What 516 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-benz C-class Phev

I am reporting a big safety hazard issue on these Mercedes C300 model year 2011. The suspense bracket just breaking off with obvious no visible issues. The suspension support bracket is got rotted with rust from inside out and broke off while driving on the highway. The issue was obvious when I braked suddenly and the car just pulled itself to the right side. This could easily cause an accident. I reported the incident to Mercedes and they told me to report to NHSTA and they cannot do anything. Once home and jacked up the vehicle I found that the bracket was completely off the frames and it did hit the gas tank causing a dent in the tank (a big safety issue) seam. I googled the issue and it seems like it is a known issue with these models and Mercedes have not recalled or fixed this issue on any vehicle. I have attached pictures of the broken bracket. Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11480326

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the rear subframe of the vehicle had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to pull to the right while braking. The contact was advised that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11479921

The rear subframe rusted out at 115k miles and it completely cracked. No other sign of rust on the vehicle. Kept in the garage. Definite safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11479946

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he noticed a strong fuel odor. The contact stated as he entered the vehicle, he could still smell the strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,861.

NHTSA ODI 11479850

08/15/2022 (date statement was wrote not date of incident) While driving into work at 50 miles an hour, traffic started to slow. While applying brake heard loud pop and vehicle rear end lounged right making steering difficult, I immediately released the brake and control came back I then gently applied the brake again to slow vehicle and felt slight clump from rear. This was very disconcerting my vehicle never had performed in that manner which made me feel very uncomfortable continuing driving, I had mechanic look at vehicle and was told the rear subframe had rusted and the rear left control arm broke away from frame??? My vehicle is very well maintain and just a little over 11 years old. Feeling belittled I began investing Mercedes’ forums and found this has been an issue with some of not all models and nothing has been done to correct this defect. I contacted Mercedes’ Benz and the service department knew exactly what it was and stated the is no recall on these failing subframe due to rust. This is a very serious safety issue due to the fact of loosing control of the vehicle when this component fails possibly causing serious injury or even death. To put insult to injury Mercedes has no plan to replace it and it’s left to the consumer to replace this non maintenance item. Looking into forums about this issue these subframes have failed at almost every odometer mileages, particularly the w204 chassis 2008-2014. A safety recall should be advised to the consumers whom own such vehicles!! Safety First!!!!!!!!! Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11479472

1. Rear Subframe of the car rusted out, causing car to suddenly jerk to the right while braking. as inspected by my mechanic, the driver side part of the rear subframe is also about to fail as well 2. The sudden jerky movement can probably cause me to lose control and possibly crash into another vehicle, potential hurt myself and other cars around me 3. Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center 4. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacture, police, insurance representatives. It's only been inspected by my mechanice. 5. No warning lamps or symptoms appeared prior to subframe failure

NHTSA ODI 11476064

I took the car to Mercedes for service and they found that the rear suspension frame had extensive rust and recommended that it should be replaced. The car only has 87,000 has been garage kept since buying the car in 2013 and has been serviced my MB. The frame has two quarter size holes at the same location on the left and right sides. MB was made to recall this in both Canada and Europe. MB stated that this is a known issue with this car. Why has the NHTSA not forced MB to recall this car? MB knows that if part fails the entire rear drivetrain separates from the car. My understanding is this effects most C-class E-class cars, plus the repair is over $4,000.00 This should be on MB not the consumer.

NHTSA ODI 11472904

The car started fishtailing slightly when the brakes were applied at speeds around 25 MPH. First it was taken to a Mercedes dealership on June 24th where they said it need a sway bar and tires. They were not sure that would address the issue. When we went to get tires, the tire person said the control arm was connected to nothing in the rear. The rear subframe was rotted to the point that there was not a place to even weld it back on to and needed to be entirely replaced. The fact that Mercedes missed it is shocking in itself, I can only assume (we bought the car used) it was rotted from use in winter weather before we got it. The repairs have been estimated to cost between $2200-3800-.

NHTSA ODI 11472916

The rear subframe is rusted and broken, alignment is out, and steering wheel is off centered. Given the history of this model car, it has been under recall in multiple countries outside the United States. This is a common and very dangerous issue that needs to be addressed in the United States because if you call any auto shop or Mercedes they all say it is a common problem with 2008-2014 C-class models. When you look up this issue with this car it has multiple threads saying that the rear subframe has rusted and broke when it is not supposed to.

NHTSA ODI 11472694

driver door handle is loose

NHTSA ODI 11472220

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed abruptly and the vehicle fishtailed off the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was informed that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11471990

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a brake inspection, the mechanic informed him that the subframe was corroded, causing the vehicle to fishtail while braking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,500.

NHTSA ODI 11469002

I own a 2011 C300. Recently, my car suddenly stopped working while I was attempting to leave somewhere away from my home. It would not crank or turn over/start. So I was completely stranded, and in the extreme Florida heat. There has been no damage or wreck to cause this. There were also no warning lights or symptoms in my car beforehand. My car was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership in the nearest city. They diagnosed the problem as an electronic steering lock failure. I asked how this happened. I was told that they do not know how it happened. I was also quoted a very expensive repair bill. Upon researching this problem further, I found out that steering lock failure and ignition switch failure is a recurring and common problem that Mercedes Benz already knows about, and many people with my car and similar models have had the same problem over the years. Age of the car at time of failure did not matter, either- it has happened to many cars at different ages and mileage.This is not a normal problem for any car to have, nor is it caused by normal wear and tear. Some people have even had their cars suddenly stop working while they are driving. Many people have also asked why these faulty parts have not been recalled yet. I contacted the company multiple times and did not receive any resolution to the problem. They said that this is my responsibility to repair, and they would not pay to repair this, nor reimburse me. The company's agent did not care at all about the issues, nor take any accountability for them as the manufacturer. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere at any time is dangerous for anyone, especially in certain areas or during intense weather. This entire issue has caused extreme stress for me- interruption in my schedule, lack of transportation, and financial loss. Please hold the Mercedes Benz company accountable for their lack of proper manufacturing and lack of proper repair to their parts that they know are faulty. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11469029

The contact's son owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while his son was reversing, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the ABS, the traction control, and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The driver called the contact and made him aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear subframe was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11468584

I recently noticed a noise coming from the left rear side os the car when I would go over the slightest bumps. I was scheduled to have my breaks replaced and when the auto was on the lift, the mechanic noticed that the frame was cracked. The auto has never been involved in any serious accidents. I did some searching on Mercedes Benz forums and there are several references of similar occurrences. Those reporting the issue after visiting a dealer have hinted it's a known issue and caused by Winter weather. This doesn't seem reasonable for a car that is not new, but after 11 years shouldn't be happening. I am needing to proceed w/ the repair as the car has many more years of use, but would like to report this issue and if determined to be subject to a recall, be compensated for the whole/partial cost of any reasonable repair costs. Kind regards,

NHTSA ODI 11468378

My 2011, 300C has 116,000 miles. Driving the car I notices that when I applied brakes car swayed to the left. Concerned I brought vehicle to MB in Paramus, NJ. Was told that rear sub-frame was rusted and dislodged along with the brake lines, also rusted. Car was serviced every 10k miles as recommended by dealer and just now these issues were identified. I recently also was told that the fuel tank was also rusted out and needed to be replaced. These issued were a danger to me and my family and could have resulted in potential deaths. MB does not have any recalls for these problems but I believe NHTSA should initiate a recall as many others have had these problems. A google search has identifies a large number of people having these same problems. Below are 2 videos of the problem. https://app.mykaarma.com/service-cart/mpi/BfGpB6lKrWaYxN3TKQFzqa2MgCzxYgihmma6Ker7cFE/check/Your_CAR_CHECK_ID/media/0/view/1 https://api.mykaarma.com/video-walkaround/details?inspection_uuid=629e0e431dd41d3dfba54fd1&fileType=video No warnings messages or previous symptoms occurred and even though car was serviced every 10k miles, dealer Neve identified any of the concerns. How can that be when brake lines are rusted. Dealer refuses to take any responsibility and MB Germany has yet to respond to my various emails. Please review as these issues have life and death implications and a Recall should be initiated by NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11467798

I noticed that when using the brakes the car would pull to the side. The front brake rotors and pads were completely replaced but the pulling behavior remained unchanged. When the mechanic specifically looked for reasons for the pulling he found the rear driver's side stabilizer completely rusted through and the passenger side one showing signs of similar impending failure. I took pictures of both. The driver's side arm that was broken was also rubbing against the gas tank. The company, Mercedes, is only allowing replacement parts to be delivered when ordered by VIN, so I can't get a part already in the US (it has to be ordered directly from Germany and specifically for my car's VIN - they KNOW there's a problem).

NHTSA ODI 11465799

I have a 2011 C300 Sport that I purchased end of the lease (3yr.). The car was never driven in the winter for 4 seasons and most recently just the last 3 winters. Complete frame rot on the rear driver's side. Rot was noticed by my mechanic at the last oil change. He said he is replacing three rear frames for customers as soon as he can get parts. Parts are limited and only in Germany. I want it repaired with genuine parts. If the frame separates while the vehicle is at highway speeds, operator control can be compromised. The brake line which attaches to the frame has ruptured in many cases from what I have read. I called MB customer service and there is no recall at this time. I called the local dealer and they have been replacing quite a few frames with the same issue. This is a dangerous failure and if I remeber correctly about 8-10 years ago Toyota recalled trucks and SUVs for frame replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11464212

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact indicated that while driving at various speeds, a knocking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, while abruptly braking the vehicle would pull to the left. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear subframe was fractured. The cause of the subframe failure was not determined and no further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463364

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the tire pressure and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was rebuilt. The contact then had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle. The rear axle was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.

NHTSA ODI 11462604

This car was taken to a local Mercedes Benz dealership for repairs. Upon inspection, the dealer ship stated that the rear subframe was rusted on the vehicle and it was not safe to drive. Typically, frames do not rust out in 11 years and 110,000 miles on the car. I called Mercedes Benz to ask about this problem and their customer service representative immediately asked if this was the rear subframe. This tells me that Mercedes Benz has had numerous calls about this issue before. The Service Advisor at Germain Mercedes Benz stated that he had seen this issue on multiple occasions. We went to an independent service shop for a second opinion and they also stated that they had made this repair on this model of car. We have a strong suspicion that Mercedes is aware of this problem and has done nothing with it.

NHTSA ODI 11461444

I had a thumping sound in the rear of my 2011 Mercedes C300. I took it to our import car repair shop and found out that the rear subframe assembly was rusted out and needed to be replaced. They felt that since it was close to the fuel tank that they didn't feel safe letting me drive it. The car is in excellent shape otherwise and the mechanic said that this is the 2nd one like this that he's recently seen. Looking online, I've seen a number of complaints about the very same issue in Mercedes C300's from 2009-2014.

NHTSA ODI 11461400

Due to design flaw and/or poor material quality, I have a car with less than 100,000 miles that has completely rusted thru the subframe. I was told by a Mercedes Benz dealer that this is a common problem with this car. The cost of repair was quoted at $4000. This was only discovered due to the MB mechanic removing the covers on on the subframe discovering the rust. I was told it would not pass inspection but it just did in February at the dealer I bought the car from. I told the MB dealer this and they said they probably didnt know the covers need removed to see the issue. This is a huge safety issue that people who drive these cars are probably not aware of. Failure of this area could cause loss of control as this is a critical suspension link responsible for maintaining steering direction of the rear wheels. Once these linkages fail the driver will lose control of the car. MB needs to held accountable for this design flaw and get the cars recalled. I do not have $4000 just lying around to make this repair and will be forced to continue to drive this car.

NHTSA ODI 11461106

While traveling on the interstate @ 60 MPH, I loud knock was heard in the right rear. When brakes were applied, the vehicle pulled to the left, severely. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic on this date after making an appointment. Photos included show the issue as to why this occurred. The 'cradle' of the rear suspension on both, the left and right sides were completely rusted through. The vehicle is a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-300, with 63,000 miles. After researching this on line, it appears this is an on-going issue with this year along with other years. This, is huge safety issue and the results could be catastrophic to the occupants and or other operators.

NHTSA ODI 11457695

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the rear of the vehicle swerved. The driver pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,500.

NHTSA ODI 11455497