Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11485253September 19, 2022
SUSPENSION
Diagnosed with broken rear sub frame: "Broken rear sub frame, left side lower link is broken off and contacting Fuel Tank. Rear tires are also bald and care is unsafe to drive". Recall in Canada, but not USA. Sub frames on backorder until January 2023. I have three years of payment left, and am now being quoted 6,300 from the MB Service Ctr in Wilmington DE to fix this problem. Again, the items are on backorder due to heavy demand. Im a single mom we depend on my car to get us to work. This is the ultimate catch 22 as the car is extremely dangerous to drive and put us all in serious jeopardy - but no one will take this broken car as a trade in. I am forced to drive the vehicle while I wait for backordered parts and pray that I can get a loan to pay for it. "".....and contacting the fuel tank".....
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484931September 17, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Please see attached letter: [XXX] Mercedes Benz Crankcase Valve Claim.pdf, repair estimate and other correspondence from Mercedes-Benz. This is an well-known issue where there is a gas lead from the engine where Mercedes insists doesn't pose a safety issue. During cold starts there is a smell of gas in the cabin and this is prevalent in colder climates like New England. Mercedes should make cars for all markets that are safe. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484758September 16, 2022
STEERING
Failed component: power steering. Mercedes Benz of Princeton did the replacement, but we're not sure if they kept the part. Safety issue: On June 14, 2022, the vehicle’s power steering failed in the middle of a drive (see attachment for the error message). This was a major risk since the car was stuck in the middle of the road, with the steering wheel requiring tremendous force to turn. Luckily, we were a few 100 feet away from home, so we just left it. Next morning the car turns on fine and there are no issues with the steering. One week later, on June 19, 2022, the issue resurfaced. This time we were driving 35mph in a public street with traffic behind us. We were barely able to pull the car over to the side of the road. We took the car to Mercedes Benz of Princeton where they diagnosed the issue and quoted $4551 to replace the entire steering rack. We also contacted MB USA to understand why our vehicle wasn't recalled as part of NHTSA Recall ID #15V-845. After dragging their feet for a full month (where no updates were provided), they denied the claim. On July 22, 2022, we ended up paying the full cost of repair and lost the use of the vehicle for a full month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484782September 16, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The W204 subframe of my Mercedes Benz C Class is failing and in need of repair, this should not be happening to a car with less than 80K miles on it. My local auto repair shop which exclusively services Mercedes Benz currently has two vehicles with the same issue and informed me that the subframe part is currently out of stock due to the number of failures. This issue has caused a recall in other countries. What is the NHTSA doing about this issue. I will be contacting my congressional representative today as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484571September 15, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe rusted to the point car is not drivable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484382September 14, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
I have a 2016 C300 that was diagnosed with a severe brake booster issue. Last week, I had to brake hard while traveling 65 mph on a highway and they failed; luckily I was able to avoid catastrophe by maneuvering around the obstacle. I researched to see if this was a known issue and learned that some Mercedes models between 2008-2012 had recalls due to brake booster corrosion issues, but Mercedes might have a worse issue than just a few models prior to 2012, based on my experience!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484438September 14, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
--the rear subframe is severely rusted at 2 spots where the suspension and the body come together. If hit a hard bump or pothole it could break and cause a large safety issue. The rear subframe is $4751.00
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484447September 14, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed him that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484455September 14, 2022
SUSPENSION
I was driving my C 2011 MB and suddenly when applying the Brakes the car had a severe pull to the left and a loud noise from the rear driver side wheel. I made an appointment with my mechanic to have the issue looked at. There were no warning lights or other symptoms until basically the complete failure of the rear suspension. My mechanic informed me that the rear Subframe of the suspension on the vehicle had completely rusted out and the components holding the brake assembly and sway bar were almost at the point of becoming disengaged from the vehicle. He stated that the car is unsafe to drive. He was very surprised as the car is garage kept an in good shape with no rust anywhere else on the car. I did a quick investigation 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. 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
#11484481September 14, 2022
SUSPENSION, SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH going downhill, the rear end of the vehicle shifted independently to the right. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at a slow speed to her destination. The contact stated her husband inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear subframe cross member had fractured due to corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484303September 13, 2022
SUSPENSION
Subframe corroded/rusted out. Car is in excellent condition with no other rust or corrosion. Car has 58,800 miles and regularly maintained by dealer. Took car to TireDiscounter because of noise. Mechanic put car on lift and reviewed corrosion and other damaged cause by failed part. Mechanic called MB service department and was told that parts on 5- 6 months back order because of this issue. But no recall even though problem is wide spread. Rear tires and gas tanked damaged by loose subframe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484148September 12, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
- Right Rear Subframe; Yes, available for inspection. - My mechanic told me that driving the car more than 2 miles or at a high rate of speed was very dangerous. He told me there that if the car braked quickly or was driven at a high rate of speed that there was a very good chance of an accident. There is a risk of the right control arm detaching from the frame; this could cause the car to be uncontrollable with the right rear wheel and control arm detaching from the vehicle. - Yes, the issue was confirmed by my mechanic, who works at an independent service center. - No. - There were no warning lamps or messages. I had begun to hear a loud clunking noise, usually when braking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484045September 12, 2022
ENGINE
At approximately 65K miles, my PCV valve is bad and needs to be replaced at a cost of $1600. I saw lots of customer complaints for the same issue online, I think Mercedes should cover this item under recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483787September 10, 2022
SUSPENSION
Rear Sub-Frame completely rusted out on car that has only 68800 miles and garaged kept since new. The suspension failure is an obvious engineering issue. No rust anywhere else on the car. The vehicle sways and bangs there is almost no metal left on the framework that all of the other rear suspension components mount to and rely on for stability. I have pictures to show what an obvious pre-mature failure this is from a touted high end auto manufacturer. Mercedes Benz should be investigated and made to repair these vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483789September 10, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
I’m filing a complaint due to a concern regarding the rear subframe of my vehicle becoming rotted/rusted out and falling apart at any time. This is due to a Mercedes Benz manufacturing issue where they tried cost cutting which turned out very poor quality materials for this very important assembly. I have researched online about this problem, and turns out, it is very common with this body style c300 ('08 - '14). There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals within the USA who are having this exact same issue with as little as 60,000 miles. Most are happening around the 90,000 mile mark however. They primarily mention in many online forums how scared they were when it happened and how lucky they are it didn’t cause a major accident…yet. My car only has ~110,000 miles and is just about 10 years of age. This issue should never happen for a vehicle with such low miles and such a short life, especially from a prominent and distinguished automotive company. This is a Huge Safety Concern, and I am Scared that this subframe will fail without warning and at a high speed, which can likely cause me to be involved in a major accident where people are killed or seriously injured. It is astonishing how this subframe was not recalled by now and how Mercedes USA has not taken responsibility for this. This issue needs to be addressed and recalled Immediately before people are killed or seriously injured, and before more of these parts break. Please look into this very soon as this is a very serious matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483845September 10, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
rear subframe premature rust for a 2013 car I've been reading a lot many people have same problem it is a very expensive fix and I'm sure Mercedes knows about it. Also engine makes very bad rattling noise at startup which is also a very expensive fix and Mercedes issued a tsb bulletin thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483657September 9, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe of vehicle is starting to become rotted/rusted out and may fall apart at any time. My Mother has the same body style car as me (2011 c300) & she was recently driving at around 60mph and all of the sudden, went to step on the brakes and the car swerved across the highway uncontrollably. She took it to a mechanic who said the car is not drivable and showed me how badly the subframe was destroyed. This is due to a Mercedes Benz manufacturing issue where they tried cost cutting which turned out very poor quality materials for this very important assembly. My car only has ~55,000 miles and is just about 8 years of age. This issue should never happen for a vehicle with such low miles and such a short life, especially from a prominent and distinguished automotive company. This is a Huge Safety Concern, and I am Scared that this subframe will fail without warning and at a high speed, which can likely cause me to be involved in a major accident where people are killed or seriously injured. I would even consider getting rid of this car, which would be unfortunate since it is gorgeous and seems almost brand new, although I cannot afford to sell this & buy another car at this time. I have researched online about this problem, and turns out, it is Very Common with this body style c300 ('08 - '14). There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals within the USA who are having this exact same issue with as little as 60,000 miles. Most are happening around the 90,000 mile mark however. They primarily mention in many online forums how scared they were when it happened and how lucky they are it didn’t cause a major accident…yet. It is astonishing how this subframe was not recalled by now and how Mercedes USA has not taken responsibility for this. This issue needs to be addressed and recalled Immediately before people are killed or seriously injured, and before more of these parts break. Please look into this very soon and contact me with any questions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483675September 9, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for a routine service check at the dealer and the mechanic informed her that the rear subframe was rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was informed that the part was on back order. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483528September 8, 2022
SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph when they attempted to apply the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to stop and emitted a rumbling noise. The contact stated the vehicle's rear end had swerved causing them to use excessive force in order to avoid a crash. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road where they waited before continuing driving. There were no warning lights. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear subframe on the driver's side had severe rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483577September 8, 2022
SUSPENSION
I ran off the road and my rear suspension sub frame literally broke in half. Upon further research I’ve learned that these parts are faulty and several people have had theirs rust completely in two. Mine had lots of rust damage and that is likely what caused the damage to mine when I ran off the road (MINOR impact that should have never caused that much damage). Mercedes has recalled this part in several countries including Germany and Canada. When I drove home after running off the road my car was nearly impossible to drive. It was jerking all over the road and when I tapped the brakes the rear end of the car would come up off of the road (into the air)! This was in June. It’s now September and I still have not been able to obtain a part from Mercedes. So many people are having this issue with their vehicles that the part is on back order until Q1 of 2023. This is a part of the cars sub frame that is rusting in two! One would argue a broken sub frame is dangerous. And it’s such a prominent issue the part is on back order. Furthermore, Mercedes has changed the type of metal used in replacement parts, which is an acknowledgment of the parts defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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