Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E reliable?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E has 10 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E?

Top problems: OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E?

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E has an EPA rating of 30 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2561. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E is approximately $2,495/year (ev-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E has 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is other problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: back panel of panorama sun roof cracked and shattered while pulling into our driveway. body shop indicated railings holding the tempered glass in place shifted for some reason. mercedes refuses to repair even though the car is only seven months old. defect is a safety hazard. fortunately, incide. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

OTHER

3 complaints

30%

• BACK PANEL OF PANORAMA SUN ROOF CRACKED AND SHATTERED WHILE PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. BODY SHOP INDICATED RAILINGS HOLDING THE TEMPERED GLASS IN PLACE SHIFTED FOR SOME REASON. MERCEDES REFUSES TO REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS ONLY SEVEN MONTHS OLD. DEFECT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. FORTUNATELY, INCIDE
• This is a known problem with The Mercedes cars from 2015 through 2018. The Service advisor said this is a know issue with this year, I asked can you do it for free because it is a Merc issue. He said he cannot do it. The cost for this repair is $2500 in Mercedes show room. These should be recalled a
• I was driving on the local freeway and the strip of glass between the windshield and the sunroof flew off and landed on the pavement behind me. Thankfully the car behind me was far enough away that it didn't hit it--but it could have if it had been. If that had happened I shudder to think what the r

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“BACK PANEL OF PANORAMA SUN ROOF CRACKED AND SHATTERED WHILE PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. BODY SHOP INDICATED RAILINGS HOLDING THE TEMPERED GLASS IN PLACE SHIFTED FOR SOME REASON. MERCEDES REFUSES TO REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS ONLY SEVEN MONTHS OLD. DEFECT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. FORTUNATELY, INCIDE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (5)

COMMUNICATION01/11/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$2,538

Per month

$212

Per mile

21.2¢

kWh/mi

1.12

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,495

Full coverage / month

$208

Liability only / year

$816

vs US avg

+49%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2495

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz C350E Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2016 C350E, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 10 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: BACK PANEL OF PANORAMA SUN ROOF CRACKED AND SHATTERED WHILE PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. BODY SHOP INDICATED RAILINGS HOLDING THE TEMPERED GLASS IN PLACE SHIFTED FOR SOME REASON. MERCEDES REFUSES TO REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS ONLY SEVEN MONTHS OLD. DEFECT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. FORTUNATELY, INCIDE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: This is a known problem with The Mercedes cars from 2015 through 2018. The Service advisor said this is a know issue with this year, I asked can you do it for free because it is a Merc issue. He said he cannot do it. The cost for this repair is $2500 in Mercedes show room. These should be recalled a
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C350E. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AVERAGE MPG RANGED BETWEEN 25 TO 34 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RECHARGED EVERY 11 MILES TO KEEP THE ELECTRIC CHARGE GOING ASSOCIATED WITH THE MPG. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED 51 MPG ON THE STICKER AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY IN HIGHWAY, SHARDS OF GLASS FROM THE SUNROOF ALSO DAMAGED/CHIPPED REAR PART OF THE CAR. CAUSE UNKNOWN. VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN COLLISION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz C350E — Year Comparison

How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 10
Recalls: 5
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 10

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Mercedes-Benz C350E

Compare With

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