2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 Complaints

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the rear subframe was rusted and the passenger’s side rear control arm was detached from the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. No other assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 43,960.

Applied brakes coming down a slight grade and vehicle made a clunking noise and became unstable. Pulled and pitched as brakes were applied and released. Upon checking brakes it was very visible that the rear subframe had failed on the right side and the left was severely compromised. I hard braking situation would have resulted in a crash… The severe damage was not visible a week ago until it rotted out from the inside and failed under load.

This issue concerns rear Sub Frame corrosion. My car has always been serviced at the Mercedes Benz dealer where it was purchased as recommended. Upon recievieing my car after a service I was informed that the subframe in my car was badly damaged by metal corrosion. In fact I was told that the car was unsafe and should not be driven as total failure would likely cause lose of control of the vehicle. I was offered a repair quote in excess of $5,000 to replace the rotten subframe. I have since found that this failure is common the the model and many cases have been reported. In Europe and Canada recalls have been issued. Cases in the US are apparently felt with on a "case by case" basis. I see this as a serious safety concern for our highways. Failure is common from reports and and serious accidents surely possible. I have removed my car from service, but many are being driven right now. Mercedes Benz is aware of this and is doing nothing to date to take responsibility for this design/construction defect. I add my voice to the many that I hope have contacted you with concern.

As per an inspection by my mechanic, the rear sub frame of the vehicle has cracked due to rust corrosion and subsequent metal failure. I first noticed the issue when there was a thumping sound over bumps and the car started to swerve when applying brakes on the highway, quite a scary situation as I thought the brakes were failing. The car has 78000 miles and has had all maintenance done. The is no other rust on or underneath the car. According to my research on Mercedes-Benz owner forums I discovered that it is a common issue and that, so far, Mercedes Benz has not issued a recall in the US. According to these forums Mercedes has issued recalls in other countries (although I have not confirmed this point). The estimated cost to replace the sub frame is $3000 including labor and there is an 8 to 10 week backlog for the part due to the number of failures occurring. In the meantime I cannot drive the vehicle as my mechanic has told me that the car is not safe to operate.

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to a dealer for maintenance repairs; he was provided an estimate for the repair of corrosion to the rear subframe of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure could lead to a potential braking system failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

The rear subframe rusted and completely cracked. The car started to shake violently while I was on the highway. Fortunately I was in the right hand land and was able to slow down. I was driving in the car with my mother. My understanding from the mechanic is that we were lucky not to be killed or hurt anyone else. The frame is completely cracked. I called the local dealership and they said this is an extremely common problem. So common they have multiple vehicles on the lot waiting for parts, and the waitlist is indefinite. There were absolutely no warnings on the car.

I have a 20212 Mercedes C300 with 70,000 miles. I took it into the MB dealership for inspection and was told that the rear subframe was rusted through. The subframe's failure also caused the brake lines to rust to the point of needing to be replaced. The subframe repair will cost $5,900 and the brake line replacement will cost around $1,200. The dealer told me the car couldn't be driven safely, so I had to leave it there to be repaired. There were no interior warning alarms about the structure or the brakes. According to forums on Benzworld.org, this is a known problem on these specific cars and the component is replaced for free by MB in Europe.

Car is leaking gas very dangers . I contact Mercedes dealer regarding the recall on this type of Mercedes i have and they said only vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Mine was before or after , and they refuse to give me the exactly date for my car manufacturer. Car I use for Uber , and i don’t have any other income . If someone just through away a cigarette in parking lot might cause a big problem in the building and others cars in parking

I went to my dealership for a routine yearly service appointment, which I do regularly, along with yearly inspections. My car was purchased new to my liking in 2012 with input from my late partner who passed before I received it! I waited quite some time to get my gem. When it arrived, I had all I could do to drive it, given my loss. I garage it every day for the last 10+ years, never left it outside, it is pristine, only has 64,000 miles on it. To my disbelief, was informed by the MB technician yesterday that I have corrosion on my left rear sub panel, and that I should not drive it and consider a trade-in - NO WAY!! And that the part would cost me over $4,800 to replace and it would not be available until February 2023. So, I should drive another car, which I do not have!!!!! After researching, I am beyond disappointed that this is a known MB manufacturer's defect that has gone this far, customer action needs to be taken!!! My local car dealership states they knew nothing about this, however; pointed out a number of Mercedes C300 in their parking lot sitting with the same life-threatening issue. They were eager for me to talk to sales for a trade-in. Go figure this strategy, NOT. I have had three Mercedes Benz which I love, I do not want to part with this gem, but my need to . . . Please do something . . . Safety and Life matters

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine maintenance check and she was informed by the dealer that there was a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.