Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 287 of 288 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 66 of 288 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
94 complaint records2 fire reports
"The crank case ventilation valve is bad. This part should be easily changed but the dealer wants over $3000. Happened at 62,000 miles...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
66 complaint records1 crash report
"THERE'S A CONSTANT GAS SMELL IN MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS A LEAK TWICE, BUT THAT CAN'T BE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT STILL CARRIES THE SMELL...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Electrical system
32 complaint records3 fire reports2 crash reports
"SUNROOF WILL NOT CLOSE AT ALL, SEATS WILL NOT ADJUST (ELECTRICAL), WIPER VISIBILITY IS UNCLEAR, DEFROST DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21002 opened Sep 2021 | OPEN | Air Bags | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. |
| PE21001 opened Jan 2021 | closed Oct 2021 | Structure | Front Roof Panel Detachment - led to recall 21V197000 On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V854000 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 21V961000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450,... | Normally free |
| 21V197000 | Structure | 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... | Normally free |
| 21V058000 | Electrical System | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class,... | Normally free |
| 19V787000 | Communication | 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... | Normally free |
| 18V850000 | Steering | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63... | Normally free |
| 17V627000 | Air Bags | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300... | Normally free |
| 17V243000 | Steering | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical... | Normally free |
Show 5 more recall campaigns
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17V177000 | Electrical System | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350... | Normally free |
| 17V114000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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,... | Normally free |
| 16V603000 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016. | Normally free |
| 16V438000 | Steering | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured November 4, 2015, to March 1, 2016. | Normally free |
| 16V087000 | Visibility | 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... | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| EW- ECU Software Mar 2019 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on the various Model Year (“MY”) 2014 - 2018 Mercedes-Benz vehicles listed below, the engine control unit (ECU) software may not meet current specifications. |
| EW - HVAC Service Oct 2020 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Visibility/Wiper | This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on May 18, June 25, 2020 and October 1, 2020 and contains important workshop instructions on how the HVAC Service Warranty repair must be carried out. |
| EW-Low Pressure Fuel Hose Aug 2021 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Fuel/Propulsion System | This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on July 30, 2021 and includes an additional population (33) of certain MY 2018 Baumusters covered under this extended warranty. |
| EW - Intake Line Assembly Jul 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on August 25, 2023, August 31, 2023 respectively and, contains clarification on parts ordering. |
| LI42.10-P-078779 Sep 2026 | Service Brakes | Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LI82.62-P-078631 Sep 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI46.35-P-067339 Aug 2026 | Steering | Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). | |
| LI72.20-P-075746 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. | |
| LI54.65-P-080132 Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 2026 | Structure | Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. | |
| LI82.85-P-079087 Aug 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB... | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 2026 | Power Train | Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19 Jun 2026 | Engine | Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. | |
| LI00.20-P-080703 Jun 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. | |
| LI82.85-P-080559 May 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) is not supported for gray-market vehicles. | |
| LI82.85-P-080507 May 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. | |
| LI82.30-P-059239 May 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the... | |
| LI54.65-P-080132 May 2026 | Back Over Prevention | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI54.65-P-080132 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 2026 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| NCU - 2025090001 Feb 2026 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Unknown Or Other | Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the TIREFIT sealant bottle may not meet specifications. The possibility exists that the sealant bottle may leak or may have otherwise been removed from the vehicle. |
| LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI54.65-P-080132 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI83.30-P-079850 Jan 2026 | Visibility/Wiper | Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy *Note - This Li does not apply if there are other Li's that apply to your concern OR you have a fault and/or guided test that leads to a... | |
| LI54.65-P-080132 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide. | |
| LI27.60-P-079967 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint The shift from 1st to 2nd gear may be uncomfortable under light load. Cause Vehicles with engine M264 and transmission 725.0 may be equipped with specific software versions. Remedy Update Transmission Software (VGSNAG3). 1. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI27.10-P-075869 Nov 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. It may be mistaken for a harsh shift. | |
| LI54.10-P-071499 Sep 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. | |
| LI27.19-P-074985 Jul 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint Commissioning not possible after replacement of TRANSMISSION 722.9 or of electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS) or of repair kit controller unit (VGS). | |
| LI46.15-P-063353 Jun 2025 | Steering | Complaint Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment jammed in the top/bottom adjustment position (e.g. with Easy Entry function), noise (breakaway noise) when leaving the limit stops of the height adjustment. | |
| LI82.85-P-079271 May 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 May 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI01.20-P-076894 May 2025 | Engine | Complaint Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction Cause The partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line... | |
| LI54.10-P-071499 May 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. | |
| LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.10-P-078896 Apr 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. | |
| LI82.85-P-079087 Apr 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.E-Navigator 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause... | |
| LI54.30-P-079004 Mar 2025 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint The message "Device detected at diagnostics connection See Owner’s Manual" appears sporadically in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster while driving (see picture in attachment). | |
| LI82.70-P-077433 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. | |
| LI54.65-P-066284 Feb 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times during the trip. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. | |
| LI47.50-P-078804 Feb 2025 | Fuel/Propulsion System | Complaint Customer-perceived problem: • Fuel gauge reading implausible • MIL ON (market-dependent) N118/3 Fault codes in control units FSCM_GEN4/5/6 • For these fault codes, the tests contained in XENTRY must be carried out P046109 / P206609 / P13E600 • For these fault codes,... | |
| LI47.50-P-078804 Jan 2025 | Fuel/Propulsion System | Complaint Customer-perceived problem: • Fuel gauge reading implausible • MIL ON (market-dependent) N118/3 Fault codes in control units FSCM_GEN4/5/6 • For these fault codes, the tests contained in XENTRY must be carried out P046109 / P206609 / P13E600 • For these fault codes,... | |
| LI68.10-P-070572 Jan 2025 | Structure | Complaint Noise from area of instrument panel Noise might occur in the following conditions: - At engine speeds of 1500 rpm to 2000 rpm. | |
| LI72.00-P-071544 Jan 2025 | Structure | Complaint Paint damage on door paneling in area of door handle (see picture 1). Cause Alignment of door handle bearing bracket is not correct. Remedy 1. | |
| LI88.60-P-072093 Jan 2025 | Structure | Complaint Fuel door may require several attempts to open. Please note that if the complaint "Fuel filler flap not opening" occurs, it is important to check the fuel filler flap before replacing the central locking actuator. | |
| LI72.10-P-062500 Jan 2025 | Structure | Complaint Wind or airflow noises in the area of the doors Cause Airflow noises or tire noise. The noises entering the interior may be perceived as too loud. Remedy MODEL 205/0/1/2 1. Check door adjustment. | |
| LI33.30-P-056665 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). | |
| LI54.65-P-066284 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times during the trip. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. | |
| LI35.30-P-058566 Jan 2025 | Power Train | Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. | |
| LI54.65-P-066284 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel. This happens several times during the trip. The customer notices the sound of opening and closing. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. | |
| LI82.85-P-078473 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. | |
| LI27.19-P-072588 Nov 2024 | Power Train | Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. | |
| LI82.10-P-078069 Nov 2024 | Exterior Lighting | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. | |
| LI82.35-P-078467 Oct 2024 | Structure | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. | |
| LI01.20-P-078446 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint Check engine light on. One of the below fault codes is current in the engine control module (N3/10). P04DB29, P04DB31, P04DB79 Cause Open circuit or high resistance to crankcase vent line contact Remedy 1. | |
| LI82.85-P-078473 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | Complaint After a control unit replacement of "N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" or the "N112/2 - control unit for telematics services (RAMSES)", the Digital Extras (previously Mercedes me) cannot be activated. The DTC B15CE00 is active or active+saved. | |
| LI27.00-P-074450 Oct 2024 | Power Train | Complaint Tension-releasing impact of the propeller shaft with the force-free in D "KID" function, after vehicle has stopped. Cause The tension-releasing jolt in the drivetrain originates as a result of the "release" of energy stored when braking through the force-free switch... |
Showing 60 of 143 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 13 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 4 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercedes-Benz C300 →