Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaints
3,817 consumer complaints on file.
- #11479497August 16, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong odor of fuel in the cabin when entering the cabin and stronger when vehicle is first started
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479600August 16, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The check engine light came on. I pulled the code and it was P052E, and requires the replacement of the crankcase ventilation system. I am told that this happens on virtually all C300s and (and maybe the GLC300 also). I think this should be recalled.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479681August 16, 2022ENGINE
Engine light appears due to P052e code “positive crankcase ventilation regulatory valve”. Part failed prematurely and appears to be a common problem in make/model. May cause engine damage due to inability to clear combustion gases in the crankcase.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479375August 15, 2022SUSPENSION
I had noticed that my car was starting to pull to the side when braking. I took it in to my authorized dealer, where I always have it serviced and maintained, and I was told that the rear sub-frame bracket was broken off at the left rear lower control arm attachment point. The rear sub-frame and left rear lower control arm needs to be replaced. I was told that the car was absolutely not safe to drive. I have always taken great care to maintain the vehicle, and it has always been stored in a garage. There were no warning signs prior to the failure, and I was very surprised to hear that the sub-frame had rusted out since there is no rust anywhere else on the vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479472August 15, 2022STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES
08/15/2022 (date statement was wrote not date of incident) While driving into work at 50 miles an hour, traffic started to slow. While applying brake heard loud pop and vehicle rear end lounged right making steering difficult, I immediately released the brake and control came back I then gently applied the brake again to slow vehicle and felt slight clump from rear. This was very disconcerting my vehicle never had performed in that manner which made me feel very uncomfortable continuing driving, I had mechanic look at vehicle and was told the rear subframe had rusted and the rear left control arm broke away from frame??? My vehicle is very well maintain and just a little over 11 years old. Feeling belittled I began investing Mercedes’ forums and found this has been an issue with some of not all models and nothing has been done to correct this defect. I contacted Mercedes’ Benz and the service department knew exactly what it was and stated the is no recall on these failing subframe due to rust. This is a very serious safety issue due to the fact of loosing control of the vehicle when this component fails possibly causing serious injury or even death. To put insult to injury Mercedes has no plan to replace it and it’s left to the consumer to replace this non maintenance item. Looking into forums about this issue these subframes have failed at almost every odometer mileages, particularly the w204 chassis 2008-2014. A safety recall should be advised to the consumers whom own such vehicles!! Safety First!!!!!!!!! Respectfully, [XXX] 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
- #11479093August 13, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I took my vehicle to the dealership to have recall worked on (top sunroof panel) apparently they refused to work on it because my sunroof is not working. I received a letter after i financed the vehicle stating that there was a recall so to take it in to the dealership and if sunroof needed to be fixed it would. Long story short, back in July the panel detached from my vehicle while i was on the freeway. Thankfully I didn’t cause an accident but I would like some help so the dealership can fix the recall.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479038August 12, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
INSIDE HANDLE DOOR left broke 2019 and right broke 8/10/2022, Senior people is hard to open a broken door and if an accident will happen they can not came out of the car. We took the car to Mercedes Benz dealer and they want to charge to fix it. We took to independent mechanic the 1st time on 2019 and they charge us like $1,000. Now the right handle door is broke 8/10/2022. We need Mercedes Benz to fix it ASAP. This issue is happen a lot to Mercedes Benz
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478916August 12, 2022ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked at and informed me that an extended warranty is in place for half of all the parts and labor above.all should be covered and for safety.my nerves are a wreck and without a way to afford an entirely new engine I am left to contend with car payments for an unsafe undrivable vehicle. Since then the dealership recognized my concerns but has since stated that without a modification to the extended warranty or it being made a recall that there is nothing that can be done.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 2
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478823August 11, 2022SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated the seat belt retraction failed. The contact stated the seat belt got stuck between the driver's door and the vehicle and she was unable to open the vehicle, so contacted the manufacturer's roadside service for assistance. The roadside service unjammed the door. The contact was unaware of the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V032000 (Seat Belts). The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478570August 10, 2022WHEELS
I own a 2019 Mercedes AMG C43. I had 2 cracked rims which the insurance company claims that it is a manufacturers defect and not due to hitting holes in the road. The city of Chicago, where I reside, has many pothole problems. Which can be tough to avoid. After reading Mercedes Benz forums and finding there are many people having issues with these rims cracking. Most of my driving is in the city and not high speed but others have reported that the rims have cracked during highway driving and they have had tire losses as well. I believe there to be a risk with these rims cracking so easily, and causing damage to tires as well. Thought I should pass this on
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478583August 10, 2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall while driving at various speeds. The contact would have to place the vehicle in park, turn the vehicle off then on again to regain proper function. The vehicle's collision prevention assist plus inoperative warning was illuminated. The contact stated that there were other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478690August 10, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame is literally rotting from the inside out. Apparently this is a very common problem with Toyota 4 runners. This should have been recalled and fixed by Toyota like they did with the Tacoma and sequoias.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478705August 10, 2022SUSPENSION
I noticed my 2013 MB C350 was making strange noises and vibrations. I could feel the car steering in a different direction when I let go of the wheel. I took it to my service dealer and was told the subframe was severely rusted which included the suspension, struts, and even brake line. I was told the car was dangerous to drive and had to keep it at the shop for 45 days while waiting for the parts to come in. Apparently this is a "common" issue with this generation of C-class. There should be nothing common or normal about a rotting subframe after only 8 years of use. This a manufacturer's defect and the manufacturer needs to be held responsible for using inferior parts for cost cutting measures. I had to pay several thousands of dollars for an issue that shouldn't be an issue for 20+ years.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478301August 9, 2022ENGINE
CRACKED PISTON AT 68K MILES The vehicle is very well maintained, only 68k miles, has had every oil change, only takes premium gas. I was driving it when the check engine light went on and the vehicle began shaking violently. After towing the vehicle to the Mercedes Benz dealership, they informed me that the piston cracked and they could not articulate a reason why this would happen.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478130August 8, 2022FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal several times but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478151August 8, 2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING, WHEELS
Headlight is out and there is no replacement; dealer says they are having significant issues with headlamps. Also, tire safety monitoring system is always on, even though there is a proper air pressure amount.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478169August 8, 2022LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There have been two complete failures of the control module /screen in the center dash of the vehicle which operates all vehicle features and some key safety features. The screen simply ceases operation and shuts down all controls for the vehicle. The first incident occurred shortly after purchasing the vehicle new in June 2022 and then again on 8/7/22
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477996August 7, 2022SUSPENSION
The left rear subframe is torn and severely rusted. The left rear arm also needs to be replaced because it is essentially not connected to anything which makes the car not safe to drive. I took the car to an independent shop and was told not to drive the car any longer. I had to have the car towed to my home. I was made aware that this is a common issue In Mercedes C300 and Mercedes US has refused to issue a recall although in Canada a recall has been issued on this particular part. I was driving on the highway with my 1 yr old in the backseat when my car started to pull side to side. The car felt out of control. There were no warning indicators about this issue so I wasn’t sure what was going on. Im happy I followed my instincts and had the car looked at. I am now faced with purchasing a new car or having the car repaired for several thousand dollars. I have had the car for six years without issue and I’m told that this is a manufacturer defect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477748August 5, 2022STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an airbag inspection. During the inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the brake lines and rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477837August 5, 2022SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 Mercedes Benz C300 4-Matic; Failure of rear subframe, significant crack of an important support member; very limited minor corrosion of the other parts of the frame, seems to be a manufacturing quality defect in a very specific part. Vehicle has been inspected by a highly qualified independent mechanic and by the closest manufacture's dealer in Massachusetts. Car cannot be driven because it is unsafe to do so. Both the dealer's service department and the independent repair shop have advised and confirmed this. Limited research online seems to indicate that this problem is well known by Mercedes Benz, and the manufacturer has issued recalls in other countries and has taken some responsibility for this defect. However, in the USA, Mercedes Benz has not issued a recall, to the best of my knowledge. It certainly seems that they should have done so. It is highly likely that many owners with this problem lack the knowledge or experience needed to report this problem to the appropriate authorities. I happen to have an above average knowledge regarding automobiles. I first became aware of this problem in Nov., 2021. The vehicle is available for inspection by your department if you deem appropriate.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0