Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints

3,817 consumer complaints on file.

#11450424February 4, 2022
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car has 63,792 miles on it and has been continuously garaged and well cared for. All maintenance has been done timely and by Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner (Virginia) since it was purchased there on 01/08/14. All required maintenance was completed as advised and the car was covered under a 7 year 75,000 mile warranty. At the recent regularly scheduled yearly maintenance service completed on 12/28/21 we were advised that the that the "rear sub-frame is beginning to rust through and has a hole on the right rear (RR) and the recommendation was the "replacement of rear sub-frame soon" at an estimated cost of $4,242.40. This car has never been in an accident. In speaking to the MB service representative about this issue, I was advised that this problem has happened to several C300's from the period 2009-2014 and that Mercedes Benz was not accepting any responsibility for the issue in the US but had issued recalls in other countries. He said Mercedes maintains that it is a "wear and tear" issue. This car has not been abused and has been well maintained. This is not an area of the country where you would expect to see this type of corrosion unless the part was defective in some manner. In researching the problem on the internet, several people write about experiencing a failure of this part although the cars were older than ours and had more mileage on them. It appears to be a safety issue should the part rust through as it could puncture the gas tank or cause the rear wheels to buckle or cause a loss of control of the auto from the auto fishtailing. I have never seen this happen to a car before and I am 75 years old and have owned a number of automobiles over the years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450187February 3, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle: (1) smells of gasoline through the vents. The smell of gasoline is SO STRONG that I have had to pull over and get out of the vehicle. My car has 104,000 miles on it. Not a lot of miles for a 2016. There are NO warning lights on indicating a problem with the vehicle. (2) The silver trim/coating that covers the window buttons and around the entire dashboard has bubbled overnight and is flaking off. It constantly cuts fingers and arms. (3) Approximately 5 months ago the headliner in the car started buckling.
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
#11449416January 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
I’ve had 2 c300 Mercedes models in the past 8 months both used and were driving fine until rain water and car washes caused electrical damage there is a water leaking issue that goes into the floorbeds of the vehicle that causes the car to malfunction
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449091January 27, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The system that failed is the rear backup camera. The dash screen becomes black after initiating the car into reverse. The screen also glitches green and other times black. I have also received a “no camera” circle behind my rear backup camera with the 360 degree camera. I cannot use my rear backup camera as designed because of the issue. Even putting the vehicle back in park and then back to reverse does not remove the issue. This has happened on multiple occasions just this week. This started this week in my car. 1/21/2022 was the first time it happened. It has happened every day since and multiple times. I have photos and videos of the issue. The photos are attached to this report of the safety issue. I am unable to upload the video but can send upon request to an email.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448698January 24, 2022
WHEELS
I have 2 cracks in my wheels that needed repair. These cracks were 180degrees from each other. No tire damage
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448715January 24, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
While driving, engine stopped, could not steer.. Looks like a defective Electronic Ignition Switch or steering lock! It seems to be a common problem on these cars!!! The car would not start. After 8 attempts, I was able to start car but was afraid to drive it. Could have been a disaster.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448720January 24, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
With cold weather most w205 Mercedes, and specifically the one I have which is a C300 2016 starts having a strong Gas smell when I start the car at cold, and with the cold weather, the smell is getting stronger. There is already a class action going on in a different state concerning that issue, and it is probably a major and safety concern issue in those cars as a hose is a leaking fuel whenever the weather is cold. I ried with the dealership and they said no recall or anything for that issue yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448569January 24, 2022
SUSPENSION
Driver side subframe broke in half due to rust. However, vehicle has low mileage and was very well maintained and is in mint condition throughout with no signs of rust anywhere underneath on any parts. This subframe rusted through from the inside and with no way of being able to see or catch any warning signs for owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448341January 21, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while idle, the engine would vibrate with an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the engine. As the failure persisted, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and a diagnostic test was performed, and it was discovered that an engine cylinder had blown. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact then spoke to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was a common failure for her model vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. An email was sent to the manufacturer and the contact was informed that no further assistance could be offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448391January 21, 2022
ENGINE
The wrist pin is defective in early engines during manufacturing. It is not safe to operate the vehicle because at any time without any warning this can cause fatal damage to the engine - piston crack resulting in total loss of control even at high speeds on the highway. Numerous complaints were filed on NHTSA regarding cracked pistons most likely related to this wrist pin manufacture defect. The problem is acknowledged by M-BENZ (NHTSA ID Number: 10058545), and starting around April 20 2015 M-BENZ started to install modified wrist pins to prevent future failures, but they did not address existing faulty wrist pins. The vehicle was always serviced at the official MBENZ Dealer service and was under comprehensive inspection multiple times but the issue was never acknowledged by the service technicians during the warranty period even though the issue existed since manufacturing and instruction of how to diagnose was distributed between service technicians via Manufacturer Communication Number: LI03-10P060916 in 2015. When the M-BENZ Delear service technician finally confirmed the issue, the vehicle was already out of warranty and there is a hefty price to a customer to fix this manufacturer defect that should not have been there in the first place. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other easily detectable symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The issue can be diagnosed under very special conditions described in Manufacturer Communication Number: LI03-10P060916 For most drivers, it's hard to diagnose that something is wrong and easily mistaken for normal operation noise of the engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448292January 20, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
2012 C250 has a known defect with high pressure fuel pump. I personally have had an intermittent issue where vehicle will unpredictably stop working under heavy throttle and enter limp mode as the computer throws a fault code. This results in loss of power after the code making vehicle unpredictable and dangerous in passing situations. It leaves you stranded in the passing lane with oncoming traffic with a vehicle that will not accelerate. I have submitted a request multiple times with Mercedes benz corporate who has declined my submission. This issue has been ongoing since 2016. They have offered an extended warranty on the vehicle 10 years and 120,000 miles as they know there is a defect. It is dangerous and needs to be covered for all of the affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448024January 19, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 - 80 MPH, the brakes failed, and the brake pedal was stiff while depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with brake vacuum pump failure. The brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The brake vacuum pump was previously replaced by an independent mechanic for the recurring failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,535. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447809January 18, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Collision Assyt not operating, E brake engaged damage rear brakes and rotors
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447924January 18, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
Driving on the freeway I-5 Southbound in Orange County, California when my brakes failed. 1) There was no warning in advance of this episode, no squeaky brakes, no leaking of oil or fluid. 2) Car had been routinely repaired and maintained by the mercedes dealership. 3)An independent Mercedes mechanic
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447433January 13, 2022
STEERING
The steering wheel tilt no longer works
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446927January 10, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall 2021070010----NHTSA #21V197--Panoramic roof not boned correctly to the vehicle during prior replacement -
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446565January 7, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car have anew recall Recall #2021070010. The dealership Garage Isla Verde won’t provide me any type of services to my car. Neither repair this safety recall. They cancelled my appointments because I’m not welcome to the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446590January 7, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
This is a followup to a previous report. I now have photos and the actual part that was replaced. While driving on secondary road at 45 mph, braked for stoplight in 2012 Mercedes C300 4matic. Car veered left, rear swung right, and right front dove downward. Luckily regained control and prevented swerving into oncoming traffic. Took car to my regular mechanic and it was determined that the welds on the left rear portion of the rear subframe had rusted out from the inside of the subframe, severing the attachment to the left rear wheel control arms. The car had been inspected 6 months earlier and there was no sign of problem. The failure was catastrophic, not gradual. Upon removal, it was also noted that the right mounting bracket was also in the process of rusting through and failing. When the mechanic called the local Mercedes dealer, the service manager was not surprised and proceeded to outline what parts would be needed to carry out the repair. When I contacted the local Mercedes dealer, myself, they said this wasn’t an uncommon problem, but there was not recall or service bulletin on the problem. Was given a rough quote of $5000 to affect the repair. I also contacted Mercedes Benz USA and was told there were no recalls or service bulletins, but they might be able to provide some “Goodwill Assistance” to offset the expected cost if I had it towed to a MB dealer and got a quote from them. Benzworld.org, an owners forum with over 5 million participants world-wide https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w204-rear-subframes-deterioration.3048088/#post-17965564 has multiple postings about the problem as do other forums including CarProblemZoo.com https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/c300/suspension-problems.php . This design/manufacturer defect has had recalls in both Europe and Canada. Why this is not being addressed in the US? This sudden failure is potentially life-threatening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446430January 6, 2022
STEERING
Power steering malfunctioned while driving. Received error on dash. The steering wheel was very difficult to turn. Issue was resolved after turning the car off for 5mins and restarting. However it is unclear whether the issue would fester again. This is the first time this issue occurred between 2017-2022.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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