Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints (2012)

588 consumer complaints on file.

#11468165June 8, 2022
ENGINE
AUTO IS LESS THAN 100K MILES EXCELLENT CONDITION HAD THE TURBO GASKET GO BAD ON THE AUTO. OIL LEAKING IN THE MAIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON GROUND DUE TO THE GASKET ISSUE. COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE AND TURBO. GASKET SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD. WHILE AT THE MECHANICS SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT MODEL OF MERCEDES, NOT SURE THE YEAR BUT IDENTICAL BODY STYLE. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON 06/07/22 COST THROUGH MECHANIC $465.00 ANY TIME DUE TO PASSING OR EXCELARTION THE ENGINE WOULD MISS OUT AND LOSE POWER FOR THE PASSING OR ESCELARTION.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467644June 5, 2022
SUSPENSION
Part number: 207-350-97-02 This is the sub frame part number, during routine maintenance i found a cracked rear sub frame mount. Upon googling, there are hundreds of owners with that same problem. Cars with milage ranging from 40,000-150,0000 with the same issue. Under hard braking the car is unstable. When I called the MB dealer to inquire about the problem they did confirm that the problem is known but is not a safety recall and the repair bill is near $5,000. So Mercedes, confirmed it’s a known issue with a faulty part, confirmed it was a safety issue with the 2008-2012 Mercedes c300 and is not covering it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467139June 2, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue normal driving once he regained control of the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic for the vehicle to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear subframe had detached from the passenger’s side of the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls related to the failure on his vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464082May 10, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine maintenance, she was informed that the rear sub frame was rusted and had two holes. The vehicle was diagnosed that there was a transmission leak and the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463883May 9, 2022
SUSPENSION
Major rust in the welded joints of the Steel subframe. Long crack development along the seams, could have led to catastrophic lost of control of vehicle if the breaks were not found. This is an apparent flaw with the C-Class Mercedes Benz and quite surprising to the Service Reps at my dealership that this has not been a recall issue, as they’ve replaced many. The repair is quite costly, over $5,000. There were no symptoms, warnings or messages. This was found when the vehicle was in for a 10k service. I have a video sent by the technician that show the inspection of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463118May 2, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, he heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle swerved while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side subframe was severely corroded and fractured and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at his own expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462469April 27, 2022
SUSPENSION
The rear K frame on Mercedes Benz C300 totaly rusted through and broke apart causing the entire rear of vehicle to rest upon the fuel tank. The failure also caused stress on rear brake lines. The vehicle is 10 years old with 90,000 miles purchased brand new and garaged. Mercedes has performed a recall on Canada vehicles but no USA vehicles. This is total negligence. This is going to cause a fatality. Either a vehicle will catch fire or brake lines will fail and cause an accident. The vehicle is known by the dealers to have this damage/failure. I googled and found numerous cases. Mercedes was not willing to stand by the vehicle and repair. This should be a recall like it is in Canada. I was quoted $5000.00 to repair by Mercedes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459967April 7, 2022
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
I drove over an object on the highway and noticed my car veering left and wobbly when turning. A week after, it is squealing like a load of piglets in my trunk whenever I go over a bump, then my battery light came on and I took it to the shop and contacted my insurance, who denied my claim saying it was 'wear and tear'.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458128March 24, 2022
SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
From the mechanics notes: Four-wheel alignment could not be completed. Attempts to align the rear axle were unsuccessful due to flexing/movement in the rear suspension. A brief road test revealed occasional suspension “clunking” coming from the rear of the vehicle. Close examination of every suspension component mount revealed heavy cracking on the passenger side lower drag link subframe mount (see emailed image). The driver’s side low drag link mount location is also starting to show signs of overstress and rust/flaking. This is a known design defect that has been the subject of a manufacturer’s recall in Canada. Given the substantial safety impact of this design defect/failure, it is expected that a US recall will be forthcoming. Proper repair of this failure involves removing the entire rear axle/subframe assembly and either rebuilding/re enforcing the subframe or replacing it with a new unit and transferring all the suspension components to the new subframe. A current check of subframe availability is showing NLA (no longer available) status from Mercedes wholesale dealers – likely due to recent high demand and inability to satisfy that demand. This supply issue may also be playing a role in Mercedes’ failure to address this high level safety issue with a US based recall campaign. The manufacturer may be ramping up production of this component to address anticipated need – waiting to announce a recall when it has sufficient parts on hand to execute the campaign. It is strongly recommended that you file an NHTSA complaint for this issue and limit driving until the problem is rectified either independently or under the auspices of a recall campaign. The passenger side rear drag link has not yet completely separated from the subframe but is likely to do so soon which can result in an accident or loss of control as this critical suspension link is responsible for maintaining steering direction of the right rear wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456960March 16, 2022
SUSPENSION
I took my vehicle in for a state inspection and was informed the rear subframe was rusted/rotting and on the verge of detaching. Had this happened while driving, the results could have been catastrophic. The vehicle cannot be driven until this $4K dollar repair is completed. Upon speaking with the mechanic, this is a well known issue within Mercedes. Had I not asked for an alignment, this would have remained undiscovered until it inevitably broke off while driving the vehicle. This is a major safety issue and a safety recall should be issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456741March 15, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle swerved. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side sub-frame was corroded and the stabilizer arm had detached from the sub-frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456652March 14, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle was in for state inspection at an authorized inspection station. It failed inspection due to severely rusted and deteriorated rear K-Frame which had to be replaced to pass inspection. This is a major defect I feel caused by manufacture negligence. There were no warnings, messages or any signals indicating a problem. This issue could have severely caused an injury or even death had it not been detected by the mechanic inspector. Mechanic stated to me that he had replaced several of the rear K-Frames in the last year on this make and model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11455453March 6, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving recently we noticed that the vehicle pulled to one side while braking, and very hard under quick stop tests. Vehicle handling felt extremely dangerous when performing a hard brake test. An inspection was performed, and the service center found a rotted out rear subframe, and cracking around the suspension mounting brackets. After researching this repair, we found this to be a common problem in this and similar model Mercedes-Benz (MB) vehicles of that vintage. I understand that a recall may have been issued in Canada regarding this issue, but not in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz and their service stations have acknowledged this issue is common but they have not taken action to rectify this serious problem, or to compensate owners for the repair costs, which range from $3500 to $6000 depending on where the vehicle is serviced. We are the first owners of this car. It is barely 10 years old, is regularly maintained, and thoroughly washed during the winter months to remove road salt. A well maintained vehicle should not deteriorate this rapidly from rust, especially a Mercedes-Benz. We feel that it is unacceptable for MB to remain unaccountable for this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11454235February 26, 2022
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe failure caused me to loose control of vehicle almost resulting in a serious highway accident. Rear driver side stabilizer subframe mount was completely corroded and broken away from the subframe. There is no other significant corrosion on the subframe. MB claim normal corrosion however the pictures tell a different story.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453890February 24, 2022
SUSPENSION
While performing service inspection, technician found REAR SUB FRAME RUSTED AND READY TO BREAK. Told they needed to show me the problem on the lift, as it was a serious SAFETY ISSUE and should be IMMEDIATELY REPLACED. Dealer and service acknowledged that this is a KNOWN and WIDESPREAD PROBLEM in C Class vehicles. Cost to replace quoted at $4200. No warning - thankfully inspection found before I was in a serious accident! Mercedes should issue recall for failed/corroded frame. Not the "safe" vehicle that Mercedes claims. (Car has been dealer serviced regularly, garaged, and 34,000 miles.) Owners shouldn't have to suddenly come up with $4,200 in order to drive their seemingly normal car. DANGEROUS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453794February 24, 2022
ENGINE
The engine in my car died and after inspection by a Mercedes mechanic they concluded the failure was caused by faulty camshafts that have been common in the year and model this car. Mercedes has issued and extended warranty to cover the repairs recognizing this was a manufacturing issue but they are refusing to cover the full cost of repairing my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451935February 14, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Per the dealership in connection with a regular service, the rear subframe rusted out and became structurally weak and was a safety hazard. The problem was confirmed and repaired by an independent repair shop. From Google searches, this issue does not appear to be an uncommon problem. Car is garaged and receives regular underbody washes for road salt.
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
#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
#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

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