5 complaints reported

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to exceed 30 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not require a restart. The contact also stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided, and the contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,078.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Nov 2025

2021 Mercedes-Benz C300 with M254 2.0L turbo engine experienced sudden cylinder head failure at 44,000 miles due to manufacturing porosity in the cylinder head and camshaft bore scoring. Dealer confirmed defect. This is a known, recurring issue on 2021–2023 M254 engines with multiple documented failures under 50k miles. Sudden loss of compression and misfires create a safety risk of engine failure or fire while driving. TSB NUMBER LI07.16-P-074000 (February 2023, updated multiple times). This is a known production/early break-in issue with the M254 engine, not the result of owner misuse or delayed maintenance.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Feb 2025

Cylinder head needed to be replaced on the M264 engine at 35,000 miles. The replacement part is also known to be defective for the same reasons. This is a common defect known to the manufacturer and they have not issued a recall. My concern is that of a roadside breakdown that would endanger my wife and myself. Thank you for your consideration.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C 300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Mar 2024

the check Engine light fault code P012D12 The pressure sensor upstream of the turbocharger had a short circuit to positive. Found Kink wire on upstream pressure sensor. A short circuit to positive. Electrical Wire replaced.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Jan 2023
Feb 2023

Piston Connecting Rod broke and left the engine making holes in both sides of the block; Mercedes Benz rejected any responsibility because the car has a branded title. Currently a new engine (brand new) is being installed, my concern is that what will happen if the new engine has the same defective part and blew up again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ C300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: May 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 5 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.