Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11481426August 26, 2022
SUSPENSION
My C300 2011 is having rear suspension problem which is unsafe to drive. I took in my car for my usual maintenance check and was told by the mechanic that the rear left driver side suspension is rusted and rotated out, to the point that it can break off and cause an accident. As Mercedes product, even the mechanic was surprised to see this happen on this car. Not surprised the dealer told me there is no recall at this time. I am still waiting for a quote but from what I've seen other people complaining with the same exact issue in same make and model. I have attached pictures just in case.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481468August 26, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
Driving my 300 down the highway at around 70MPH and after lightly pressing the break, the car surved into right and left lane. I could have gotten into an accident, but luckily no other car was on the road. Taking my car to the mechanic it was discovered that My 2013 C300 has a rotted subframe, this was not caused by any damage but due to the part not being protected from rust. Rust caused the subframe to rot from the inside out. Many C300 have reported this issue, and the large number of failures on this subframe across my C300 and multiple models is concerning. This is a gross failure of a major safety component that can cause serious injury or death. My research showed this part has been recalled in Canada; MBUSA feels the need to wait to do so until a serious injury or death has occurred. The defective subframe is known and the new part’s design has been amended to take into account this rust issue. MBUSA’s decision exhibits a lack of accountability for a defective part and this issue needs to be promptly addressed for the safety of its customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481477August 26, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I started to smell gas after filling my tank. Once the gas level went down, the odor disappeared. I took car to dealer who said car needs new gas tank (issue on top of tank) and cost is approx $5K for parts and labor. I started reading about same exact issue on same C300 model and year 2011. I was advised that car with high mileage of 114,000 was not worth repairing even though there are no dents, cosmetically very nice, new tires, always dealer maintained. I have the dealer inspection paperwork
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481119August 25, 2022
SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking. The contact then depressed the brake pedal causing the vehicle to drift. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear-subframe was severely rusted causing a control link to fracture. The contact was informed that the control link and subframe needed to be replaced on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481155August 25, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is an existing recall (21V197000) from Mercedes regarding defective glue attaching the roof panel to the car. The roof panel can dislodge and fly off the car, creating a road hazard. I have the same issue on my 2017 C300 where the panel has moved, causing a whistling noise. The deal has diagnosed this issue. However, my VIN is not covered by the Mercedes recall. I have reached out to Mercedes, and they refuse to include my vehicle in the recall. Other 2017 C300 models are included. I believe their recall does not cover all affected vehicles. The recall number is 21V197000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481157August 25, 2022
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that there was a crack on the front panel of the panoramic roof. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found that the roof panel was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481158August 25, 2022
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that she heard air entering the sunroof however, while attempting to close the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was unsure of the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of a program that was cost effective. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481256August 25, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's client owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle's owner had complained of an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that fuel was spraying out of the fuel pump onto the exhaust. The contact was able to replace the fuel pump and correct the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481291August 25, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481301August 25, 2022
SUSPENSION, STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe completely rusted through resulting in multiple attached systems to break off. When applying the brakes the rear end of the vehicle swings and can force the car into random directions. Upon any basic research this issue can be seen in similar Mercedes models across the globe consistently. If the issue was not diagnosed sooner the likelihood of a fatal crash would have been extremely high due to critical components like braking and suspension systems being nonfunctional. Many vehicles that experience this design flaw are well maintained and kept in good conditions. I urge the NHTSA to release some kind of warning to owners of these vehicles because this issue can blindside even the most vigilant owners. Many posts regarding this issue describe nearly avoiding severe accidents. Please do not let this go unheard because it can be fatal if not addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481021August 24, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and driving a short distance, there was a burning odor coming from inside and outside the vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the fuel cabinet. The burning odor persisted. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 12,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480921August 24, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
I need to have my rear brake lines replaced they are blown out but they need to remove the subframe in order to complete the job. They discovered that the subframe is completely rotted and has a hole in it and they believe if they remove it the subframe will break and need to be replaced. They indicated this was a big safety issue and is a known issue on the Mercedes. I was lucky I did not kill myself driving this vehicle. It did come up with warning lamps for the brakes and I contacted the dealership and had it towed there, that's when they discovered the rotted subframe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480828August 23, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver side rear tail light wiring melted the tailight housing. This component was already replaced as part of a previous recall, but apparently Mercedes is not properly fixing the issue. They refuse to fix it for free, because they already "addressed" the recall. Looks like they are putting cars back on the street that could catch fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480886August 23, 2022
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Per the attached Repair Order 948486 dated May 13, 2020, when I brought in the car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach for the airbag recall, I thought both of the Takata airbags were replaced and not just the passenger airbag. In fact, Repair Bill Job A states: “Replace Driver and Front Passenger Airbag”. “No Charge” I did not notice that they only replaced the passenger airbag. I would not have known the driver’s side was not replaced if the airbag warning light did not come on. Please direct Fletcher Jones to finish this repair properly. Per the enclosed photos, my dash display now has an image of the airbag and it says “Front Left Malfunction Service Required”. I am very worried what will happen if we get into an accident. Per the highlighted text attached, on April 14, 2021, a driver reported: “Front drivers air bag malfunction light is illuminated and horn nor any controls on steering wheel work at all.” I checked the horn and the steering wheel controls on our C250 when I read this. I discovered they do not work on our car as well. This drivers report goes on to say: “…repairman states this is a common issue with this car. I believe this is a serious safety issue with this vehicle as the airbag malfunction can possibly cause serious injury to the driver and the horns inability to function prevents the driver from alerting any other drivers if they stray from lane, are backing out of parking space, or distracted at a red traffic signal.” On Repair Order 948486 Fletcher Jones tried to reset the headrest which popped open when I sat in the car and put my head against it to rest. It was not due to any accident, the car was stationary. Fletcher Jones could not reset the headrest and asked for $1200 for a new one. Clearly this is also a defect because it did not occur during an accident and the headrest should not have separated. An attached article shows the Takata airbag problems still exist as ticking time bombs. MB CEO did not reply to my letter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480406August 21, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am contacting you about a certified pre-owned car I had purchased from Mercedes Benz Cincinnati. Following my most recent routine maintenance visit to the dealer, I received an email from Mercedes stating that they had identified that the rear subframe on my Mercedes C300 4Matic needed replacement and it was not safe to drive. It turns out that the two joints on the subframe were corroded. This type of a problem is not expected for a professionally maintained certified car by Mercedes that is at 58,481 miles. The issue has nothing to do with standard wear and tear, or user negligence, and it stems from the material used in the specific component. There is no other area on the vehicle that is displaying even the slightest amount of corrosion. The mechanic said that this is to do with the properties of the materials selected for the manufactured part, they have been seeing many cars of the same year with the same exact problem, and if the subframe joints were to break while the car is in motion, it could potentially cause a fatal accident. There were no warning lamps, message or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I contacted Mercedes and asked them to address this problem. After months of back and forth, I was told there were no safety recalls, and the car was out of standard warranty period. I was also told that the part was not currently available (and was on back order). As you may know, the subframe's job is to distribute high local loads over a wider area of the body structure and its failure could result in fatal accidents. The internet is full of customer complaints on this issue, yet there are no safety recalls issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480326August 20, 2022
SUSPENSION
I am reporting a big safety hazard issue on these Mercedes C300 model year 2011. The suspense bracket just breaking off with obvious no visible issues. The suspension support bracket is got rotted with rust from inside out and broke off while driving on the highway. The issue was obvious when I braked suddenly and the car just pulled itself to the right side. This could easily cause an accident. I reported the incident to Mercedes and they told me to report to NHSTA and they cannot do anything. Once home and jacked up the vehicle I found that the bracket was completely off the frames and it did hit the gas tank causing a dent in the tank (a big safety issue) seam. I googled the issue and it seems like it is a known issue with these models and Mercedes have not recalled or fixed this issue on any vehicle. I have attached pictures of the broken bracket. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11479919August 18, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Failed component: The subframe on my Mercedes C300 broke on one side and was almost broken on the other. It would be available for inspection as it is sitting in the Mercedes dealer bone yard waiting on the part to be shipped from Germany around September 17th. It also ruined my back tires & now I have to replace them too. I understand that in the UK the Mercedes dealers are fixing this problem free of charge but there seems to be no recalls! Safety: I was entering the freeway on a rainy afternoon. My car was fishtailing very badly. At first I thought is was the highway itself as we had not had rain for quite some time. I tried to accelerate 4 or 5 times with the same fishtailing. I pulled off the busy freeway onto the shoulder & sat for a few minutes to collect my thoughts as I didn't know what was wrong. Then I drove very slowing to the next exit & a few more miles home. I drove very slowly a few miles the next morning to the Mercedes dealership. Inspected: The Mercedes dealer told me the subframe was broken and the car was not drivable! Couldn't find the part in the US so ordered from Germany with at least more than a month to wait. Warnings: There were absolutely no warning lights what so ever! Additional: The dealership did not have any loaner cars. I went for 5 days without a car to drive. I finally purchased another vehicle as I depend on it to do my job. It is going to cost over $4,400 to fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11479921August 18, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the rear subframe of the vehicle had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to pull to the right while braking. The contact was advised that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11479946August 18, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear subframe rusted out at 115k miles and it completely cracked. No other sign of rust on the vehicle. Kept in the garage. Definite safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11479850August 17, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated as he entered the vehicle, he could still smell the strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,861.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Mercedes-Benz C-Class