engine light came on and I got it diagnosed to find out it is the same problem again. This repair is almost $2000 and it is due to Mercedes faulty manufacturing of the PCV valve. I have read things that say there has been extended warranty on it and a lot of submissions for recalls, that I’m not exactly sure of.
Pcv valve has gone bad, and it seems like everyone i ask that is mercedes technician they all say these parts are terribly made and always break.
My Mercedes has a P052E check engine light code for its PCV value performance. I do see that many other drivers are having this issue and that repairs are around $2,000.
PCV fault
Check Engine light...P052E positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve
My coils are faulty and needing to be replaced, but not part of the existing recall for C63s coils. On the message forums for C63s I’ve come across a lot of owners that are having issues not being part of the recall. Campaign No. 2017060008.
Check engine light P052E crankcase vent valve thousands of same model have this problem should be recall
I recently received a CEL code P052e positive crankcase ventilation valve. Common problem seen in multiple forums.
M274 check engine light P052E71 Crankcase ventilation valve Topic: # LI 01.20-P-076794 crankcase ventilation cylinder head cover WIS-references document # AR01.20-P-9692MRU remove/install oil separator on crankcase.
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve performance
Error code PO52e crankcase ventilation
I have a problem that happened with a trouble code: P052E. It appears for now reason so the problem is in a faulty positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve. It costs a lot and not all the mechanics can do this type of work.
Gas smell inside the cabin. Check engine light on . Took to dealer, stated P052e code came up. Positive crankcase ventilation valve went bad. The dealer says it is a pretty common problem for this vehicle and engine. Quote came back close to $2900 for parts and labor
P052E - PCV Regulator Valve Performance: Actuator Stuck P06DA - Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open no sub type information My understanding is these are common issues and Mercedes and anyone who works on them know it is a common issue for all lines. I also have a broken sunroof that seems to be common on all lines. There are some recalls out for the sunroof but not for the C-Class C300, although all of the videos I have found match the same issues that were recalled on other models. The dealer confirmed these are known issues.
PVC valve replacement Engine light off and on Started about 3 months ago
CRANKCASE VENTILATION- code: P052E came up and I had just bought from the dealership with 87k miles
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Quick Summary
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 63 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.