Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11501900January 15, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE (2016 C-CLASS 300) HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD AND IDLING. SEEMS LIKE IT'S COMMON PROBLEM IN W205 C300 CARS. TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS THERE IS A CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION: HTTPS://WWW.SAUDERSCHELKOPF.COM/INVESTIGATIONS/AUTOMOTI VE/MERCEDES-C300-AND-GLA250- FUEL -SMELL-CLASS-ACTIONINVESTIGATION/ YOU CAN SEE MULTIPLE PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME FUEL LINES;
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501740January 14, 2023
SUSPENSION
Car has approximately 60,000. miles. Upon it's state inspection Mercedes Benz service center indicated rear subframe is rusted. Service advisory says it is okay now, but will need to be replaced. Searching Mercedes forums, I've noted this is a n oft reported issue. Many do not realize there is an issue until it breaks and car pulls to one side at rear upon braking. Others have experienced rusted brake lines at the same area as the subframe issue. Others have noted damage to the gas tank from suspension parts banging the fuel tank after it breaks. I realize this is a 8 year old vehicle. But the vehicle shows zero signs of rust on the undercarriage except for the subframe. Sure seems like a manufacturer's defect that should be recalled by Mercedes. Because of safety concerns, I now have to decide to repair or trade the car because of safety concerns. But the rusted subframe zaps the value I thought I had in the vehicle for a trade. What is the protocol for manufacturer's to issue safety recalls. Sure seems like this one qualifies.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501468January 12, 2023
ENGINE
Vehicle experienced loss of power and rough running when check engine light came on. Mercedes dealer reported one of the pistons cracked resulting in catastrophic engine failure with just shy of 61,880 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501355January 11, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear subframe rusted out and failed. This caused vehicle to suddenly veer to left upon braking. Was fortunate to avoid hitting something. Dealer says common problem but Mercedes isn’t recalling/replacing defective subframes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500968January 10, 2023
POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY
The subframe has rotted from insufficient protection . This car is unsafe to drive , many US consumers having same problem with this model where the subframe is rusted out. This is a major issue effecting thousands of cars of this model or maybe more
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500998January 10, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased my 2017 C300 class Mercedes-Benz ("MB") in May 2021 from a used car dealership in Mobile, AL. At that time it had 36,000 miles. Less than 2 years later, on or about 12/15/22, as I was driving, the MB suddenly and without warning began to vibrate violently and immediately lost power. The car had @54,000 miles on it. I routinely drive interstate to and from work and had just gotten off of the interstate. I was lucky that I was driving at a low speed when this happened; otherwise, a serious accident could have resulted. I took it to the local MB dealership which told me that the car failed a compression test in the #1 cylinder and that the engine would have to be replaced. Subsequent research on the cause of this total engine failure with low mileage revealed that this engine has a chronic piston defect that damages the #1 cylinder, causing it to lose compression, and that MB has known about the defect for many years, an issued an internal bulletin about it. MB has not alerted the public nor instigated a recall. I was not informed by MB at any time that the C300 class engine had a chronic piston defect that would damage the #1 cylinder which would, in turn, cause the engine to lose power and the vehicle to vibrate and shake, creating a dangerous diving condition under all circumstances, but especially if the car was being driven at speed on a federal interstate highway. Despite demands by me and others, MB refuses to responsibly address the issue. The driving public is, and remains, clearly, in great risk of harm due to this defective engine and associated power train issues. It is patently unreasonable for MB to produce and market such a unsafe, dangerous and defective product that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to its customers and others when being used as it was intended. I understand that the NHTSA has opened an investigation on this defect and wish for my voice to be heard on it. Please contact me [XXX] for further details. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501116January 10, 2023
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the rear end of the vehicle pushed out. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the control arm had detached. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501164January 10, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe rotted. Common issue, needs a recall. Control arm broke off on both sides of the rear subframe. Rear passenger lower control arm close to gas tank, can cause a fire if punctures through tank as well. Lots of swaying in rear as well
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500752January 9, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
while driving in an emergency braking situation the car went left...so much so i lost control and spun 360 degrees. i thought that wasnt rite...upon investigation it turns out the right rear torque arm was no longer connected..the cradle or sub frame. it was rotted thru causing the arm to break off !!....car is not drivable and mercedes wont repair it... someone is going to get killed if it hasnt happened already !!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500792January 9, 2023
AIR BAGS
"Front Right Malfunction Service Required." Recently purchased vehicle, dealer performed recalibration before sale (error did not display during test drive or before purchase). 30 minutes after purchase notification popped up, dealer agreed to pay for repair. Took to non-purchasing Mercedes dealer, they were able to reproduce and quoted for $4179. Repair included seat replacement and height adjustment replacement. Purchasing dealer then refused repair The error pops up randomly, with person in passenger seat and without. Afraid to have anyone ride as a passenger, if a wreck occurs the airbag could not deploy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500865January 9, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Due to apparently deficient sunroof water drain system design, rainwater and condensation entered the passenger compartment under the carpeting, potentially damaging the vehicle's electrical wiring. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A dealer has inspected and confirmed the damage. Initial symptoms of the problem were wet carpeting and the sound of water sloshing around under the floor of the passenger compartment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500918January 9, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Check engine light code " P052E71" Crankcase Ventilation Valve Replacement is needed. There is a defective part oil separator and the valve is stuck. Must replace the whole assembly with the hoses. (Part is available for inspection). The problem has been confirmed by the Mercedes dealership. When starting the car, gas fumes come out and is very distinct in the air which is VERY dangerous in confined spaces as well as around other people. . You will fail emissions testing due to this. The repair will cost between $1600 - $2000. This is a know defect in these cars and should be recalled. It also pollutes the air and put the safety of everyone around in danger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500515January 6, 2023
ENGINE
These cars have a known wrist pin failure, mercedes refuses to cover the cost of repairs as its not a recall. My vehicle is the specific model and year this is known for, and my car is making these piston slapping sounds, worse everyday. Worse on deceleration, goes away when warmed up, just like the reports. I am afraid I'll lose power while driving and hurt myself or others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500261January 5, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Malfunction of rear subframe and control arms due to rust causing the subframe to crack. When breaking the rear wheels swerved almost causing a collision on the highway. My mechanic inspected the car and deemed it unsafe for driving as this can cause injury or death to me and others. The car is currently being repaired. This problem is being ignored by MBUSA, however MB in Europe acknowledges the faulty metal and will repair at no cost. There were no warning lamps or messages that made me aware that the subframe is rusted and cracked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500300January 5, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated he noticed an abnormal fume odor entering through the air vents of the vehicle. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle as having a fuel leak from the fuel pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500347January 5, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. The component that failed was the rear subframe for the rear transaxle and wheel suspension system. It was inspected by a licensed MB service department and determined the drivers side of the rear subframe had rusted completely through and was separated from the frame. The passenger side of the rear subframe was also severely rusted and at risk of breaking. The subframe is currently being replaced. 2. The subframe to this vehicle holds the transaxle and rear wheel suspension in place, I noticed with a hard breaking the rear of the car swerved, slightly fishtailing. I immediately drove home and parked it until I could drive it to a service/repair facility. If this subframe had completely broken free the entire rear drivetrain would have been severely damaged or completely destroyed or worse, break free from the vehicle and cause a crash. 3. The problem is well known in the auto industry. My service center who inspected my vehicle described it and said it is a well known problem and they have replaced other subframes due to the same issue. I even spoke to an AUDI salesman today and they know of it and send these MB vehicles as a trade-in to auction and do not even attempt to replace the subframe. A recall for this problem of the subframe failure due to rust has already been issued for MB in Europe for quite some time but no recall in the USA. 4. This vehicle and component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance rep. 5. no warning lamps or any other messages were illuminated to give any warning of a subframe failure due to rust. The first symptom of the problem is the loose rear end with hard breaking causing a slight fishtail of the rear of the car. I experienced this on my drive home from work and afterwards only drove it to my service center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500356January 5, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have an emissions related Check Engine Light (P052E71) relating to the Evaporative/Crankcase ventilation system. I think this should be a Recalled/Warrantee item on the 10 year/100,000 miles federally mandated guarantee. Please advise...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500361January 5, 2023
ENGINE
It cuts out randomly while pressing the gas pedel to get out of the way of traffic and cuts out and stalls ive had it looked at and they say theres no check engine codes and that they cant make it do it. Theres many of people with the same issue online and the dealers wont help them either
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500059January 4, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hey good morning. There’s been a been a system failure. P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. Warning message I got was the engine light showed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500082January 4, 2023
SUSPENSION
The Rear Subframe of the car rotted out, making the car dangerous to drive. This problem has been identified by Mercedes and IS considered a safety hazard in Canada and Europe. This problem should also be covered here in the USA. Unfortunately Mercedes Benz USA will not offer any help here, instead trying to charge customers more than $7,000.00 for the repair. A frame should last the lifetime of a car, especially when the rest of the car has no to little rust on it. The Subframe is available for inspection, broken suspension puts everyone in and around the car at risk while it is on the road. This issue was inspected and confirmed by a local Mercedes dealer and a local mechanic. There were absolutely no warnings of the issue before it happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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