Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11425042July 15, 2021
SEAT BELTS
I would like to bring to your attention a potentially dangerous design flaw in my 2015 Mercedes C300. That design flaw resulted in me having to cut the seat belt off a passenger, my wife, in order to free her from the car. I will also explain in detail the admittedly rare circumstances that led to this potentially dangerous incident. In May 2021, my wife underwent outpatient surgery of her left shoulder. After the surgery a nurse brought my wife to the curb in front of the hospital, where I had pulled up my car. The nurse and I assisted my wife with her transfer from the wheel chair into the passenger seat. My wife was wearing a sling supported by a spacing pillow on her left arm. The nurse then proceeded to fasten the seat belt around my wife. Since the nurse’s procedure is of importance to this incident, I will explain it in detail. After my wife was seated, the nurse unwound the passenger seat belt entirely and inserted the belt tongue into the buckle so that the lap part of the seat belt went properly around my wife’s lap. To protect the fresh surgical site from external forces, the nurse then placed the part of the seat belt that is normally worn across the chest BEHIND my wife’s back. Had the seat belt been placed properly across my wife’s chest, it would have been forced to pass over her left arm, which was tied to her body by the sling and bandages. It was thus not possible to wear the chest part of the seat belt properly over the chest but under the left arm. Lastly, the nurse allowed the fully extended seat belt to wind up onto the pretensioner. Upon arrival at home I wanted to take the seat belt off my wife. To this end I opened the passenger door, and gently pulled on the seat belt in order to slacken it enough to get the seat belt off her. However, I could not get any slack. Per instructions in the user manual, I opened the belt buckle but the belt was tightly wound around my wife's body. Ultimately, I had to cut the belt with scissors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424353July 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The panoramic sunroof of the C300 is held in plastic hooks that break, even with normal use. So, that leaves the panoramic roof to fly off the vehicle on the highway. I have not opened my roof in three years because I am afraid it might not hold up. Looking at the MB owners' forum, it seems to be a pretty common issue that these plastic hooks break, and then the panoramic roof either doesn't close all the way, stay up to let the air come underneath it to introduce the risk of it flying away, or become really flappy when driving with open roof.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424403July 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has failed to accelerate after being stopped. The first time, I was attempting to enter a shopping center parking lot by making a left turn across a busy road. When I engaged the gas pedal, the car finally got to 5MPH when I got into the parking lot. It was unsettling sitting in the road watching cars coming to you!! Then it did it again last week at the entrance to our complex. That time, I just turned it off and restarted it and it was fine. If it had not moved, I would have had the entire complex entrance blocked. I took it to Mercedes-Benz of Athens on 7/8 for 10,000 mile service. I informed them of the issue. The outcome this was "we unplugged a few things and hopefully this resets things". If you have the issue, bring the car in again! WOW!!! Is this before or after someone broadsides me? I think a vehicle that can not be depended on to accelerate when needed is dangerous to drive!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424176July 10, 2021
AIR BAGS
The current vehicle I have, is suppose to have a back up camera as part of being the basic standard for a 2014 C- class mercedes Benz. Ive asked the place I bought he car from and also Ed hicks imports, who also legally sells mercedes Benz in Corpus Christi, to install one, especially because according to the vin reports I bought, it was initially on the vehicle. I was even willing to pay them to install a factory made original MB backup camera that should’ve been there in the first place but they tell me to go buy an aftermarket! After further research, it turns out mercedes Benz makes all their cars with backup cameras or the PARKTRONIC option which is added sensors !!! Before my car was even brought over to the USA in 2014! Yes, all of these issues have been confirmed by another dealer, which is auto nation here!!!! Besides that, Ed hicks imports supposedly fixed two factory recalls with my car, where one was if the airbag on the passenger front side goes off, it would kill or harm, myself, and any occupants in the vehicle due to the metal fragments that would also burst and pierce, or exit through our bodies. However, my airbag notification comes on every time someone is in the front passenger seat as a warning, as well as my own driver side airbag that just started coming up when I turn on my vehicle. The steering is not fully mounted straight either, so it’s causing me a ton of gas to get to the closest places in town, as well as having me turn the wheel twice as much as I normally would need to on a car with a steering wheel properly mounted, which makes the time for me to finally turn my vehicle at any given time to turn a lot slower than other drivers around me. The last thing is the body of my vehicle not be big properly aligned, I did not know the car had been in ANY accidents, and recently discovered it’s been in 7 !!!so it makes sense why the whole chassis resembles a Chopshop car All of these parts of my vehicle are available for inspection
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424101July 9, 2021
STEERING
AFTER OWNING A CPO,FOR ABOUT5 YEARS. RECENTLY THE TILT/ MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WITHOUT ANY TOOLS IN HIS HANDS HE FIXED IT.ABOUT 6MONTHS IT WORKED FINE,THEN IT STOPPED.I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THE ADVISOR THAT FIXED IT IS NO LONGER WORKING THERE,NOBODY ELSE HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS METHOD?I'M NOT DREAMING HE GAVE ME HIS CARD AFTERWARDS,SO HE DOES EXIST..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424103July 9, 2021
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, an abnormal sound was heard as a section of the glass roof panel detached from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the missing panel. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V197000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 31,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423870July 8, 2021
AIR BAGS
I was in a car accident on June 30,2021. A Car collided into my drivers side at the front left wheel. My airbags did not deploy and i was injured. my injuries consisted of neck, shoulder, and lower back. I was also thrown to the passenger side of the vehicle because my seat belt did not seem to lock. Thank you, [XXX] email- [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11423935July 8, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To Whom It May Concern, I bought this certified preowned Mercedes Benz, and the recall is open. I have taken the car to the dealership, they deny me from service because its an over the air recall. The Mercedes Benz website clearly states on their letter for consumer that the remedy for this recall can be taken care at the dealership free of charge or an over the air update. Its July and I got the car back in February.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423964July 8, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On July the 8th I was driver on interstate highway 65south in Birmingham Alabama in my 2015 Mercedes c 300 when there was a loud thump which startled me and almost caused an accident what happened is the roof panel between the windshield and sunroof flew off it caused damage to my vehicle and almost an accident now when I contacted Mercedes they say that it is a recall out for this problem but they do not have a time as to when this can be fixed this will be a problem because now I am not able to drive my vehicle because there is a gape between the windshield and the roof where water and anything else will get into the vehicle this is terrible now I am without a car for who knows how long.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423998July 8, 2021
STEERING, AIR BAGS
While driving in a curved onramp connecting from one street to another the vehicle experienced a complete loss of steering ability which resulted in the vehicle continuing to move straight, off the pavement, and into a wall. The vehicle bounced off of the wall and loss of steering ability continued and the vehicle could not be controlled, crossed the road, went over a guardrail, and down an embankment until it came to a stop (approx 100ft). The vehicle engine never turned off until it came to a stop at which point the vehicle was manually turned off. No airbags deployed. There were no warning lights or signals of failing components prior to the loss of steering. An initial review by the body shop states that the vehicle is a total loss. The vehicle has been meticulously dealer maintained since the time of delivery as a new vehicle. The vehicle is pending inspection by Mercedes-Benz and by the insurance representative. The issue appears to be the same as those recalls described by NHTSA campaign number 18V872000 and/or 18V850000. The vehicle was never included in either of those recall campaigns. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, but Mercedes-Benz is picking up the vehicle to perform its inspection.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11423782July 7, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available to for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423810July 7, 2021
SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift from the center in either direction without warning. After describing the symptoms to an independent mechanic, he was informed that the rear subframe might be corroded. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe had started to corrode which had caused the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that they are aware of the failure however, there was no recall regarding the issue. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer of the failure but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423434July 5, 2021
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shifted into neutral after coming to a stop. Brake was applied. Similar issue to NHTSA Campaign 21V033000 for 2019 GLA 250.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423487July 5, 2021
ENGINE
In March of 2020 I was driving home from work. I stopped at a red light. When it turned green, I proceeded to step on the gas. My car started making noises and shaking as I drove. My check engine light came on. I was able to pull over without incident. My vehicle has under 48k miles on it! I had it towed to a Firestone facility by my house. They replaced spark plugs and ignition coil 1 and 2. They said it was still severely misfiring. Cylinder 1 must have internal damage and should be towed to the dealer. They gave me a spark plug they removed that had significant damage to the top part. They said something must have impacted it with significant force. I then had the vehicle towed to a Mercedes Benz Dealership. They said they inspected with a scope and found piston material missing, can see ring exposed and have damage to cylinder wall. Will need to replace engine, turbo charger, cat converter intake manifold to repair. They wanted $18k to repair. I did some research and found out that the 2015 Mercedes C class was the first year they switched from 6 cylinder to 4 cylinder turbo charge engine. These models have had a significant amount of engine problems and failures, the manufacturer is aware of. Many of these occurred in cylinder 1 along with wrist pins issues and others. I found my situation wasn't unique. I then filed a complaint with The BBB in Georgia. MBUSA offered me $3k towards the repair or purchase of a new vehicle. I declined the offer. I only wanted my vehicle repaired. I wasn't alone in this situation. These issues are easily found online. My vehicle has since been sitting in my driveway for almost a year and a half. I've been making my monthly car and insurance payments on a vehicle I can't drive. I recently went to the Mercedes dealership and they will give me $5k for the vehicle towards a trade, leaving me with $15k negative equity towards the purchase of a vehicle. Mercedes should stand behind their products and do the right thing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423098July 1, 2021
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the sunroof suddenly exploded and shattered. The contact stated she was able to pull over to the side of the road, where she inspected the vehicle and did not find the cause of the failure. The contact then drove the vehicle to her destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the roof panel needed to be replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined to provide any assistance. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11423100July 1, 2021
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the turnpike without warning my steering locked and I lost control of my car.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11423106July 1, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the interstate and half of the stationary roof panel dislodged. Luckily no accidents occurred due to the malfunction. The other half is still loosely attached and I am worried it could cause an accident if it detaches . I have emailed and called headquarters as well as my local dealership and no one has the ability to fix the problem and cannot confirm if I choose to pay out of pocket, that I will be reimbursed. There is a recall and it’s #21V197. At this point I want some sort of solution so I can ensure the safety of myself and those driving around me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422534June 28, 2021
ENGINE
I was in middle line on I-5 SB San Diego doing 40-60MPH when my car suddenly started to shudder, shake and smoke came from the exhaust. The car lost power and the check-engine light came on right away. I was told that Cylinder 3 lost pressure, that the engine wall was damaged and that possibly the piston and wrist pin are cracked. My car has only 66K miles and the Mercedes Benz dealership is telling me that I need a new engine that will cost $19,000. After doing some research I have found out that I wasn't the only one with this issue. I have listed an example here: "HERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE 2015 M274 MERCEDES ENGINE REGARDING THE WRIST PINS. MERCEDES HAS ISSUED NUMEROUS INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE ENGINES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WRIST PINS WITH TOO MUCH TOLERANCE THAT SLAP AGAINST THE PISTON WHEN OPERATING THAT COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURES. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE FORUMS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURES (PRE 100K MILES)." MBUSA requested from me proof that the car was serviced on time and with the correct parts. Once I was able to prove everything they told me that they were sorry but I still need to pay for everything. They did offer a "10% good-will discount". I wish they told me when I was buying a car that after every 6th oil change I will need a new engine. PLEASE MAKE MERCEDES MAKE THIS RIGHT AND FIX THE AFFECTED CARS THE RIGHT WAY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422468June 27, 2021
ENGINE
2012 Mercedes C250 caught fire with no warning. Drove about 5 miles to the store and parked the car. A passerby said your car is on fire. Within minutes the entire front of the car was ablaze. The vehicle was towed to the city impound lot and has not been inspected by anyone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421712June 21, 2021
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The contact stated on June 18, 2021, while driving 55 mph, the roof plastic panel detached and flew into oncoming traffic. The contact stated no one was injured. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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