Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints
3,817 consumer complaints on file.
- #11490511October 23, 2022WHEELS
I bought the car from a used car dealer and 4 days later I was going 70 miles a hour down a highway and the studs broke on my right rear tire and the tire fell off.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490360October 21, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
P052e positive crankcase ventilation
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490119October 20, 2022BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490134October 20, 2022SUSPENSION
While driving on highway, started to slowdown on exit. Vehicle rear end felt waiving side to side. Had vehicle checked with local mechanic. Reported rear subframe rusted and split. Advised not to drive & replace the subframe. Visited MB dealer service. Informed it is a known problem and a safety problem. Can repair when part is re-stock in January 2023?? $4,000 + Research online. Plenty reports in forums with same problem. Why there is not a safety recall?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490140October 20, 2022SUSPENSION
Filing complaint for my 2013 Mercedes C300. I was informed by the dealership this vehicle has a rusted out rear subframe and the vehicle is no longer operable. This is a very common and serious safety issue, and the Mercedes dealership is refusing to cover the cost of the repair. Please help!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489900October 19, 2022ENGINE
Crankcase ventilation valve malfunctioning Second time with car. Creating trapped exhaust in crankcase.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489986October 19, 2022SUSPENSION
Rear Sub frame faiIure / rusted and rotted On this site alone there are complaints listed under 3 different heading Structure (30) / SUSPENSION (38) / UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20) all related to the rear sub frame. not to mention 100's on the web. I nearly died when I hit the brakes the car lurched to the left at highway speed. My mechanic told me that the rear Subframe was rotted and the rear control arm is no longer connected to the sub frame He insisted that the car is UNSAFE to drive. He was very surprised as the car only has 70,000 miles on it and in good shape with no rust anywhere else on the car. I did a quick search of the issue on the web and immediately found that MB has had this issue across the world in various models manufactured in 2011-2014. Presently, there are recalls in Germany and Canada for this issue. I contacted my MB Service department and was informed that no recall for this issue exists in the US and they would not cover the costs to repair. The repair could cost between $5k to $7k They told me that I would need to contact MB North America Customer Service. I find it amazing that MB Service, Dealers and North America HQ are all aware of this issue but the Company will not issue a recall or stand behind their product. This not some minor defect. When a major structural component of the car is compromised the lives of vehicle occupants and others on the road are at risk of death due to a major accident. The vehicle is now undriveable and will cost several thousands of dollars to repair. MB is fully aware of this issue and refuses to do anything about it. NHTSA needs to address this issue and make the Manufacturer stand behind their Quality pledge which as a consumer you are paying for when purchasing what you expect to be exceptional German engineering and what you are given is a a product with a known defect that will not be addressed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489990October 19, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
Rusted left rear ear of rear subframe.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489991October 19, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Positive crankcase ventilation valve. Known issue with manufacturer
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11490071October 19, 2022SUSPENSION
I went to my dealership for a routine yearly service appointment, which I do regularly, along with yearly inspections. My car was purchased new to my liking in 2012 with input from my late partner who passed before I received it! I waited quite some time to get my gem. When it arrived, I had all I could do to drive it, given my loss. I garage it every day for the last 10+ years, never left it outside, it is pristine, only has 64,000 miles on it. To my disbelief, was informed by the MB technician yesterday that I have corrosion on my left rear sub panel, and that I should not drive it and consider a trade-in - NO WAY!! And that the part would cost me over $4,800 to replace and it would not be available until February 2023. So, I should drive another car, which I do not have!!!!! After researching, I am beyond disappointed that this is a known MB manufacturer's defect that has gone this far, customer action needs to be taken!!! My local car dealership states they knew nothing about this, however; pointed out a number of Mercedes C300 in their parking lot sitting with the same life-threatening issue. They were eager for me to talk to sales for a trade-in. Go figure this strategy, NOT. I have had three Mercedes Benz which I love, I do not want to part with this gem, but my need to . . . Please do something . . . Safety and Life matters
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489842October 18, 2022SUSPENSION
August 30,2022 local Mercedes Benz dealer stated that their inspection found that the rear sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced (estimated cost $4,699.88). I had two other independent repair shops confirm the sub frame condition.My car had 78,753 miles on it at time of discovery of sub frame corrosion condition. My independent repair shop says that OEM sub frames are back ordered with no estimate of when one would be available. Internet searches and discussion with independent repair shops indicate the rear sub frame corrosion , and structural failures, are a common problem.Structural failures are a serious safety hazard and this defect should be the subject of an NHTSA investigation and recall and replacement by Mercedes Benz. Structural suspension parts should not corrode and fail after only 78,000 miles on cars driven in normal conditions.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489862October 18, 2022STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine maintenance check and she was informed by the dealer that there was a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489569October 17, 2022SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at the dealer parking lot, she heard abnormal sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the rear subframe was severely corroded and the rear control arm was detaching from the subframe. The dealer diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000. The contact was informed by the service advisor that the vehicle should not be driven until it is repaired due to the extensive damage to the subframe.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489659October 17, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V678000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489676October 17, 2022SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Crankcase ventillation valve assembly needs replacement
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489465October 16, 2022AIR BAGS
There was a recall on airbags on this model the C350 2011 and the airbag is now back on
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489493October 16, 2022SUSPENSION
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear subframe has rusted out and left side arm has separated- my car has been routinely maintained and primarily housed in garaged parking. It does not have a history of flood or water damage. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My steering and breaking was impacted even at low speeds < 30 MPH. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Vehicle failed a Maryland state safety inspection and was deemed unsafe to drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, inspected by Maryland state certified safety inspector Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? I noticed decreased accuracy in my steering upon breaking and decreased function in breaking- my inspection revealed that all breaks were intact and working.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489405October 15, 2022SUSPENSION
Rear subframe rusted through. This is a safety issue. The driver side is rusted through but not other. This a design flaw and Mercedes Benz should have recall. Many other people have reported this problem. I have serviced my vehicle via the MB dealership since owning the car. The only owner. No one told about the rust issue for years. I was recently just told recently. This is dangerous and will cause an accident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489258October 14, 2022SUSPENSION
The rear suspension frame was rusted, and the suspension rusted off the frame through normal wear and tear (no potholes, incidents, etc). Left side rusted off, Right side is on its way. Brake distance was increased and suddenly braking on the highway resulted in back of car swerving slightly, almost hit a truck that suddenly merged into my lane. This was discovered during an MD state inspection, I called 6 dealerships in the area, and all were familiar with the issue with this chassis. I got two estimates saying the same problem. This forum shows that there are many more like me, and even in the UK dealerships are doing replacement free of charge due to how widespread it is: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w204-rear-subframes-deterioration.3048088/ The part has not been inspected by the manufacturer/police/insurance inspector. There were no warning lights or any alerts on my dash indicating this issue, I only found out bc I just so happened to need to do an MD state inspection, and I had been hearing a squeaking noise. Also, my brake distance was longer, and my car swerved a little under sudden braking on a dry sunny day.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11489102October 13, 2022SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently, almost causing the contact to lose control of the steering wheel. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side rear subframe was severely corroded and fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0