Recall 16V438 affects 17 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicles for an electric power steering assist software error. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 17 2016 C300 vehicles because a software error can shut down the electric power steering assist. If assist shuts down, steering takes more effort at lower speeds and crash risk increases; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assist system on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 uses an electric motor and control unit to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel. The control unit reads steering torque, which is the force you apply at the wheel, then commands assist so the car steers normally at parking speeds and while driving.
In the affected C300, supplier software added an offset value inside the power steering control unit. When that value is beyond the critical threshold, the torque sensor calculation is wrong. The control unit stores a fault code and shuts off power steering assist while the vehicle is being driven. The steering linkage remains connected, but the wheel requires more force to turn.
If the assist shuts off, the driver receives an instrument-cluster display message and hears an acoustic chime right away. Treat that message and chime as the warning sign for this defect.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 17 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist means the C300 needs extra steering effort at lower speeds, which increases crash risk. If it happens, the instrument cluster shows a message and the vehicle sounds a chime. Slow down, use extra care, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free software update that fixes the electric power steering assist shutdown.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one, and reference recall number 16V438 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and plan for extra steering effort at lower speeds.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall or repair appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the software for the electric power steering control unit. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Mercedes-Benz. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 19, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V438?
Recall 16V438 covers 17 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicles with electric power steering assist software that can shut down. If assist is lost, steering takes extra effort at lower speeds and crash risk increases. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the steering control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific C300 is included in recall 16V438. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the electric power steering control unit software update. Reference recall number 16V438 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the electric power steering control unit software free of charge, and Mercedes-Benz customer service is available at 1-800-367-6372.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 before the repair?
The official recall does not tell owners to stop driving. A loss of electric power steering assist can make the wheel harder to turn at low speeds and increase crash risk. Schedule the free software update and use extra care during low-speed turns until it is complete.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz C300 used?
The free recall repair still applies. The VIN decides whether this recall covers your specific vehicle, not whether you received the original owner letter. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 16V438 if your C300 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V438000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V438 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V438000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →