2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 Complaints

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.