NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
266 reports120,000 miles · Dec 23, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, she started hearing an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear subframe to be replaced due to severe corrosion. The vehic…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, she started hearing an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear subframe to be replaced due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11498631
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2022
Suspension
I was driving our Mercedes Benz C300 and noticed the braking distance taking longer than normal. Also, the rear end responding differently than normal. We took our Mercedes C300 to Mercedes Benz Dealer to be serviced. The technician looked under the car and found the rear subframe rotted out. The service advisor informed us…
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I was driving our Mercedes Benz C300 and noticed the braking distance taking longer than normal. Also, the rear end responding differently than normal. We took our Mercedes C300 to Mercedes Benz Dealer to be serviced. The technician looked under the car and found the rear subframe rotted out. The service advisor informed us of this being a known defect. We have to be cautious about driving the car until it's repaired due to the fact of being a serious safety issue. MB needs to recall these vehicles and repair them before someone is seriously injured in an accident. Many drivers are uware their subframe has rotted out. I've taken this car to the same MB shop for 8 years and all in a sudden this comes out of nowhere.
NHTSA ODI #11497482
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2022
Unknown Or Other
The sub frame broke in half and the dealership said it is due to rust. The car has been garage kept and not driven much at all. It’s a 10 year old car with only about 55,000 miles on it. It’s been used very gently.
NHTSA ODI #11496830
62,000 miles · Dec 6, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the contact started to lose control of the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact regained control of the vehicle and drove to a dealer. The vehicle was inspected, and the mechanic disc…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the contact started to lose control of the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact regained control of the vehicle and drove to a dealer. The vehicle was inspected, and the mechanic discovered that the subframe had fractured due to severe corrosion. The contact was notified that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that 15% of the cost of the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The contact stated that their vehicle was finally repaired by the dealer in Dec. 2022. The manufacturer helped pay approximately 13% of the total repair costs.
NHTSA ODI #11496239
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Rear Sub Frame Assembly failure. It is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle rear end begins to wobble at speeds above 40 mph. The issue causes steering to become more complicated and the vehicle veers sharply while braking. This issue makes all C Class vehicles with this Sub Frame Assembly extremely unsafe, especially …
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Rear Sub Frame Assembly failure. It is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle rear end begins to wobble at speeds above 40 mph. The issue causes steering to become more complicated and the vehicle veers sharply while braking. This issue makes all C Class vehicles with this Sub Frame Assembly extremely unsafe, especially at highway speeds. Vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Mercedes Benz dealership in Indianapolis, IN. Service Advisor stated it's "amazing" that there hasn't been a recall issued yet. Based on this body style there have been roughly 320,000 of these C-Class vehicles sold. If the NHTSA truly cares about safety, they will launch an investigation into this matter. There are no warning lamps or messages that appear prior to this failure.
NHTSA ODI #11495617
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2022
Unknown Or Other
I purchased a 2012 Mercedes C300 AWD from a local dealer and have had it serviced annually. Last week I took it in for the annual servicing and was told by the dealer that the rear subframe had corrosion /rust and the car was not safe to drive. I asked if it was covered under a recall and they said not by Mercedes at this time.T…
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I purchased a 2012 Mercedes C300 AWD from a local dealer and have had it serviced annually. Last week I took it in for the annual servicing and was told by the dealer that the rear subframe had corrosion /rust and the car was not safe to drive. I asked if it was covered under a recall and they said not by Mercedes at this time.They provided a repair estimate that is quite high and close to the appraised value of the car. I asked if there were any options available through Mercedes or the dealer and they confirmed not at this time. I have read many articles related to this problem and imagine there are many complaints on file at NHTSA. This is obviously a serious safety issue and currently Mercedes is not taking responsibility and directing the costs to their customers. In addition there is a subframe parts shortage and it could take weeks to fix. I'm requesting that this be listed as a recall item by Mercedes.
NHTSA ODI #11494292
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2022
Suspension
Corroded rear cradle driver side. Causing instability driving. Cradle on back order for months according to local Mercedes parts department
NHTSA ODI #11492611
43,960 miles · Nov 7, 2022
StructureSuspension
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the rear subframe was rusted and the passenger’s side rear control arm was detached from the subframe. The …
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an unusual noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the rear subframe was rusted and the passenger’s side rear control arm was detached from the subframe. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall for the failure. No other assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 43,960.
NHTSA ODI #11492564
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2022
Suspension
Applied brakes coming down a slight grade and vehicle made a clunking noise and became unstable. Pulled and pitched as brakes were applied and released. Upon checking brakes it was very visible that the rear subframe had failed on the right side and the left was severely compromised. I hard braking situation would have resulted…
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Applied brakes coming down a slight grade and vehicle made a clunking noise and became unstable. Pulled and pitched as brakes were applied and released. Upon checking brakes it was very visible that the rear subframe had failed on the right side and the left was severely compromised. I hard braking situation would have resulted in a crash… The severe damage was not visible a week ago until it rotted out from the inside and failed under load.
NHTSA ODI #11492451
Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2022
Suspension
This issue concerns rear Sub Frame corrosion. My car has always been serviced at the Mercedes Benz dealer where it was purchased as recommended. Upon recievieing my car after a service I was informed that the subframe in my car was badly damaged by metal corrosion. In fact I was told that the car was unsafe and should not be d…
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This issue concerns rear Sub Frame corrosion. My car has always been serviced at the Mercedes Benz dealer where it was purchased as recommended. Upon recievieing my car after a service I was informed that the subframe in my car was badly damaged by metal corrosion. In fact I was told that the car was unsafe and should not be driven as total failure would likely cause lose of control of the vehicle. I was offered a repair quote in excess of $5,000 to replace the rotten subframe. I have since found that this failure is common the the model and many cases have been reported. In Europe and Canada recalls have been issued. Cases in the US are apparently felt with on a "case by case" basis. I see this as a serious safety concern for our highways. Failure is common from reports and and serious accidents surely possible. I have removed my car from service, but many are being driven right now. Mercedes Benz is aware of this and is doing nothing to date to take responsibility for this design/construction defect. I add my voice to the many that I hope have contacted you with concern.
NHTSA ODI #11492281
Official recalls
6May 22, 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.
Jan 9, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Oct 6, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Mar 14, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Jan 10, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691
Dec 3, 2012
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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