2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 Complaints

The subframe rotted out causing the lower control arm bracket to detach from the frame. This has caused loss of control of the back left wheel and causes the car to shake and swerve when braking. This exact issue has led to recall in Canada. First noticed due to a squeaking and clunking sound. Later on the same day, I pressed the brakes on the highway and felt the described shaking/swerving. My mechanic has let me know that the car is now un-drivable due to the safety issue this causes. One of the rear subframe’s main purposes is to absorb and disperse impact. Not only have I entirely lost control of the rear left, but any crash that this could have led to could have been significantly more dangerous due to the failed subframe. As stated prior, this exact issue has led to recall in Canada and I believe that it should lead to recall in the USA as well.

Vehicle subframe has rusted through and parts of left rear suspension components are free, and one is about to poke a hole in the fuel tank. The right side is about to do the same. Everyone’s safety is at high risk with this problem. The car abruptly pulls to the left when applying the brakes as well as causing the car to shimmy on the interstate. I took it to my mechanic who to.d me what has happened, and I had it towed to the Mercedes dealership who confirmed the problem. When you search the internet you find a highly alarming number of people who have this same problem on 2009-2014 C300 models please do something before someone gets killed.

Mercedes C300 2013, bought used in 2014 at approximately 7300 miles on the odometer, have always done the repairs and maintenances at Mercedes dealerships. In either late 2019 or early 2020 at around $50,000 miles on the odometer, the dealer informed me that the "rear sub frame is rusted and has hole in it" and recommend for the replacement of the rear sub frame, they even refused to pass my state safety inspection because of it. In October 2021 at approximately 67,000 miles on the odometer, it was determined that it was the time for the sub frame to get replaced at a price tag of more than $8000. Upon calling Mercedes corporate customer service and complaining to the dealership, Mercedes is willing to offer so called "Good Will Assistance" but I am still responsible for more than 50% of the cost. Mercedes dealership advised me this is a common issue for this type of vehicle and my case is not a single case. This is a great safety concern and driving this vehicle has been a uncomfortable experience. I strongly believe the sub frame issue is a manufacturer defect and there should be recall issued on it. Thanks.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, she started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence however while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle was pulling to the left. The contact continued driving to her residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s side rear axle and brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.

During a routine maintenance inspection at the Mercedes dealer, the mechanic found the rear subframe on the left and right sides of the car is rusting. Eventually it will rust through and possibly causing the loss of the control arms and wheels. At that point the car could become uncontrollable. The issue was discussed with Mercedes Benz USA Customer Advocacy. They informed me the once a vehicle falls outside warranty repairs are at the owners expense. Although the car is 8 years old it has only 51,000 miles. This is a known issue with my model year and in fact there is a recall in Canada for this issue.

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his daughter lost control of the vehicle upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle would veer off the road without warning. His daughter had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the subframe had severe corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed his daughter that they could not offer any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Vehicle completely shut down while traveling on interstate. Ignition switch malfunction and went dead, also steering column locked causing me to lose control of steering functions.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt would not retract and was unable to lock and secure the driver. Also, the rear driver’s side seat belt ceased and was unable to pull out and lock to secure the driver’s side rear seat passenger. The rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to retract and would not secure the passenger side rear seat passenger. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Mercedes dealership mechanic found rear subframe rusted through on 5/20/21 during oil change. Mechanic advised car is unsafe to drive, subframe can break apart while driving and cause accident. Dealership also advised this is a known issue with my model/year vehicle but currently no recall for it in the US, but there is a recall for this issue in Canada. I called Mercedes Benz USA customer care and spoke to a supervisor Benjamin who said they will not cover any repair expense for this issue.

The Contact owns a 2013 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a knocking sound and an abnormal vibration when driving. The Contact took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection and the Dealer found the Sub Frame was corroded and had a hole. The dealer advised that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,0000.