Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints (2013)

575 consumer complaints on file.

#11490960October 26, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe / crossmember failed due to corrosion. The rest of the car is in great condition, with no rot or corrosion. This is a regularly serviced vehicle. The part is recalled in other countries. Aside from the lack of a USA recall - the manufacturer is not providing any replacement parts. I am now without a car, and could have been killed if I didn't get it checked out. I do not see how it is legal to not provide parts to solve a life threatening issue caused by poor manufacturing. Should I drive the car anyway until it causes an accident ?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490550October 24, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to abruptly stop the vehicle to avoid a crash, the vehicle suddenly drifted into the opposite lane while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear control arms had failed. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear subframe and rear control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490134October 20, 2022
SUSPENSION
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, 2022
SUSPENSION
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
#11489842October 18, 2022
SUSPENSION
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
#11489405October 15, 2022
SUSPENSION
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, 2022
SUSPENSION
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, 2022
SUSPENSION
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
#11488119October 5, 2022
SUSPENSION
rotted subframe rear
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486805September 27, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe cracked; car has less than 95,000 miles and looks great. My two children of driving age were using the vehicle at the time, driving others as well. Fortunately, I happened to drive it not longer after the issue and took it to the shop immediately. They put it on the lift and saw that the rear subframe was cracked all the way through. As it turns out, it is becoming very common on this make/model--and it is nearly impossible to get a replacement. Mercedes Benz told me maybe sometime in 2023. In addition to having it inspected, I have since been in contact with several dealers and mechanics. Results are invariable: the part is in extremely high demand, Mercedes cannot fill the demand, and the wait is indefinite but long. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. In addition to the inconvenience, the car was very dangerous to drive. I am thankful that my son did not seriously injure himself or others while driving. The crack renders the car unstable at anything but the slowest speeds. When one brakes at any speed over about 20-25 mph, the car pulls violently to one side. Simply braking alone could cause a major, even fatal, accident. And any emergency maneuver could be disastrous. The car has been garaged since June awaiting a replacement that I am told will cost between $4000 and $6000! I am left with a vehicle that runs very well--but is unsafe to drive on a public roadway--and no way to repair it. Moreover, Mercedes cannot tell me when the part may become available (likely sometime in 2023).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486195September 24, 2022
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear subframe of vehicle rusted under regular use conditions and the left trailing arm mount broke off as a result. This caused vehicle braking to become extremely unstable and dangerous, even at low/medium speed. This is a known problem from this manufacturer and the Fed government should take action to force recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485232September 19, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
Brought my car to the dealership because I was hearing a noise when going over bumps. Also noticed some instability when braking and driving at highway speeds. Dealer informed my my subframe had rusted and told me the car was unsafe to drive.
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
#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
#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
#11483061September 6, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The interior driver side door handle broke and I was trapped inside my vehicle. Upon checking with the local Mercedes-Benz repair shop, this is a known problem with this type of vehicle and the design of the door handle is prone to this kind of a problem. As of now, the contact has stated that their current solution for the issue is to roll down the window and open the door with the exterior handle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11482884September 5, 2022
SUSPENSION
Rear subframe and rear wheel control arm separated and corroded. Car not safe to drive. 2013 model with 31,000 miles, always garaged and maintained.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11482660September 2, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C300 Sport 4MATIC with roughly 90k miles. Car is in great condition, a well maintained vehicle that has been regularly serviced (receipts in hand). I recently sent it in for an oil change, air filter change, and to check out a slight rear noise that started a couple weeks ago. I was told the Rear Subframe is severely rotted, and hitting the gas tank. My car is completely un-driveable until this issue is resolved, and extremely expensive to repair. I also called multiple MBUSA dealers, and was told these parts are on back order WITH NO TIME FRAME. Therefore, leaving me with no car for weeks if not months. Based on my own research this is a wide-spread manufacturing failure, which was correct in newer models to prevent the corrosion. Not only is it crazy that the US does not offer free repair / a recall on this issue like OTHER COUNTRIES - Mercedes Benz is leaving people hanging due to the back orders. Curious if Canada / other countries also have this back order issue regardless of recall status. If not, MBUSA should most definitely be responsible to all its US customers whether its improving inventory or recalling the part. My plans were to sell the vehicle for a newer model BEFORE this problem arose. If the noise didn't start until after I sold it, the new owner could have easily been injured or killed. I service this vehicle 2-3 times a year for routine maintenance, and was never made aware of the issue. If I waited to take it in any longer I could have been severely injured as well. I am now without a car, because the frame was not properly protected during manufacturing. The fact this part is on back order for 2 months says it all. Strongly appreciate your assistance in resolving this safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481341August 26, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, SUSPENSION
THE REAR SUBFRAME ON THE CAR IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. I GET AN OIL CHANGE AND A INSPECTION OF THE CAR DONE AT THE DEALER EACH YEAR. NOBODY MENTIONED TO ME THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED AND IS ABOUT TO CRACK AND FALL APART. WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I SUDDENLY HAD TO STOP AND THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. DROVE HOME AND NOTICED A NOISE EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES. THE NEXT DAY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SHOWED ME THAT THE SUBFRAME CRACKED AND FELL APART. I KNOW THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN EUROPE AND THE DEALERS CHANGE IT FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT IS ON A RECALL, BUT NOTHING IN THE USA AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM DRIVERS. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481468August 26, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
Driving my 300 down the highway at around 70MPH and after lightly pressing the break, the car surved into right and left lane. I could have gotten into an accident, but luckily no other car was on the road. Taking my car to the mechanic it was discovered that My 2013 C300 has a rotted subframe, this was not caused by any damage but due to the part not being protected from rust. Rust caused the subframe to rot from the inside out. Many C300 have reported this issue, and the large number of failures on this subframe across my C300 and multiple models is concerning. This is a gross failure of a major safety component that can cause serious injury or death. My research showed this part has been recalled in Canada; MBUSA feels the need to wait to do so until a serious injury or death has occurred. The defective subframe is known and the new part’s design has been amended to take into account this rust issue. MBUSA’s decision exhibits a lack of accountability for a defective part and this issue needs to be promptly addressed for the safety of its customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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