What 295 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Mercedes-benz E-class Cabrio

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong fuel odor was detected. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.

NHTSA ODI 11531663

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn from a traffic light the power steering failed to perform as needed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact drove the vehicle to a parking lot, stopped, placed the vehicle in park(P) and turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V459000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11516754

On October 6, 2021 I took my vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek because ewhen I filled my gas tank there was a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The service department found the passenger side fuel sender upper cover leaking. The same situation is occuring presently, April 5, 2023, very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and garage after I fill the car with gasoline. The Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek invoice # is 934052, Tag # TEK93. This is a safety issue that could ceate a fire hazard if the vehicle were to be involved in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11515765

The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection preparing to make a left turn, the vehicle crashed into the front driver's side and part of the driver's side front fender by another vehicle that had run a red light. The vehicle had severe crumpling of the hood and the driver's side fender. The contact stated that the front end was damaged and spread debris all over the roadway. Law Enforcement was on the scene and filed a Police report. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact was transported by ambulance to an emergency room. The contact stated that he had suffered chest injuries from striking the steering wheel, and the contact stated that he had upper back pain and arm pain. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had been advised by the Insurance Provider that the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513005

2011 MERCEDES BENZ E 350. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO ROTTED SUBFRAME ON VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11509501

I just recently discovered that after filling my car with gas, there is a strong odor of gas filled in the garage for over 24hours. When I googled the issue, I discovered that NHTSA did confirm issues with Mercedes E350 from 2003-2009. However, I have also discovered that several owners outside of that model year period are having the exact issue. I ask you please reconsider and open the recall so that Mercedes can pay to fix my car before a fatality occurs. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11508712

Both headrests have now exploded in this car. I see there have been class actions lawsuits filed but Mercedes got these dismissed. There is a cheap plastic piece that holds the headrest in place which just explodes without any impact or accident. "The Mercedes class action lawsuit was filed by four plaintiffs who claim the NECK-PRO active headrests are defective because the activate head restraints allegedly deploy without crash impacts." The car was parked in each of the incidents. One hit my passenger in the head. The driver side headrest exploded today when I moved the seat. I called Mercedes but was just sent on a wild goose chase.

NHTSA ODI 11508406

Power steering is makes winding noise and very wobbly Wood grain interior is turning white Emissions problems

NHTSA ODI 11507901

The rear subframe has prematurely rusted. It had a shear failure at speed on the highway when I applied the brakes. The rear end of the car swerved, almost causing me to crash. I did manage to decelerate the car in a controlled fashion. I did not know the rear subframe failed at the time. This was confirmed by an independent mechanic several days later. After research, it looks as though a recall has already been issued for this issue in Canada and potentially Germany. The mechanic tells me that until the issue is repaired the vehicle is unsafe to drive. My and others safety was put at risk due to the failure of vehicle control at 65 mph on a busy road. The problem was verified by an independent mechanic. No police, insurance provider, or Mercedes dealer has inspected the car/damage, only an independent mechanic. No prior indicators were given either directly or indirectly prior to failure. I did keep the part for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11506572

Rear subframe corrosion causing rear subframe failure/rusting which is a huge hazard. Mercedes Benz in several countries have recalled the rear subframe and are replacing free of charge. Mercedes Benz USA is not acknowledging this recall, it is a major issue and thousands are impacted.

NHTSA ODI 11503905

Rear subframe corrosion/damage leading to rust/holes and unsafe driving. This issue can cause the bottom of the vehicle to collapse. Mercedes Benz across many countries acknowledge this as a recall and repairs free of charge except USA. USA should acknowledge this defect as well.

NHTSA ODI 11503906

Rear subframe is rusting out. I reported about a month or two ago and have not heard back from you.

NHTSA ODI 11503152

I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Mercedes years 2009-2011 E50, that it was a recall on the water drain system. Also, on 01/17/23 my sunroof was working without any problems, I attempted to close it and it stop midday and i hear the motor working, but the sunroof did not move, I did more research and found a recall on the bonding glue for sunroof and the glass was detached without warning. Even though my vehicle is not on the recall list, my car is having the same exacts problems and issues and reported by NHTSA. I would appreciate as response or advice to solve these problems, right now my car is a safety hazard to myself and other drivers. thank you for cooperation in this matter in advance. My Case from Corporate Mercedes Customer Care#[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11502501

The vehicle felt like it was all over the road at highway speeds. Took it to a mechanic and the rear subframe had become weakened with premature rust. The mounting point for one of the rear suspension arms had broken off of the subframe and was making contact with my gas tank. I called the dealer to see if there were any recalls. No recalls for this issue however there are a few reports on this website. I have also been on forums for my vehicle and it is a VERY common problem on these vehicles. From what i gather this is a widespread issue, and the fact that it could possibly puncture a gas tank and cause serious injury that something should be done to correct the concern.

NHTSA ODI 11500100

I was on the highway traveling at 70 mph, when I noticed something was not right. I would switch lanes and notice the vehicle swaying in the rear I would also brake, and notice car would sway. I didn’t have any warning signs, and have deemed my vehicle unsafe to drive. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the rear subframe has been compromised with rust, fully detaching the lower control arm from driver’s side rear. This incident could have been catastrophic. I could have easily loss control of the vehicle and death could have occurred to me and others. Perhaps the whole rear axel and wheels could have detached at high speeds

NHTSA ODI 11499814

There is a hole rusted through the vehicle's rear subframe assembly and it is dangerous to drive. My car is an E350 Mercedes with 78,000 miles and garage-kept. Mercedes knows of this issue and is not helping anyone with this problem. The job costs about 5000.00 to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11498730

The subframe is rusting in four places in the area of the wheels. If the frame breaks I could lose control of the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11497716

Rear sub-frame is starting to rust/corrode. Understand from my repair shop that similar problems have been identified in other models using same rear subframe (W204 2008-2014 C-Class). Failure of the rear subframe may result in tire detachment and possible rupture of the fuel tank by metal fragments (per the repair shop).

NHTSA ODI 11495638

Strong fuel smell after refueling and topping off the gas tank. The smell is inside as well as outside driver side rear door. This occurs each time after I put gas in the car and the smell remains.

NHTSA ODI 11494535

The issue with the vehicle's electrical causing power to the starter to stay on even after the vehicle is in the park and turned off, the starter's Solenoid and other electrical parts burn, its a serious fire hazard and needs to be addressed immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11493623

When I parked my car there was a loud hissing sound near left front end but no smoke or anything from under the hood. When I drove it again I received a warning of (MALFUNCTION) when I was turning left the front left tire was grinding on the actual car and barely made it home. The car warning turned red and said pull over car too low. When I parked the car the front left side is now sitting on tire and touching the ground. Unable to drive. Not been investigated by a mechanic, insurance, etc. There was also an airbag warning before this issue. The contact has stated that she is disabled, and the vehicle is not currently drivable.

NHTSA ODI 11493609

I noticed fluid on the ground under my car in the driveway. Turns out it was brake fluid, the vehicle alerted me to low brake fluid. Here was a broken brake line which appears to have been caused by the subframe being rusted out. The issue is with the rear subframe on the Mercedes’ E and C class dating from 2008 on. Mine is a 2011 E class. The subframes on these vehicles rust and rot out causing issues to the brake lines and rear suspension parts rotting / rusting out due to the subframe being compromised. I’ve taken my vehicle to the dealer to look at the brake line and I was advised that the subframe was rusting out and should be replaced as well, it will only worsen, creating a safety hazard while driving because it can cause the car not to stop properly and difficult to control. I’ve taken the vehicle to repair shop and was told the same. Also was advised by both the dealer and private repair shops that this is a common issue with these vehicles, yet there is no recall by Mercedes in this country. Canada has a recall for this issue and other countries as well but not the USA. I was quoted $5000 to fix the issue by putting a new subframe, repairing is not possible. The part itself is on back order almost everywhere due to the commonality of this issue. This has caused the price to go up in cost due to the demand. A junkyard / car parts quoted me $2000 for a used subframe. As a service connected disabled Veteran I find this issue to be very concerning and ask why this is not a recall that Mercedes should replace without cost to the consumer. I hope that my complaint and hopefully others as well can get this issue resolved and hold Mercedes accountable. The subframe rust out yet other parts around it does not, this has to be a manufacturer issue with the sub frame. Reports of this issue are in warm weather southern states with no snow or salt issues as well as northern states

NHTSA ODI 11493197

The rear subframe failed as a result of pre-mature corrosion while traveling at 70mph. Control of vehicle was lost and could easily have led to a multiple fatality incident if not for luck. The problem has been reproduced in many Mercedes models around this model year and Mercedes is well aware of the issue with their inferior subframe. NTSA needs to order a recall from Mercedes as class action lawsuits are going to be put together if nothing is done. There was no warning that this subframe was going to fail.

NHTSA ODI 11490459

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer for a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the rear subframe, control arms, brake lines, and pipe socket were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489519

The passenger door will not open from the inside. The vehicle has not been inspected by any parties yet. No warning messages are currently displayed.

NHTSA ODI 11483014