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U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

266 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

83,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: . 74 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 113 of 266 complaints (42.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior4617.3%
Fuel system concerns145.3%
Steering behavior93.4%
Electrical and battery issues72.6%
Transmission and shifting20.8%
Engine operation10.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
113
Suspension
65
Structure:Body
30
Unknown Or Other
23
Structure:Frame And Members
16
Electrical System
12
Service Brakes
12
Fuel/Propulsion System
9
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags113
Suspension65
Structure:Body30
Unknown Or Other23
Structure:Frame And Members16
Electrical System12
Service Brakes12
Fuel/Propulsion System9

Air Bags: 113; Suspension: 65; Structure:Body: 30; Unknown Or Other: 23; Structure:Frame And Members: 16; Electrical System: 12; Service Brakes: 12; Fuel/Propulsion System: 9

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
5
25,000 to 49,999
13
50,000 to 74,999
13
75,000 to 99,999
17
100,000 to 149,999
23
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0005
25,000 to 49,99913
50,000 to 74,99913
75,000 to 99,99917
100,000 to 149,99923
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 13; 75,000 to 99,999: 17; 100,000 to 149,999: 23; 150,000 and above: 3

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 192 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2012
2
2013
1
2014
2
2015
2
2016
2
2017
37
2018
30
2019
39
2020
15
2021
11
2022
66
2023
31
2024
16
2025
8
2026
4
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20122
20131
20142
20152
20162
201737
201830
201939
202015
202111
202266
202331
202416
20258
20264

2012: 2; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2016: 2; 2017: 37; 2018: 30; 2019: 39; 2020: 15; 2021: 11; 2022: 66; 2023: 31; 2024: 16; 2025: 8; 2026: 4

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 46 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 14 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10487272 · 2012-12-04 (December 4, 2012)

I MADE A SHARP TURN INTO A PARKING AREA THEN ANOTHER SHARP TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL OUT TO COMPLETE PARKING AN APPLIED MY FOOT ON BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED ME WAS THE CONCRETE CURBING WHICH I HIT HARD AND DAMAGED THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY CAR. THE TIRES HITTING THE CONCRETE IS MADE FORCED CAR TO STOP. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND SEE IF THEY COULD TOW VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME WITH A CAR SINCE I WAS STRANDED. THEY WERE CLOSING AND COULD…

Owner-reported narrative. 2,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10487272 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10713730 · 2015-04-30 (April 30, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EXTREMELY FAST INTO AN INTERSECTION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A BROKEN CLAVICLE, A BRUISED ANKLE, CHEST, AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE POLICE IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UP…

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10713730 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10689919 · 2015-02-23 (February 23, 2015)

WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY PRIOR TO DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC CAR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR THAT IT WAS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR FUEL PUMP RELATED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10689919 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11352792 · 2020-09-02 (September 2, 2020)

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

Owner-reported narrative. 92,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11352792 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11124614 · 2018-09-05 (September 5, 2018)

STEERING WHEEL LOCK AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE INSERT THE KEY THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPEEDO, STEERING WHEEL IS UNRESPONSIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN THE ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IT'S A ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK THAT FAILS ON SEVERAL MERCEDES BENZ CAUSING THE OWNER TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A 2,000 DOLLAR REPAIR. IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT COMPLETELY FAILS.

Owner-reported narrative. 90,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11124614 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11441459 · 2021-11-23 (November 23, 2021)

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 60 MPH and noticed that the steering wheel was crooked and vibrating. The driver was manually turning the steering wheel for the vehicle to drive straight. The driver also noticed that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear of the vehicle was shaking going from left to right while coming to a complete stop. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be inspected and was informed that the rear driver’s side subframe had separated f…

Owner-reported narrative. 115,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11441459 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11034553 · 2017-10-19 (October 19, 2017)

MY AIRBAGS GO ON AND OFF ON THERE OWN. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS MESSED UP. MY LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF, THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SOMETIMES JSUT SHUT OFF COMPLEYTELY AND NOT TUREN ON FOR DAYS. I HAVE HAD TIMES I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED.

Owner-reported narrative. 56,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11034553 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10954830 · 2017-02-15 (February 15, 2017)

GRADUALLY AS THE CAR IS ACCELERATING IT MAKES A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND SHAKES ALSO JERKS WHEN CHANGING GEARS, CONFIRMED IT IS A FAILED TRANSMISSION, THE CAR HAS HAD ALL THE APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE JUST NOT AT A MB DEALER AND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE TRANSMISSION JUST NOT OFFICIAL RECALL AND MERCEDES IS CLAIMING NO RESPONSIBILITY AS IT WAS NOT SERVICED AT MB DEALER SINCE 2014. CLEARLY THE SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IS RECOGNITION OF A PROBLEM

Owner-reported narrative. 53,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10954830 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11464082 · 2022-05-10 (May 10, 2022)

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine maintenance, she was informed that the rear sub frame was rusted and had two holes. The vehicle was diagnosed that there was a transmission leak and the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11464082 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11206447 · 2019-05-09 (May 9, 2019)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ALEXANDRIA (200 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304 [phone removed]) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF ANNAPOLIS (324 6TH ST, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403 [phone removed]) WERE CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING T…

Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11206447 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

266 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-02.

27.8%Usable mileage74 / 266 records
100.0%Valid incident date266 / 266 records
100.0%Valid filing date266 / 266 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates266 / 266 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2010201120122013201420152016
Air Bags
20244.6%
ODI 10359252 · 6,109 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE. A LOUD NOISE SOUNDED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE TECHNICIAN REGARDING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,109.

Look up ODI 10359252 at NHTSA ↗

25052.1%
ODI 10493639 · 23,000 mi

THE AIR BAGS ON MY C300 MERCEDES 2011 DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT CRASH. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT A T INTERSECTION STREET. I WAS AT THE FRONT LANE AT A T INTERSECTION STOPPING DURING RED LIGHT. A VOLVO CAR FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE INTERSECTION THAT WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN-INTO THE STREET THAT I WAS STOPPING ON- CRASHED INTO MY VEHICLE FRONT TO FRONT AS A RESULT OF AVOIDING GETTING CRASHED BY ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS PASSING RED LIGHT INTO IT'S OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE VOLVO THAT CRASHED INTO MY CAR FRONT TO FRONT PUSHED MY VEHICLE ABO…

Look up ODI 10493639 at NHTSA ↗

11342.5%
ODI 10595185 · 25,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE DRIVER THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25000. UPDATED 09-04-14 *BF UPDATED 09/10/201…

Look up ODI 10595185 at NHTSA ↗

9938.1%
ODI 10521253 · 5,000 mi

THE 'PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED' MESSAGE COMES ON EVEN IF WHEN THERE'S AN ADULT PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL WEEKS AGO AND AM USING A LOANER, ANOTHER 2013 C300, THE MESSAGE JUST APPEARED IN THE LOANER AS WELL, LOANER HAS LESS THAN 1,000 MILES THE MESSAGE APPEARS RANDOMLY WHETHER PARKED OR MOVING. THE DEALER CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY OR NOT. THE PART, WHICH IS MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY, IS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. *TR

Look up ODI 10521253 at NHTSA ↗

5255.3%
ODI 11040329

I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE EARLIER THIS YEAR REGARDING MY AIRBAG RECALL AND STILL NO DEALER CAN TELL ME WHEN THE REPLACEMENT WILL BE IN. JUST YESTERDAY 10/26/2017 I RECEIVED A MAILER NOTICE THAT TK HOLDINGS HAS FILED FOR CHAPTER 11. HOW DO I GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED?

Look up ODI 11040329 at NHTSA ↗

112.9%
ODI 10787105 · 4,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITH AN UNKNOWN ERROR MESSAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

Look up ODI 10787105 at NHTSA ↗

62.1%
ODI 11013839

MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2017020023, NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V114. I HAVE VISITED MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSE REPLACING THE AIRBAGS FOR ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE AT THIS MOMENT.

Look up ODI 11013839 at NHTSA ↗

Engine
132.9%
ODI 10676129

THE BELT TENSIONER FOR THE SERPENTINE BELT SEIZED UP CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SHRED AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS. THE CAR BECAME IMMOBILE IMMEDIATELY AS ALL THE ACCESSORIES WERE RENDERED USELESS, LIKE THE POWER STEERING, ALTERNATOR, ETC. AS A RESULT, THE FOLLOWING HAD TO REPLACED: SERPENTINE BELT, TENSIONER, UPPER PULLEY, AND LOWER PULLEY. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT THIS OCCURRED WHEN I WAS PARKING IN A PARKING LOT AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND TH…

Look up ODI 10676129 at NHTSA ↗

102.1%
ODI 11061316

THE CAR WILL NOT START, NO POWER, NO LIGHTS, NO RADIO, NO RESPONSE AFTER INSERTING THE KEY. I TRIED BOTH KEYS AND SAME ISSUE EXISTS WITH BOTH KEYS. THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 11061316 at NHTSA ↗

51.9%
ODI 10689919 · 45,000 mi

WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY PRIOR TO DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC CAR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR THAT IT WAS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR FUEL PUMP RELATED. *TR

Look up ODI 10689919 at NHTSA ↗

83.1%
ODI 10495131 · 2,400 mi

2013 C300 4MATIC LUXURY MODEL. 1/26 - MY ENGINE STOP WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT. (2ND TRIP OF THE DAY) IT'S NOT ECO STOP/START KIND OF STOP. THE CAR WON'T START WHEN I RELEASE MY BRAKE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS AT DASH WERE ON. 1/29 - TODAY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THIS MORNING THE ENGINE STOP 1-2 SECONDS AFTER I STARTED IT. (2ND TRIP OF THE DAY) ALL WARNING LIGHT AT DASH WERE ON. I TOOK OUT MY KEY THEN PLUG IN TO START IT AGAIN. THIS TIME ENGINE STARTED, BUT BOTH ENGINE AND CAR SHAKE LOOKS LIKE IT?S GOING TO STOP. I WAIT FOR 6-7 SECOND…

Look up ODI 10495131 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 11466656

Parked the car, did something, came back and car did not start. Key in, no crank, no start, no steering. No lights on the dash, no gear shifting, can’t roll the windows up. All out of nowhere. Think it’s a problem with the Electronic Steering Lock.

Look up ODI 11466656 at NHTSA ↗

12733.3%
ODI 10712755 · 1,750 mi

1. WARNING LIGHT "INOPERATIVE COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS" COMES UP ON THE DISPLAY ON & OFF WHEN DRIVING. CAR WAS SENT TO SERVICE ON 4/22 BUT DIDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 4/23. 2. ON 4/24, WARNING LIGHT "INOPERATIVE COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS" COMES UP AGAIN PLUS THE YELLOW "ENGINE LIGHT". *TR

Look up ODI 10712755 at NHTSA ↗

9332.5%
ODI 10850806 · 60 mi

I BOUGHT A NEW 2016 C-CLASS MERCEDES BENZ . I HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 24 HOURS WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AMBIENT AIRFLOW. THE ENGINE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, CAUSING A ROUGH RIDE. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND THEN SHOOT FORWARD.

Look up ODI 10850806 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension
235.1%
ODI 10633700 · 29,000 mi

ORIGINAL TIRES WITH 29000 MILES........ CONTINENTAL TIRE LEFT FRONT SHREDDED ON FREEWAY, TOTAL SEPARATION OF RUBBER FROM RIM, CONTACTED CONTINENTAL [XXX], WAS REFERRED TO CUSTOMER AND THEN TO WARRANTY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE, FILED A CLAIM WHICH WAS REJECTED AFTER 4 MONTHS BECAUSE I DIDN'T PROVIDE THE SHREDDED TIRE. CONTINENTAL REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT VIRTUALLY DISINTEGRATING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS TOTAL UNACCEPTABLE, I HAVE REPLACED ALL FOUR CONTINENTAL TIRES AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANY CONTINENTAL PRODUCT AGAIN. …

Look up ODI 10633700 at NHTSA ↗

5711.9%
ODI 11064613 · 82,074 mi

RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARM MOUNT BECAME DETACHED FROM SUB FRAME. SHEET METAL ON REAR SUSPENSION SUB FRAME RIPPED / TORE SO THAT REAR TRAILING ARM IS ONLY ATTACHED TO LOWER PART OF MOUNT, AND NOT ATTACHED TO VEHICLE. NO ACCIDENT, BUT VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE TO DRIVE WHEN HEAVY BRAKING COULD OCCUR! VEHICLE VEERS SUDDENLY TO THE RIGHT! CONCERN BESIDES INSTABILITY IS THAT LOOSE TRAILING LINK COULD PUNCTURE FUEL TANK LESS THAN AN INCH AWAY. FIRST NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ON I-4 WHEN A VEHICLE CHANGED INTO MY LANE ABRUPTLY, AND I HAD TO FORCEFULLY …

Look up ODI 11064613 at NHTSA ↗

6524.4%
ODI 11352792 · 92,000 mi

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

Look up ODI 11352792 at NHTSA ↗

6324.2%
ODI 11406223 · 30,000 mi

REAR SUB FRAME RUST DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER

Look up ODI 11406223 at NHTSA ↗

1111.7%
ODI 10668400 · 1,959 mi

R/F TIRE BUBBLE IN SIDEWALL. AT 1959 MILES A BUBBLE APPEARED IN THE R/F TIRE. I DISCOVERED THE BUBBLE WHILE WASHING THE CAR . THIS APPEARED ABOUT TWO MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. AUGUST 19 20014 THE DEALER RELUNCTANTLY REPLACE THE TIRE. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY BUBBLES SINCE THAT DATE. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE CONTINENTAL TIRES. *TR

Look up ODI 10668400 at NHTSA ↗

215.5%
ODI 10679748 · 1,100 mi

I STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING CAME ON. TRUE ENOUGH, IT WAS A STRUGGLE TO STEER MY CAR BACK HOME - I WAS JUST 3 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME. THE CAR WAS TOWED THE NEXT MORNING TO AUTOHAUS ON EDENS IN NORTHBROOK, IL. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN EUROPE SINCE DEC 2014. I WAS SHOCKED THAT OWNERS IN THE US WERE NOT WARNED OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ISSUED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY, IT LIKELY WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY SER…

Look up ODI 10679748 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 11732985

I am reporting a structural failure of the rear subframe (axle carrier) on my 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 (W205). The component is exhibiting significant internal-to-external corrosion (perforation), specifically at the suspension mounting points. Safety Impact: The vehicle is currently exhibiting unstable handling and a 'skittish' 'swerving' sensation causing the car to 'fishtail' under braking during normal braking and at highway speeds, indicating a compromise in the structural integrity of the rear axle. This poses an immediate risk of a 'loss…

Look up ODI 11732985 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
8017.7%
ODI 10454173 · 35,000 mi

ALL OF MY EXTERIOR LIGHT BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT BURNED OUT THE METAL PART WHERE MERCEDES HAD TO REPLACE THE UNIT. AS OF MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2012 I HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN THE DEALER TO REPAIR A RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT OUT. *TR ...UPDATED 03/27/13 *BF UPDATED 04/03/2013 *JS

Look up ODI 10454173 at NHTSA ↗

439.0%
ODI 10509639 · 119,601 mi

LEFT SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBELY MELTED AND CAUGHT THE TRUNK ON FIRE. I HAVE 10 OF THESE C300S THAT ARE AFFECTED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKE WITH MERCEDES ON THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE DECLINING TO DO THE REPAIR AT NO COST. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED NO MATTER WHAT..I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND YET THERE IS NO RECALLS OR TSBS ON THIS ISSUE. ANY HELP ON THIS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.. *TR

Look up ODI 10509639 at NHTSA ↗

124.5%
ODI 11034553 · 56,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS GO ON AND OFF ON THERE OWN. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS MESSED UP. MY LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF, THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SOMETIMES JSUT SHUT OFF COMPLEYTELY AND NOT TUREN ON FOR DAYS. I HAVE HAD TIMES I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED.

Look up ODI 11034553 at NHTSA ↗

166.2%
ODI 10495131 · 2,400 mi

2013 C300 4MATIC LUXURY MODEL. 1/26 - MY ENGINE STOP WHILE WAITING FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT. (2ND TRIP OF THE DAY) IT'S NOT ECO STOP/START KIND OF STOP. THE CAR WON'T START WHEN I RELEASE MY BRAKE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS AT DASH WERE ON. 1/29 - TODAY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THIS MORNING THE ENGINE STOP 1-2 SECONDS AFTER I STARTED IT. (2ND TRIP OF THE DAY) ALL WARNING LIGHT AT DASH WERE ON. I TOOK OUT MY KEY THEN PLUG IN TO START IT AGAIN. THIS TIME ENGINE STARTED, BUT BOTH ENGINE AND CAR SHAKE LOOKS LIKE IT?S GOING TO STOP. I WAIT FOR 6-7 SECOND…

Look up ODI 10495131 at NHTSA ↗

88.5%
ODI 10660706 · 6,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10660706 at NHTSA ↗

4912.9%
ODI 10664470 · 150 mi

SOON AFTER PURCHASING MERCEDES, DISCOVERED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUES (ALL OF THESE FEATURES ARE STANDARD): 1) NEW "KEYLESS-GO LOCKING SYSTEM IS FACTORY PROGRAMMED TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS WHEN KEY IS IN OWNER'S POSSESSION & REAR DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE IS TOUCHED, ALLOWING INTRUDER(S) TO EASILY ENTER OTHER SIDE OF VEHICLE. 2) NEW COMMAND/COMPUTER/TOUCH PAD SYSTEM, CONTROLS VARIOUS OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS, LIKE RADIO, ENCOURAGING DRIVER TO TAKE EYES OFF THE ROAD TO OPERATE. TOUCHPAD REQUIRES DRIVER TO MAKE "MOUSE-LIKE" ACTIONS ON…

Look up ODI 10664470 at NHTSA ↗

3110.8%
ODI 10906348 · 900 mi

C300 ANTI COLLISION SENSOR MALFUNCTION LIGHT DISPLAYED AND LOSS ENGINE POWER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING APROX 20 MPH AT THE TIME ON CITY STREET. THEN POWER RESUMED, THE WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT. MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA, CA COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. WORKORDER 229423, 9/13/16

Look up ODI 10906348 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
276.0%
ODI 10723865 · 74,000 mi

DRIVER'S SIDE INNER DOOR HANDLE CABLE CONNECTOR BROKE. CANNOT EXIT CAR FROM INSIDE AND MUST ROLL DOWN WINDOW AND OPEN DOOR FROM OUTSIDE. COULD BE A PROBLEM IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MERCEDES BENZ ON MULTIPLE DISCUSSION FORUMS.

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336.9%
ODI 10761728 · 72,000 mi

I NOTICE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH WATER AFTER A NIGHT OF HEAVY RAIN. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FEW DAYS I WAS ADVISED THAT THERE IS A DRAIN HOSE FROM THE SUNROOF THAT IS CLOGGED AND THE REPAIRS WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I INFACT WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY AND WAS ADVISED BY THE SAME SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT CAME IN THAT SAME…

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238.6%
ODI 11074774

CPSC: I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MERCEDES THAT MY CAR MAY SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL ME BUT THEY CANT FIX IT YET. I ASKED FOR LOANER CAR UNTIL THEY COULD GET IT FIXED AND THEY SAID "WELL ITS REALLY NOT UNSAFE THEY JUST HAD TO SEND THE LETTER FOR LEGAL REASONS. *DT *JS

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197.3%
ODI 10920399 · 26,550 mi

THE WELDS OF THE EXHAUST PIPES TO THE MUFFLER BROKE CAUSING THE MUFFLER TO SLIP OF THE PIPES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ALL SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE PERFORM AND DRIVEN ONLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

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88.5%
ODI 10838837 · 11,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY AND THE TRUNK WAS OPENED WHEN THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE WINDOW WAS NOT STRUCK. THIS OCCURRED AFTER A 200 MILE HIGHWAY TRIP WITH NO ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY, IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DIFFICULT SITUATION.

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6316.5%
ODI 10763696 · 1,500 mi

I HAD TWO ISSUES WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING THE CAR EARLIER IN THIS. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN EARLY FEB 2015. I HEARD A LOUD SOUND IN THE HEATING UNIT, THEN A SMALL CLICKING SOUND ENSUED FOR OVER A WEEK. BROUGHT IT IN, THE MOTOR HAD BLOWN, SO THEY REPLACED IT WITHOUT A DIME OUT OF MY POCKET. THEN IN MARCH, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN A VERY LOUD NOISE LIKE BAD BREAKS STARTED AND WOULDN'T STOP NO MATTER WHAT I DID. WE TOWED IT USING MERCEDES, BUT HAD TO PAY FOR AN UBER TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS AGAIN ANOTHER MALFUNCTION WITH THE…

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6522.7%
ODI 10958590 · 2,000 mi

WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED OVER 65 , CAR WILL BEGIN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND HESITATION OCCURS. THIS IS ERRATIC-3 INSTANCES. TERRIFYING! ANOTHER PROBLEM -STARTED CAR BEGAN HESITATING ,UNABLE TO GO OVER 30MPH AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. COULD NOT DRIVE CAR.THE CAR HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER TWICE-NOTHING FOUND.

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Fuel/Propulsion System
265.7%
ODI 10766408 · 65,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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387.9%
ODI 10762669 · 51,000 mi

I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP FRIDAY EVENING, WENT HOME AND PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. THE NEXT MORNING THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY SAID THE SEAL AND CAP UNDER THE PASSENGER BACK SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE $434. NOT ONLY IS THIS DANGEROUS IT SHOULD NOT BE THE CONSUMERS RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED FAULTY MATERIAL.

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93.4%
ODI 10689919 · 45,000 mi

WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY PRIOR TO DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC CAR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR THAT IT WAS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR FUEL PUMP RELATED. *TR

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20.8%
ODI 11573646

I bought this car new in 2013. I maintained it at the dealer as per MB recommendations. Last service was in August 2023. Currently had 42K miles on it. Two weeks ago 2 unknown to me lights came on and I took it to the dealer. The diagnosis was total failure due to oil leaking into the computer system. Second problem was water in the subfloor affecting sensors. Coons Mercedes in Catonsville, MD has all records. I was told that the oil leak was not detected because it was internal and due to an engine design. I was informed that there are many o…

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11.1%
ODI 11575862

The intake manifold blew on my car while it was off overnight and I took it to the Mercedes dealership to have it fix and the next day I got it back after it was repaired the same problem happened again when I went to unlock my car I heard a bang and smoke coming from the engine

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6617.3%
ODI 10971862 · 9,800 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,800.

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5719.9%
ODI 11171009

THERE'S A CONSTANT GAS SMELL IN MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS A LEAK TWICE, BUT THAT CAN'T BE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT STILL CARRIES THE SMELL.

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Structure:Body
245.3%
ODI 10622416 · 65,300 mi

WENT TO EXIT CAR AND INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE INSIDE DOOR. CANNOT EXIT VEHICLE. *TR

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347.1%
ODI 10679956 · 35,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR GOT FLOODED WITH WATER. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE LEAK WAS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE SUNROOF DRAIN AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE HEADLINER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR CARPETING TO ACCESS THE AFFECTED AREAS. THE $795 ESTIMATE BALLOONED TO $1600 WHEN THEY SAID THAT THE SEATING WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE CARPET BECAUSE THERE WAS MORE WATER THAT HAD GOTTEN INTO THE CAR THAN THEY ORIGINALLY THOUGHT! THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DESIGN DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE! THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS WITH THE ELECTRIC P…

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3011.3%
ODI 11175167

TAKATA RECALL WAS MADE ON THIS CAR IN JANUARY 2017 AND NO REMEDY HAS BEEN RELEASED OVER TWO YEARS LATER. ALSO, THE PAINT ON THE WHOLE CAR BUBBLED BEING A DEFECT FROM MERCEDES.

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4115.8%
ODI 11255562 · 80,000 mi

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON DOORS, SPECIFICALLY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, WILL BREAK, AND THE PERSON IS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER, BUT MERCEDES BENZ COMPANY HAS NOT PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS. MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH NO RESULTS. THE OWNERS HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF POCKET, AND IT IS COSTLY. I FEEL AS IF THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE, BECAUSE IT POSES AN HAZARD OF GETTING OUT THE CAR IF THE CAR IS IN AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE, CATCHES ON FIRE. AND YES, MY DOOR HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY 201…

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77.4%
ODI 11479919

Failed component: The subframe on my Mercedes C300 broke on one side and was almost broken on the other. It would be available for inspection as it is sitting in the Mercedes dealer bone yard waiting on the part to be shipped from Germany around September 17th. It also ruined my back tires & now I have to replace them too. I understand that in the UK the Mercedes dealers are fixing this problem free of charge but there seems to be no recalls! Safety: I was entering the freeway on a rainy afternoon. My car was fishtailing very badly. At first I…

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338.7%
ODI 10664470 · 150 mi

SOON AFTER PURCHASING MERCEDES, DISCOVERED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUES (ALL OF THESE FEATURES ARE STANDARD): 1) NEW "KEYLESS-GO LOCKING SYSTEM IS FACTORY PROGRAMMED TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS WHEN KEY IS IN OWNER'S POSSESSION & REAR DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE IS TOUCHED, ALLOWING INTRUDER(S) TO EASILY ENTER OTHER SIDE OF VEHICLE. 2) NEW COMMAND/COMPUTER/TOUCH PAD SYSTEM, CONTROLS VARIOUS OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS, LIKE RADIO, ENCOURAGING DRIVER TO TAKE EYES OFF THE ROAD TO OPERATE. TOUCHPAD REQUIRES DRIVER TO MAKE "MOUSE-LIKE" ACTIONS ON…

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248.4%
ODI 10907333 · 8,999 mi

AFTER STOPPING AND WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT FOR 15-30 SECONDS, I HAD MY FEET ON THE BRAKES AND LEFT TURN INDICATOR ON. THE "HOLD" OPTION TO LOCK MY BRAKES WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND JOLTED FORWARD INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME AT THE LIGHT. (I WAS THE SECOND CAR IN LINE, AND I STOPPED ABOUT A HALF CAR LENGTH BEHIND THE OTHER DRIVER.) THE ACCELERATION WAS NOT A TYPICAL, GRADUAL MOVEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO DRIVE. IT WAS A SUDDEN AND J…

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Steering
6915.2%
ODI 10411448 · 25,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TOWARDS THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REALIGNED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL GERMAN VEHICLES PULL TOWARDS THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BASED ON HIS OBSERVATIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING LOWER TO THE GROUND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT TH…

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347.1%
ODI 10762414 · 47,000 mi

THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ACCIDENT AS IT INVOLVED A POLICE CHASE OF A FELON WHO RAN A RED LIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AND IS DEEMED TOTALED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN MY VEHICLE AND I REQUIRED EMERGENCY TRANSPORT TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. THIS ALSO INVOLVED A POLICE SHOOTING INCIDENT WITH THE DEATH OF THE OTHER DRIVER. THE VEHICLE IS PENDING TOWING TO A SALVAGE YARD.THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS A QUESTION OF DEFECTIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FUTURE POTENTIAL INJURY TO OTHERS.

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83.0%
ODI 11124614 · 90,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCK AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE INSERT THE KEY THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPEEDO, STEERING WHEEL IS UNRESPONSIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN THE ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IT'S A ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK THAT FAILS ON SEVERAL MERCEDES BENZ CAUSING THE OWNER TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A 2,000 DOLLAR REPAIR. IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT COMPLETELY FAILS.

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2610.0%
ODI 10920399 · 26,550 mi

THE WELDS OF THE EXHAUST PIPES TO THE MUFFLER BROKE CAUSING THE MUFFLER TO SLIP OF THE PIPES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ALL SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE PERFORM AND DRIVEN ONLY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

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1313.8%
ODI 11061274 · 27,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (STEERING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A MONTH AGO. THE DEALER (RAY CATENA OF UNION, 2585 US-22, UNION, NJ 07083, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE…

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236.0%
ODI 10679748 · 1,100 mi

I STARTED THE ENGINE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING CAME ON. TRUE ENOUGH, IT WAS A STRUGGLE TO STEER MY CAR BACK HOME - I WAS JUST 3 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME. THE CAR WAS TOWED THE NEXT MORNING TO AUTOHAUS ON EDENS IN NORTHBROOK, IL. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN EUROPE SINCE DEC 2014. I WAS SHOCKED THAT OWNERS IN THE US WERE NOT WARNED OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ISSUED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY, IT LIKELY WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY SER…

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134.5%
ODI 11320197 · 10 mi

I WAS DRIVING THEN THE STARTED BEEN HARD NOW IT'S SAYING POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags35,000–65,661 mi51,440 mi18
ODI 10595185 · 25,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE DRIVER THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25000. UPDATED 09-04-14 *BF UPDATED 09/10/201…

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ODI 10825469 · 5,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BE UNABLE TO VIEW THE ROAD OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS RIGHT HAND, NECK AND LEFT LEG. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK. BOTH PARTIES INJURED REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE …

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ODI 10865776 · 66,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSION DID NOT FUNCTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS, A SEIZURE, AND LIVER DAMAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMAIN HOSPITALIZED FOR FIVE DAYS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

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Suspension95,750–144,500 mi131,500 mi12
ODI 11352792 · 92,000 mi

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

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ODI 11363637 · 140,000 mi

DRIVING LOW SPEED IN TOWN IN FAIR WEATHER AND HIT BRAKES, NOISE AND STRANGE "LOOSENESS" IN BACK END. HAD NEARBY SERVICE STATION INSPECT AND REAR SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT, SEARCHED AND FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF EXACT ISSUE. CONFIRMED W/ LOCAL MB DEALER KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY ARE SEEING ABOUT 1 MONTH NOW.

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ODI 11389862 · 149,212 mi

REAR SUBFRAME (AS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS) WAS COMPLETED CORRODED - FAILED VIRGINIA INSPECTION - IN SUCH POOR SHAPE THAT ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED - CORROSION RIDDLED THE PIECE SO THAT HUGE HOLES RESULTED IN NO POSSIBILITY OF WELDING TO FIX/SUPPLEMENT WEAKNESS - AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAD NOT SEEN SUCH A WEAK FRAME IN SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR. LUCKILY - NO ACCIDENT OCCURED BUT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. NO OTHER PART OF VEHICLE WAS CORRODED - SO PART WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (NO CORROSION CONTROL?/SHIPMENT FROM GER…

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Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range122,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 11389862 · 149,212 mi

REAR SUBFRAME (AS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS) WAS COMPLETED CORRODED - FAILED VIRGINIA INSPECTION - IN SUCH POOR SHAPE THAT ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED - CORROSION RIDDLED THE PIECE SO THAT HUGE HOLES RESULTED IN NO POSSIBILITY OF WELDING TO FIX/SUPPLEMENT WEAKNESS - AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAD NOT SEEN SUCH A WEAK FRAME IN SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR. LUCKILY - NO ACCIDENT OCCURED BUT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. NO OTHER PART OF VEHICLE WAS CORRODED - SO PART WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (NO CORROSION CONTROL?/SHIPMENT FROM GER…

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ODI 11443648 · 43,000 mi

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be serviced, he was informed that the subframe was severely corroded and could fracture. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

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ODI 11483036 · 135,000 mi

the Rear Subrame CRACKED while Driving, Almost causing a Major accident with my son in the car as well. This seems to be a MAJOR problem being overlooked and ignored by Mercedes Benz . This repair is going to Cost me $ 3000-$ 5000 Dollars. and the Replacement Subframe is Impossible to find and on Back order ! so Now I'm without a Vehicle for God knows How long ?? I Feel there is No Doubt this is a Defect and Should be Covered by Mercedes Benz and a Recall ! How is this not being investigated is Really Scary. How can a Frame or…

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Structure:Frame And Members70,250–116,500 mi95,000 mi15
ODI 11456741 · 100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle swerved. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side sub-frame was corroded and the stabilizer arm had detached from the sub-frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately …

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ODI 11463118 · 75,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, he heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle swerved while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side subframe was severely corroded and fractured and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the co…

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ODI 11464082 · 88,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine maintenance, she was informed that the rear sub frame was rusted and had two holes. The vehicle was diagnosed that there was a transmission leak and the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

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Electrical System77,185–92,500 mi83,500 mi8
ODI 11034553 · 56,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS GO ON AND OFF ON THERE OWN. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS MESSED UP. MY LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF, THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SOMETIMES JSUT SHUT OFF COMPLEYTELY AND NOT TUREN ON FOR DAYS. I HAVE HAD TIMES I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED.

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ODI 11057903 · 82,000 mi

OUTSIDE TEMP 9 DEGREES CAR STARTS FINE AND I DRIVE TWO MILES TO PICK UP A CARRY OUT ORDER. AFTER SITTING 15 MINUTES IN FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT CAR WILL NOT START, NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO CRANK. LIGHTS COME ON AND A MESSAGE POPS UP STATING "INOPERATIVE - CHECK MANUAL." I CALLED MB ASSISTANCE WHO DETERMINED IT WAS THE ESP SYSTEM THAT WAS INOPERATIVE AND OFFERED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. I TRIED TO START ONE MORE TIME AND THIS TIME THE VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT AWAY.

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ODI 11066436 · 100,000 mi

MY VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY K AND H AUTO. THE ELECTRICAL UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING, THE LIGHT IS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND THE ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN RUSTED, PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE ATTEND TO THIS MATTER. THANKS, AND HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY. ANOTHER COMPANY BY THE NAME OF ANS TOWING, TOWED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CARE AND I AM NOW HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED THROUGH WATER ON OCTOBER 17-18, 2018.

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Service BrakesToo few reports for a range96,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10487272 · 2,400 mi

I MADE A SHARP TURN INTO A PARKING AREA THEN ANOTHER SHARP TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL OUT TO COMPLETE PARKING AN APPLIED MY FOOT ON BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED ME WAS THE CONCRETE CURBING WHICH I HIT HARD AND DAMAGED THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY CAR. THE TIRES HITTING THE CONCRETE IS MADE FORCED CAR TO STOP. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND SEE IF THEY COULD TOW VEHICLE AND PROVIDE ME WITH A CAR SINCE I WAS STRANDED. THEY WERE CLOSING AND COULD…

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ODI 11066436 · 100,000 mi

MY VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY K AND H AUTO. THE ELECTRICAL UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING, THE LIGHT IS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND THE ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN RUSTED, PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE ATTEND TO THIS MATTER. THANKS, AND HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY. ANOTHER COMPANY BY THE NAME OF ANS TOWING, TOWED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CARE AND I AM NOW HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED THROUGH WATER ON OCTOBER 17-18, 2018.

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ODI 11518035 · 96,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, extra brake travel time was needed to stop the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was purchased, and he was informed that the failure was caused by the new brake pads placed on the vehicle. The contact eventually took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the fuel tank and brake lines were corroded; and the contact was provided an estimate for the rep…

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Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range68,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10689919 · 45,000 mi

WHILE MY CAR WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY PRIOR TO DRIVING, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC CAR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR THAT IT WAS EITHER ELECTRICAL OR FUEL PUMP RELATED. *TR

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ODI 11352792 · 92,000 mi

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

2 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-012None
ODI 11635199 · 160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a tire rotation; while there, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the vehicle's subframe and the contact was advised to no longer drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.

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ODI 11639290

Took the car in for an oil change and asked them to look at the brakes and rear as there was a strange noise. Vehicle was inspected and found the entire subframe is rotted. Was advised this is a common problem with Mercedes and there were some recalls. Unfortunately no open recall on this vehicle and it is now not driveable as this is a safety risk. Car has been driven 60 miles/day for the past 3 months and could have had serious consequences.

Look up ODI 11639290 at NHTSA ↗

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-051None
ODI 11661547

I was replacing rear tail light bulb. Now I'm getting an error message on instrument cluster. I tried to fix the issue but couldn't do to the fact the wiring harness has melted. Mercedes Benz had a recall back in 2013 saying this is a safety issue. No recall for our car.

Look up ODI 11661547 at NHTSA ↗

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-072None
ODI 11673323

I was driving normally last week when the driver's head restraint system (known by Mercedes as Neck Pro) unexpectedly and without warning blew at my head. The noise was very loud, and the headrest slammed against my head. Luckily, I was driving approximately 20-25 miles per hour, daytime, on a residential street without too many other vehicles. I was able to pull over to investigate what happened and ensure I wasn't injured and did not collide with any objects in the road. If this had happened on the highway at highway speeds with a less at…

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ODI 11674095

Rear subframe crossmember rotting, needs replacement. It seems to be a common problem with this vehicle and the assumption by most professional is that it a faulty part supplied by a third party to Mercedes. The rest of the cars undercarriage is pristine, making me wonder why just this one part would rust out.

Look up ODI 11674095 at NHTSA ↗

2025-081None
ODI 11682005

Rear subframe rotted out and broke due to corrosion. Rear crossmember is broken and needs replaced. My safety as well as the safely of other was put at risk. Loss of control at high speed could have been deadly. Luckily, I wasn’t going very fast at the time of incident or else who knows what would have happened to me or bystanders. Independent service center inspected and confirmed that incident was due to corrosion in the rear. They informed me of the extended warranty (20 years, unlimited miles) on 2008-2015 C300 models for this particular…

Look up ODI 11682005 at NHTSA ↗

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-101None
ODI 11696118 · 98,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated the fuel tank was emitting a fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel odor was extremely strong and could be smelled inside the residence while the vehicle was parked in the garage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Certified Mechanic, who diagnosed that the leak was coming from the top of the fuel tank; however, the mechanic was unable to specify the cause. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was …

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2025-111None
ODI 11701264

Mercedes of Danbury replaced the rear sub frame CODE 3441 47, since my mechanic (Newtown Auto Repair) told me that the Front subframe is in real bad shape, rotten/rusted, that it is dangerous to drive the car in this condition since the wheel and steering components are part and attached to it, the car would be out of control and all over the road any of these components fail and pull / brake away from the rusted out Sub Frame. When I brought the car in was under the impression that Mercedes Benz would replace front and back Sub Frames. But now…

Look up ODI 11701264 at NHTSA ↗

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-041None
ODI 11732281

I have a rust free, relatively lower mileage car I bought for my teen daughter. Despite being such a clean car the rear subframe has rusted and rear suspension has broke off while driving, hitting the fuel tank and is unstable. We avoided an accident but the car is not drivable.

Look up ODI 11732281 at NHTSA ↗

2026-051None
ODI 11738871

Vehicle: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sport Problem Component: Fuel / Propulsion System Safety Issue Description: My 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 developed a serious fuel tank leak at approximately 106,460 miles which created overwhelming gasoline fumes and rendered the vehicle unsafe to operate. The gasoline fumes were extremely strong and entered the passenger area. The fumes were severe enough that I became physically overwhelmed from the gasoline exposure and discarded clothing due to gasoline contamination and odor. A local repair facili…

Look up ODI 11738871 at NHTSA ↗

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-081None
ODI 11759255

The rear sub frame has rusted and part of it has failed

Look up ODI 11759255 at NHTSA ↗

2026-091None
ODI 11763782

Fuel tank is rusting. Leaking fuel, heavy fuel smell inside cabin. My saftey and anyone around the vehicle would be at risk due to fire chance. Confirmed by independent service center Vehcile has only been inspected by me and the shop Only symptom that appeared was fuel smell in my garage and a puddle of gasoline underneath the vehicle.

Look up ODI 11763782 at NHTSA ↗

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 255 reports

2015: 55 complaints · 2016: 35 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2015223755
2016122935
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
201538001
201628501

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir BagsSuspensionStructure:BodyUnknown Or OtherStructure:Frame And MembersElectrical SystemService BrakesFuel/Propulsion System
Air Bags—0
1
ODI 11175167

TAKATA RECALL WAS MADE ON THIS CAR IN JANUARY 2017 AND NO REMEDY HAS BEEN RELEASED OVER TWO YEARS LATER. ALSO, THE PAINT ON THE WHOLE CAR BUBBLED BEING A DEFECT FROM MERCEDES.

Look up ODI 11175167 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11074774

CPSC: I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MERCEDES THAT MY CAR MAY SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL ME BUT THEY CANT FIX IT YET. I ASKED FOR LOANER CAR UNTIL THEY COULD GET IT FIXED AND THEY SAID "WELL ITS REALLY NOT UNSAFE THEY JUST HAD TO SEND THE LETTER FOR LEGAL REASONS. *DT *JS

Look up ODI 11074774 at NHTSA ↗

0
3
ODI 11034553 · 56,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS GO ON AND OFF ON THERE OWN. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS MESSED UP. MY LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF, THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SOMETIMES JSUT SHUT OFF COMPLEYTELY AND NOT TUREN ON FOR DAYS. I HAVE HAD TIMES I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED.

Look up ODI 11034553 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11281502 · 85,000 mi

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I RECEIVE AIRBAG WARNINGS. ONE FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AND ANOTHER ONE FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAN CLICK ON "OK" TO CLEAR THEM OUT BUT WITH THE AIRBAG RECALL AND NO RESOLUTION I AM FEARFUL OF A MALFUNCTION. I HAD MY CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALER TWO TIMES AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NEED TO INVESTIGATE IT, AT MY EXPENSE, WHICH COULD BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN $500-$4500 DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND. WITH A SAFETY ISSUE AT RISK I THINK THE RESPONSIBILITY IS ON MERCEDES TO INVESTIGATE AND CORRECT THIS AT NO EXPENSE TO ME. I WILL HAVE TO …

Look up ODI 11281502 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11443966

3 signal Signal light comes one saying abs, another SRS MALFUNCTION, also crushed control inoperable. Car will come one as normal next day car comes on no lights not 1 button work turn signals didn’t work then my car fan came on in the engines the also the when they the electric isn’t working i have to manually shift the gear

Look up ODI 11443966 at NHTSA ↗

00
Suspension0—
8
ODI 11389862 · 149,212 mi

REAR SUBFRAME (AS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS) WAS COMPLETED CORRODED - FAILED VIRGINIA INSPECTION - IN SUCH POOR SHAPE THAT ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED - CORROSION RIDDLED THE PIECE SO THAT HUGE HOLES RESULTED IN NO POSSIBILITY OF WELDING TO FIX/SUPPLEMENT WEAKNESS - AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAD NOT SEEN SUCH A WEAK FRAME IN SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR. LUCKILY - NO ACCIDENT OCCURED BUT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. NO OTHER PART OF VEHICLE WAS CORRODED - SO PART WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (NO CORROSION CONTROL?/SHIPMENT FROM GER…

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ODI 11482359

Dealer states that the rear subframe has rusted and degraded to the point of requiring full replacement. The car is 10 years old with 98,000 miles on the odometer. This is premature degradation of an essential component.

Look up ODI 11482359 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

6
ODI 11459967

I drove over an object on the highway and noticed my car veering left and wobbly when turning. A week after, it is squealing like a load of piglets in my trunk whenever I go over a bump, then my battery light came on and I took it to the shop and contacted my insurance, who denied my claim saying it was 'wear and tear'.

Look up ODI 11459967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11477837

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 seem…

Look up ODI 11477837 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

5
ODI 11463118 · 75,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, he heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle swerved while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side subframe was severely corroded and fractured and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the co…

Look up ODI 11463118 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11467139 · 138,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue normal driving once he regained control of the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic for the vehicle to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear subframe had detached from the passenger’s side of the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The …

Look up ODI 11467139 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11491578 · 97,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11491578 at NHTSA ↗

0
7
ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

Look up ODI 11435789 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11458128

From the mechanics notes: Four-wheel alignment could not be completed. Attempts to align the rear axle were unsuccessful due to flexing/movement in the rear suspension. A brief road test revealed occasional suspension “clunking” coming from the rear of the vehicle. Close examination of every suspension component mount revealed heavy cracking on the passenger side lower drag link subframe mount (see emailed image). The driver’s side low drag link mount location is also starting to show signs of overstress and rust/flaking. This is a known desig…

Look up ODI 11458128 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11513818

The left rear weld of the subframe on my 2012 C300 4matic has rotted through and appears to be a manufacture's part defect. I found out about this issue from a brake inspection and told it is a safety concern, which Mercedes Benzes is aware of but has no recalls for the defect.

Look up ODI 11513818 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11352792 · 92,000 mi

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

Look up ODI 11352792 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

Look up ODI 11435789 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body
1
ODI 11175167

TAKATA RECALL WAS MADE ON THIS CAR IN JANUARY 2017 AND NO REMEDY HAS BEEN RELEASED OVER TWO YEARS LATER. ALSO, THE PAINT ON THE WHOLE CAR BUBBLED BEING A DEFECT FROM MERCEDES.

Look up ODI 11175167 at NHTSA ↗

8
ODI 11389862 · 149,212 mi

REAR SUBFRAME (AS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS) WAS COMPLETED CORRODED - FAILED VIRGINIA INSPECTION - IN SUCH POOR SHAPE THAT ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED - CORROSION RIDDLED THE PIECE SO THAT HUGE HOLES RESULTED IN NO POSSIBILITY OF WELDING TO FIX/SUPPLEMENT WEAKNESS - AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAD NOT SEEN SUCH A WEAK FRAME IN SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR. LUCKILY - NO ACCIDENT OCCURED BUT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. NO OTHER PART OF VEHICLE WAS CORRODED - SO PART WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (NO CORROSION CONTROL?/SHIPMENT FROM GER…

Look up ODI 11389862 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11482359

Dealer states that the rear subframe has rusted and degraded to the point of requiring full replacement. The car is 10 years old with 98,000 miles on the odometer. This is premature degradation of an essential component.

Look up ODI 11482359 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

—
4
ODI 11456652

Vehicle was in for state inspection at an authorized inspection station. It failed inspection due to severely rusted and deteriorated rear K-Frame which had to be replaced to pass inspection. This is a major defect I feel caused by manufacture negligence. There were no warnings, messages or any signals indicating a problem. This issue could have severely caused an injury or even death had it not been detected by the mechanic inspector. Mechanic stated to me that he had replaced several of the rear K-Frames in the last year on this make and mode…

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ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11502013

Cradle and subframe are completely rusted out. This a widely common issue with these cars and am reading it across several forums. Other c300 owners say they have had the exact same issue and request for the MB dealership to fix it. Instead they are given a quote of nearly $10,000 to fix it. MB is responsible for this.

Look up ODI 11502013 at NHTSA ↗

00
2
ODI 11589443

This is a low mileage car with odometer reading of 25668 (less than 2000 miles per year), used sparingly and always parked in the garage. On 05/07/2024 I noticed brake fluid flowing from the left rear side of the car; on examination this seemed to come from the flexible hose that connects the brake fluid line to the brake caliper. I called my Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer and arranged for further inspection and service. The technician identified that the brake fluid lines to the rear were both totally corroded and in need of immediate replacement…

Look up ODI 11589443 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11592433

Took my car for a doorknob repair and was told the whole subframe is rotted. They told me not to drive the car on the highway. The car brakes very hard to the right and always goes right while making cranking noises. Car feels very unsafe. I paid a lot of money for this and own a 2012 c300 4matic.

Look up ODI 11592433 at NHTSA ↗

0
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 11074774

CPSC: I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM MERCEDES THAT MY CAR MAY SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL ME BUT THEY CANT FIX IT YET. I ASKED FOR LOANER CAR UNTIL THEY COULD GET IT FIXED AND THEY SAID "WELL ITS REALLY NOT UNSAFE THEY JUST HAD TO SEND THE LETTER FOR LEGAL REASONS. *DT *JS

Look up ODI 11074774 at NHTSA ↗

6
ODI 11459967

I drove over an object on the highway and noticed my car veering left and wobbly when turning. A week after, it is squealing like a load of piglets in my trunk whenever I go over a bump, then my battery light came on and I took it to the shop and contacted my insurance, who denied my claim saying it was 'wear and tear'.

Look up ODI 11459967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11477837

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 seem…

Look up ODI 11477837 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 11456652

Vehicle was in for state inspection at an authorized inspection station. It failed inspection due to severely rusted and deteriorated rear K-Frame which had to be replaced to pass inspection. This is a major defect I feel caused by manufacture negligence. There were no warnings, messages or any signals indicating a problem. This issue could have severely caused an injury or even death had it not been detected by the mechanic inspector. Mechanic stated to me that he had replaced several of the rear K-Frames in the last year on this make and mode…

Look up ODI 11456652 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11488700

Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation

Look up ODI 11488700 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11502013

Cradle and subframe are completely rusted out. This a widely common issue with these cars and am reading it across several forums. Other c300 owners say they have had the exact same issue and request for the MB dealership to fix it. Instead they are given a quote of nearly $10,000 to fix it. MB is responsible for this.

Look up ODI 11502013 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Structure:Frame And Members0
5
ODI 11463118 · 75,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, he heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle swerved while stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear driver's side subframe was severely corroded and fractured and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the co…

Look up ODI 11463118 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11467139 · 138,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue normal driving once he regained control of the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic for the vehicle to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear subframe had detached from the passenger’s side of the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The …

Look up ODI 11467139 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11491578 · 97,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11491578 at NHTSA ↗

00—000
Electrical System
3
ODI 11034553 · 56,000 mi

MY AIRBAGS GO ON AND OFF ON THERE OWN. MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ALWAYS MESSED UP. MY LIGHTING GOES ON AND OFF, THE ELECTRICAL HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SOMETIMES JSUT SHUT OFF COMPLEYTELY AND NOT TUREN ON FOR DAYS. I HAVE HAD TIMES I HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED.

Look up ODI 11034553 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11281502 · 85,000 mi

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE I RECEIVE AIRBAG WARNINGS. ONE FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AND ANOTHER ONE FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAN CLICK ON "OK" TO CLEAR THEM OUT BUT WITH THE AIRBAG RECALL AND NO RESOLUTION I AM FEARFUL OF A MALFUNCTION. I HAD MY CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALER TWO TIMES AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NEED TO INVESTIGATE IT, AT MY EXPENSE, WHICH COULD BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN $500-$4500 DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND. WITH A SAFETY ISSUE AT RISK I THINK THE RESPONSIBILITY IS ON MERCEDES TO INVESTIGATE AND CORRECT THIS AT NO EXPENSE TO ME. I WILL HAVE TO …

Look up ODI 11281502 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11443966

3 signal Signal light comes one saying abs, another SRS MALFUNCTION, also crushed control inoperable. Car will come one as normal next day car comes on no lights not 1 button work turn signals didn’t work then my car fan came on in the engines the also the when they the electric isn’t working i have to manually shift the gear

Look up ODI 11443966 at NHTSA ↗

0000—
1
ODI 11066436 · 100,000 mi

MY VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY K AND H AUTO. THE ELECTRICAL UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING, THE LIGHT IS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND THE ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN RUSTED, PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE ATTEND TO THIS MATTER. THANKS, AND HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY. ANOTHER COMPANY BY THE NAME OF ANS TOWING, TOWED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CARE AND I AM NOW HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED THROUGH WATER ON OCTOBER 17-18, 2018.

Look up ODI 11066436 at NHTSA ↗

0
Service Brakes0
7
ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

Look up ODI 11435789 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11458128

From the mechanics notes: Four-wheel alignment could not be completed. Attempts to align the rear axle were unsuccessful due to flexing/movement in the rear suspension. A brief road test revealed occasional suspension “clunking” coming from the rear of the vehicle. Close examination of every suspension component mount revealed heavy cracking on the passenger side lower drag link subframe mount (see emailed image). The driver’s side low drag link mount location is also starting to show signs of overstress and rust/flaking. This is a known desig…

Look up ODI 11458128 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11513818

The left rear weld of the subframe on my 2012 C300 4matic has rotted through and appears to be a manufacture's part defect. I found out about this issue from a brake inspection and told it is a safety concern, which Mercedes Benzes is aware of but has no recalls for the defect.

Look up ODI 11513818 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11589443

This is a low mileage car with odometer reading of 25668 (less than 2000 miles per year), used sparingly and always parked in the garage. On 05/07/2024 I noticed brake fluid flowing from the left rear side of the car; on examination this seemed to come from the flexible hose that connects the brake fluid line to the brake caliper. I called my Mercedes-Benz (MB) dealer and arranged for further inspection and service. The technician identified that the brake fluid lines to the rear were both totally corroded and in need of immediate replacement…

Look up ODI 11589443 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11592433

Took my car for a doorknob repair and was told the whole subframe is rotted. They told me not to drive the car on the highway. The car brakes very hard to the right and always goes right while making cranking noises. Car feels very unsafe. I paid a lot of money for this and own a 2012 c300 4matic.

Look up ODI 11592433 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11066436 · 100,000 mi

MY VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BY K AND H AUTO. THE ELECTRICAL UNIT IS MALFUNCTIONING, THE LIGHT IS BROKEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND THE ROTORS AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN RUSTED, PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE ATTEND TO THIS MATTER. THANKS, AND HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY. ANOTHER COMPANY BY THE NAME OF ANS TOWING, TOWED MY VEHICLE WITHOUT CARE AND I AM NOW HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRAGGED THROUGH WATER ON OCTOBER 17-18, 2018.

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1
ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

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Fuel/Propulsion System0
2
ODI 11352792 · 92,000 mi

THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR …

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ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

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0000
1
ODI 11435789

The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes b…

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Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

16 mentions · 6.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 120,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 11418912 · 93,541 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who cleared the code. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,541.

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ODI 11467139 · 138,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound from the rear of the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue normal driving once he regained control of the vehicle. The contact scheduled an appointment with an independent mechanic for the vehicle to be inspected. The contact was informed that the rear subframe had detached from the passenger’s side of the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The …

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ODI 11475116 · 121,218 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH over a speed bump, there was a loud cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with failure to the rear subframe due to severe rust. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,218.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 2.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10713730 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED EXTREMELY FAST INTO AN INTERSECTION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A BROKEN CLAVICLE, A BRUISED ANKLE, CHEST, AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE POLICE IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UP…

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ODI 11441459 · 115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated her son was driving approximately 60 MPH and noticed that the steering wheel was crooked and vibrating. The driver was manually turning the steering wheel for the vehicle to drive straight. The driver also noticed that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear of the vehicle was shaking going from left to right while coming to a complete stop. The driver took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be inspected and was informed that the rear driver’s side subframe had separated f…

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ODI 11456741 · 100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle swerved. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear passenger's side sub-frame was corroded and the stabilizer arm had detached from the sub-frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately …

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10954830 · 53,000 mi

GRADUALLY AS THE CAR IS ACCELERATING IT MAKES A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND SHAKES ALSO JERKS WHEN CHANGING GEARS, CONFIRMED IT IS A FAILED TRANSMISSION, THE CAR HAS HAD ALL THE APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE JUST NOT AT A MB DEALER AND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE TRANSMISSION JUST NOT OFFICIAL RECALL AND MERCEDES IS CLAIMING NO RESPONSIBILITY AS IT WAS NOT SERVICED AT MB DEALER SINCE 2014. CLEARLY THE SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IS RECOGNITION OF A PROBLEM

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ODI 11483577 · 110,000 mi

I ran off the road and my rear suspension sub frame literally broke in half. Upon further research I’ve learned that these parts are faulty and several people have had theirs rust completely in two. Mine had lots of rust damage and that is likely what caused the damage to mine when I ran off the road (MINOR impact that should have never caused that much damage). Mercedes has recalled this part in several countries including Germany and Canada. When I drove home after running off the road my car was nearly impossible to drive. It was jerking all…

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ODI 11548575

I started hearing noises about a week ago while driving. Last night while driving home in the evening traffic, I braked and car violently jerked and veered to the right almost hitting the car in the front. I took the car to a shop this morning and they found that the rear subframe had collapsed due to rust and advised the car was extremely dangerous to drive.

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 169,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11448715

While driving, engine stopped, could not steer.. Looks like a defective Electronic Ignition Switch or steering lock! It seems to be a common problem on these cars!!! The car would not start. After 8 attempts, I was able to start car but was afraid to drive it. Could have been a disaster.

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ODI 11594372 · 169,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after opening the sunroof and then attempting to close the sunroof, the sunroof failed to fully close. The contact had to open and close the sunroof several times before the sunroof closed. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water entering the vehicle from the sunroof which caused electrical failures. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable, but the "Anti-Theft" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several other warning lights were later illu…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11124614 · 90,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCK AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE VEHICLE INSERT THE KEY THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPEEDO, STEERING WHEEL IS UNRESPONSIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TURN THE ENGINE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IT'S A ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK THAT FAILS ON SEVERAL MERCEDES BENZ CAUSING THE OWNER TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A 2,000 DOLLAR REPAIR. IT HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT COMPLETELY FAILS.

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ODI 11448715

While driving, engine stopped, could not steer.. Looks like a defective Electronic Ignition Switch or steering lock! It seems to be a common problem on these cars!!! The car would not start. After 8 attempts, I was able to start car but was afraid to drive it. Could have been a disaster.

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11474194

My car smell like a gas leak. I had went to a car shop to have the car to looked at. The mechanic had told me that the fuel filter flange is leaking gas.

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 135,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11206447 · 135,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF ALEXANDRIA (200 S PICKETT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304 [phone removed]) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF ANNAPOLIS (324 6TH ST, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403 [phone removed]) WERE CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING T…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b