Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints (2011)

516 consumer complaints on file.

#11461444April 20, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
This car was taken to a local Mercedes Benz dealership for repairs. Upon inspection, the dealer ship stated that the rear subframe was rusted on the vehicle and it was not safe to drive. Typically, frames do not rust out in 11 years and 110,000 miles on the car. I called Mercedes Benz to ask about this problem and their customer service representative immediately asked if this was the rear subframe. This tells me that Mercedes Benz has had numerous calls about this issue before. The Service Advisor at Germain Mercedes Benz stated that he had seen this issue on multiple occasions. We went to an independent service shop for a second opinion and they also stated that they had made this repair on this model of car. We have a strong suspicion that Mercedes is aware of this problem and has done nothing with it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461400April 19, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had a thumping sound in the rear of my 2011 Mercedes C300. I took it to our import car repair shop and found out that the rear subframe assembly was rusted out and needed to be replaced. They felt that since it was close to the fuel tank that they didn't feel safe letting me drive it. The car is in excellent shape otherwise and the mechanic said that this is the 2nd one like this that he's recently seen. Looking online, I've seen a number of complaints about the very same issue in Mercedes C300's from 2009-2014.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461106April 18, 2022
SUSPENSION
Due to design flaw and/or poor material quality, I have a car with less than 100,000 miles that has completely rusted thru the subframe. I was told by a Mercedes Benz dealer that this is a common problem with this car. The cost of repair was quoted at $4000. This was only discovered due to the MB mechanic removing the covers on on the subframe discovering the rust. I was told it would not pass inspection but it just did in February at the dealer I bought the car from. I told the MB dealer this and they said they probably didnt know the covers need removed to see the issue. This is a huge safety issue that people who drive these cars are probably not aware of. Failure of this area could cause loss of control as this is a critical suspension link responsible for maintaining steering direction of the rear wheels. Once these linkages fail the driver will lose control of the car. MB needs to held accountable for this design flaw and get the cars recalled. I do not have $4000 just lying around to make this repair and will be forced to continue to drive this car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457695March 21, 2022
SUSPENSION
While traveling on the interstate @ 60 MPH, I loud knock was heard in the right rear. When brakes were applied, the vehicle pulled to the left, severely. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic on this date after making an appointment. Photos included show the issue as to why this occurred. The 'cradle' of the rear suspension on both, the left and right sides were completely rusted through. The vehicle is a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-300, with 63,000 miles. After researching this on line, it appears this is an on-going issue with this year along with other years. This, is huge safety issue and the results could be catastrophic to the occupants and or other operators.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11455497March 7, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the rear of the vehicle swerved. The driver pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452814February 18, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear taillight ground wire melting. Dealer said that this recall was performed previously, so now I had to pay for the repair parts. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V177000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452412February 17, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
The rear suspension subframe rotted. The car has 140,000 miles and is kept in a garage. There was no warning regarding the damage. I nearly lost control of my car on a highway, it was I reported this to Mercedes to see if there was a recall. There was no recall on the part, Mercedes did not take responsibility for repairs. I paid to have the car repaired. There were no warning lamps that alerted me to the problem. The car was towed to a Mercedes dealer and I opened a claim with Mercedes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451693February 12, 2022
STEERING
I haven't had an issue with this yet but have heard others having this issue. Mercedes Benz fitted cheap plastic Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) in these models that are prone to failure. Unexpectedly, this device will fail and will lock out the steering which can happen anytime and can cause a serious accident. The car will have malfunctioning steering when this device fails and should have a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449789February 1, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Went to work and came out and the vehicle says to remove key from ignition. Was stuck in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures and had no way to get anywhere. It’s a common problem that Mercedes knows about and is charging thousands of dollars to repair because it can only be done through them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443558December 13, 2021
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe failure of left lower control arm mount bracket at weld that rusts prematurely from improper treatment at time of manufacturing After failure while braking at low speed 10mph rear end of vehicle fish tails left and front end of vehicle moves right There are numerous reports around the world with this specific model and identical safety hazard on the left side of vehicle in almost all cases Mercedes Benz refuses to acknowledge a defect in craftsmanship of the specified part and in many cases offer a $1000 credit towards a new vehicle As 1 of millions of Americans that owns this vehicle in question I believe it is necessary that the NHTSA steps in to assist with this issue as millions of American lives are at risk even if they do not own or operate this vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443670December 13, 2021
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact son stated while driving at various speeds, the rear of the vehicle would sway while braking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with needing the subframe to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440684November 16, 2021
SUSPENSION
Lost control of vehicle while driving on highway. Brought vehicle to have brakes done at Pep Boys who identify the sub frame was corroded and that vehicle was not drivable, after many attempts with Mercedes Benz, from emails to phone calls also following up with customer service line and not been able to even have them look at the vehicle I’ve decided to follow up with a complaint. My car was earlier this year at Mercedes-Benz for another reason and I was never made aware of this issue. I brought vehicle to another European auto shop they just told me that they just did another vehicle same model with same problem. I’ve also read online many complaints. I’m aware that many individuals have no idea on how to file a complaint at this level to hold MBenz responsible. Is time for a recall. My extended warranty company would not take care of the bill which is over $2000 since there is corrosion on the vehicle. Thank you for your assistance
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439564November 6, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was told by the Service Department at the Fredericksburg, Va Mercedes Dealership/Service Department on October 29, 2021 that the Rear Sub Frame had rusted out and needed to be replaced. This apparently affects the basic functioning/stability of the car, handling, alignment and breaking. This is apparently an "known" issue with this car and was recalled in Canada, but not the USA. The car was inspected for Virginia registration/etc. in July 2021, so I am not sure when this defect became "obvious". However, I was told in April/May 2021 during basic maintenance that the breaks were wearing unevenly. I cannot provide a specific date of exactly when the car was not "handling properly".
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439298November 4, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe broke off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435263October 2, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Every time I fill up the gas tank, I smell gas in the passenger side back seat close to where you pump the gas?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435150October 1, 2021
SUSPENSION
Rear suspension is rusted and the arm to the wheel has disconnected. This vehicle can’t be driven and is a major safety issue - per the Mercedes dealership. From Mercedes : The rear sub-frame serves a number of purposes. It adds to the rigidity of the rear body structure and supports the vehicle's cabin and some chassis components. Most importantly, the sub-frame helps to protect occupants in an offset rear impact. In a collision, the sub-frame first helps to absorb some of the impact forces on the side that is hit. It also channels some of the impact forces to the side of the vehicle not involved in the impact. This also helps to absorb some of the forces of the collision before they can reach the passenger cabin Reason A damaged sub frame puts everyone in the vehicle at risk. During a collision the sub-frame is responsible for absorbing and evenly distributing the force from the impact. If damaged the sub frame cannot distribute the impact causing a complete collapse of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434828September 29, 2021
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
2011 MERCEDES BENZ C300. CONSTITUENT WRITES REGARDING SUBFRAME CORROSION SAFETY RECALL ON VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WOULD NOT TAKE RESPOSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A GOOD WILL INCENTIVE OF $500.00 TOWARDS A USED VEHICLE OR 1000.00 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434893September 29, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas is leaking under the car. Gas dripping location is by the rear passenger tire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433488September 19, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When the fuel tank is full, there is a strong smell of gasoline at the rear of the car. The gasoline odor is extremely strong on the outside, and very strong on the inside. (This is NOT due to overfill or spillage). I searched some Mercedes-Benz blog sites, and discovered others are experiencing similar problems since 2019 to now. The strong gasoline odor can likely pose a health risk. There is also real concern about potential fire or explosion risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432823September 13, 2021
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS, SUSPENSION:REAR
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the contact was going around a corner when he noticed a vehicle in front. The contact depressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle violently jerked and stop. The contact stated that the steering wheel was leaning towards the left. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The following day the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as a fractured and detached rear control arm due to corrosion of the undercarriage and subframe. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be repaired however, the contact declined the repair due to cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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