Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11493982November 17, 2022
SUSPENSION
I was driving my 2011 MB C300 40 MPH on a straight suburban road when the light turned red. I applied the brakes and heard a clunk from the rear. Surprisingly, the car swerved with a right turn yaw moment. Normally I enjoy driving my car, but that never happened before. So I tried it again in the next block and it yawed again. That’s not right. My mechanic happened to be just down the road so I pulled in. He told me that the rear subframe had rusted out and the car was unsafe to drive. Furthermore, he would not attempt welding it because the metal is too far gone. A new replacement part is unavailable from the dealership and back ordered from Germany for months. Used part will also be rusty. My car with 77k miles on it is suddenly worthless. Mercedes-Benz “The Best and then Nothing”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494009November 17, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
While returning from a long trip with my entire family, I initially lost control of the vehicle on a normal curve at 70 mph speed on a highway. We managed to stop without getting in an accident. After determining that it is not because of any tire damage and not understanding the problem, we continued with the journey driving at reduced speeds. From then on, vehicle was losing control whenever I try to brake. After narrowly missing few accidents, I realized the stopping distance also increased a lot. I almost hit several vehicles whenever I try to come to stop all of a sudden. Unsure of the weirdly behavior all of a sudden, I decided to stop at a nearby autoshop and get a quick check. Surprisingly the mechanic heard about these issues earlier and pointed us directly at the cause of this behavior. The issue is a ROTTEN REAR SUBFRAME. A part which is supposed to last for the entirety of its life, rusted from inside out prematurely. Learning this, I sent my family home in a different vehicle and brought mine towed. Mercedes Service center gave me an initial estimate of $8860 to repair and might increase once they start removing things for repair. After further research, I found out this is a very common issue. In other countries, Mercedes is replacing this free of charge to customers who report it as this is a safety issue. So I tried to reach out to Mercedes Corporate office and they declined to repair it Free of charge as there is no official recall on this issue. I am only glad that my entire family didn't end up in an unfortunate incident due a a cheaply made part. I urge NHTSA to look into this issue as soon as possible and help avoid lots of accidents due to this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494011November 17, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This occurred after an oil change. it is the P052E code crankcase ventilation code.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493595November 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
the Burl wood trim panel on the interior doors are deteriorating , the drivers side panel is deteriorating to the point that it looks like acid is eating away at the material there is red markings showing .. i find this could be a safety hazard as it could eat away at the door itself. i have pictures of evidence. there was a recall on Mercedes E class during the same years i purchased my car, my car is the C-class which was not part of the recall, but falls into the same category as time frame of purchase. Mercedes told me to contact you. i look forward to your response as this is a safety concern thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493630November 15, 2022
ENGINE
(P052e) positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493684November 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The subframe of my car is completed rotted out. I've been reading MB forums and threads and this seems to be a universal issue. There needs to be a recall. My car started to giveway while driving down the highway. It took it to a mechanic and that's when the subframe rot was discovered. This is a major issue and needs to be made right with Merecedes!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493178November 11, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
During an oil change (11/9/2022), my technician found rust on the rear subframe. He stated that this is a known safety problem caused by defective materials during manufacturing. He stated that Mercedes is aware of this problem but has not issued a recall as of this date. I checked the online Mercedes forums and the problem is very common with the C-class W204 models. The car has been running fine and I received no warnings other than what my mechanic told me. I want to know when Mercedes is going to issue a recall to get this fixed before it's too late.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492864November 9, 2022
SUSPENSION
The rear subframe rotted and broke as I was driving. I almost got into a bad accident. This apparently is a common & deadly issue that MB is aware of. Unacceptable that there is not a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492867November 9, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle veered to the left. The contact depressed the brake pedal again and the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle then veered to the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with frame rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492970November 9, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Crankcase Breather System: Vent Valve Fault code stored for block crankcase breather valve. The fault code is 052E71. A lot of Mercedes cars are reporting it online and no recall has been made. The labor to change this takes around 8-9 hours and the part costs 300. Company is doing nothing about it as a lot of W205 engines are having this issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492980November 9, 2022
ENGINE
CEL light- with code P052e positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492564November 7, 2022
SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the rear subframe was rusted and the passenger’s side rear control arm was detached from the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. No other assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 43,960.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492611November 7, 2022
SUSPENSION
Corroded rear cradle driver side. Causing instability driving. Cradle on back order for months according to local Mercedes parts department
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492676November 7, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Code P052E
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492516November 6, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hit brakes and lost control of car, but no collision or injuries. Took it directly to Mechanic, who showed me rear subframe on driver's side rusted, corroded, broken (other side was clean). I was told this is a manufacturing defect, and was very expensive to repair, he did not want give estimate, said take it to Mercedes. Called dealer, left message, but have not been contacted yet by dealer or by MBUSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492451November 5, 2022
SUSPENSION
Applied brakes coming down a slight grade and vehicle made a clunking noise and became unstable. Pulled and pitched as brakes were applied and released. Upon checking brakes it was very visible that the rear subframe had failed on the right side and the left was severely compromised. I hard braking situation would have resulted in a crash… The severe damage was not visible a week ago until it rotted out from the inside and failed under load.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492253November 4, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
As per an inspection by my mechanic, the rear sub frame of the vehicle has cracked due to rust corrosion and subsequent metal failure. I first noticed the issue when there was a thumping sound over bumps and the car started to swerve when applying brakes on the highway, quite a scary situation as I thought the brakes were failing. The car has 78000 miles and has had all maintenance done. The is no other rust on or underneath the car. According to my research on Mercedes-Benz owner forums I discovered that it is a common issue and that, so far, Mercedes Benz has not issued a recall in the US. According to these forums Mercedes has issued recalls in other countries (although I have not confirmed this point). The estimated cost to replace the sub frame is $3000 including labor and there is an 8 to 10 week backlog for the part due to the number of failures occurring. In the meantime I cannot drive the vehicle as my mechanic has told me that the car is not safe to operate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492281November 4, 2022
SUSPENSION
This issue concerns rear Sub Frame corrosion. My car has always been serviced at the Mercedes Benz dealer where it was purchased as recommended. Upon recievieing my car after a service I was informed that the subframe in my car was badly damaged by metal corrosion. In fact I was told that the car was unsafe and should not be driven as total failure would likely cause lose of control of the vehicle. I was offered a repair quote in excess of $5,000 to replace the rotten subframe. I have since found that this failure is common the the model and many cases have been reported. In Europe and Canada recalls have been issued. Cases in the US are apparently felt with on a "case by case" basis. I see this as a serious safety concern for our highways. Failure is common from reports and and serious accidents surely possible. I have removed my car from service, but many are being driven right now. Mercedes Benz is aware of this and is doing nothing to date to take responsibility for this design/construction defect. I add my voice to the many that I hope have contacted you with concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492300November 4, 2022
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
I was reversing my vehicle when I heard a snap, and the inside dash panel warning sign came on…later I google it and found out it has happened to many other people. the clock spring behind the steering wheel snapped and airbags warning signs came on with possibility of deploying at any moment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492140November 3, 2022
SEAT BELTS
1) SEATBELT NOT RETRACTING TO PROPER POSITION CAUSING BREAKAGE 2) BELT STOPPER BROKE OFF 2X. REPLACED 1X AND BROKEN AGAIN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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