What 233 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Mercedes-benz E-class Cabrio

The rear subframe / axle carrier on vehicle failed. Rear subframe / axle carrier had significant corrosion / rot and large rust holes present. Also, the rear suspension parts & air shocks were seized / corroded to the rear subframe. Dealer advised vehicle was unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11508281

Car won't go forward or reverse smoothly. It acts like a dead pedal then lurches. I traded pain with a safety barrier backing up when it suddenly went backwards. Also sometimes when entering the highway or passing a car it will go into limp mode. Can only be cleared by restarting car. Very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11507034

My 2012 Mercedes E350 has rear sub-frame is starting to rust/corrode and I need to replace it within 3 months. This could cause the rear end to break free and forcing the back of the vehicle to swerve while braking. My Mercedes authorized repair shop stated that similar problems have been identified in other models using same rear subframe and they have replaced them. I have 143K miles and the car is garaged year round. It will cost $5K to repair. Mercedes USA will not fix this for free while all European Mercedes group repair this for free as a defect.

NHTSA ODI 11506183

Rear sub-frame rotted out and would not pass state inspection. Repair shop contacted local Mercedes dealer and was told they were not aware of a problem. However if you perform an internet search, it is a problem. Dealer had two sub-frames in stock, however they were reserved for scheduled repairs and did not know when they. My repair shop located an after market frame and the car was repaired. In addition, the repair shops opinion is the design of the sub-frame is at fault as it retains water leading to corrosion. I performed my own internet search and it is a very known problem not only with the E350 model but also others.

NHTSA ODI 11503389

The rear subframe of this vehicle has rusted on a seam and is cracking. I do not know if the seam is a weld or a bend in the metal. There is no corrosion on rest of the underbody. I do not know when the condition started. I noticed it upon braking. It felt as though the rear end of the vehicle was going to swing out around me. It started about three months before this report and got progressively worse. It was only noticeable when braking firmly from moderate or higher speeds, I have taken the vehicle to the Mercedes dealership and they advise the fault is not covered by warranty. A Google search would indicate that this is a problem occurring worldwide with Mercedes vehicles that use the identical sub frame to that in my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11503151

I have video available that shows significant premature corrosion of the rear subframe and brake line. The safety of others will be put at risk at the time of failure. Failed subframes can lead to loss of control. This problem has been identified and the part inspected by a Mercedes dealership. There are no warning lamps or messages to alert the driver that failure is imminent. This was discovered in the process of the car being serviced for an unrelated emissions recall. Many Mercedes owners report having severe rear subframe and brake line corrosion issues on message boards. Some reported their cars unexpectedly sway and drift to one side while breaking. In multiple European countries, Mercedes is apparently aware of the problem and is voluntarily replacing the rear subframe for free. However, in the USA, Mercedes is quoting their customers approximately 6,000 to 7,000 to rectify the issue. Without NHTSAs intervention, dealer service departments will continue to profit from the failure of this critical component. Customers unprepared to pay for such a significant repair will defer maintenance until they can afford to address the matter. Some of these cars will be dumped at trade in and passed on to unsuspecting consumers. Those consumers may be your friends and loved ones. We need government to step in and protect the public interest. “If not you, then who? If not now, when?”

NHTSA ODI 11499614

A state inspection identified that the rear subframe is rusted through. Per the service advisor, the failure of the rear subframe is a safety hazard because it effects steering and braking, and complete failure can cause loss of brakes. Service advisor advised not to drive the vehicle until repairs are made due to safety concerns. Vehicle failed inspection because the issue is a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11494095

The rear subframe is broken. I was braking and the car lost control about two weeks ago. Ever since then the car feels like it's slipping whenever I brake or on a turn. I lose control of the car and I'm endangering my life and others. I went to take my vehicle to get inspected today and the said the rear subframe is broken and no fault of my own. The car was kept in a garage for years and only has 55k miles on it. There's no reason a subframe should be broken.

NHTSA ODI 11491677

In having maintenance on my vehicle, the dealer advised that the subframe is corroding and needs to be replaced. I searched several Mercedes forums and found a number of owners citing similar corroding subframes yet no other undercarriage components showed rust or corrosion. All owners felt that this should be remedied by Mercedes before a failure causes injuries. Forum participants suggested and encouraged to file a complaint to NHTSA for investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11487500

Camshaft sensors and solenoid leak oil internally which then gets into the sensors electrical connector. From the the oil enters the engine wire harness through capillary action maki g it’s way to other sensors and ultimately the DME (Digital Motor Electronics). This can cause February DME to fail which in turn can make the engine stop running.

NHTSA ODI 11487171

Recently, I took my 2012 Mercedes E350 4Matic for an oil change and after inspecting the vehicle, I was informed by my mechanic that the car had a rusted sub-frame, with visible holes near the right rear wheel. I was told this needed to be immediately addressed as it was a safety issue. He explained that if not fixed, the wheel could detach from the vehicle while driving and could result in a crash or serious injury/death. My mechanic indicated that Mercedes Benz of America is aware of this issue and they do not offer any assistance with the necessary repair. However, I did some research online and learned that if you own a Mercedes, have this same issue and also live in Germany, you can take it to a dealer for a free repair. I find it outrageous that this is not a valid safety recall and even more so, having to pay nearly 3K for the repair in order to make the car safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11484413

The incident was not the vehicle persa but passengers riding in back seat experienced nausea and headaches. Found gas fumes emitting from vehicle. As time progressed fumes got worse and fuel mileage performance worsened. Gas consumption was extremely bad. Car was taken in for oil change and absolutely no gas leaks were found and technician showed me the under carriage of car. Nothing showing on the OBD. Afraid car will catch fire. Not driving as of today.

NHTSA ODI 11484176

Everytime I fill up gas tank and park car in garage. Strong gas smell fumes.

NHTSA ODI 11482805

There is a strong smell of gas inside and outside of the vehicle. Gas is being consumed at a faster rate than usual. No warning lights have come on inside the care. The smell is strong and is affecting all passengers (headaches, nausea) including children and toddlers.

NHTSA ODI 11481900

I smell gas all the time inside and outside the car.

NHTSA ODI 11479185

While driving the vehicle, noticed a smell of fuel inside the car. Parked the car in my garage and the next morning, noted a heavy smell of fuel in the garage. After some research, discovered a recall on the fuel filters for 2011-2012 Mercedes E350 for the fuel fillers. Took car to dealership and they stated the recall was not associated with my VIN despite my car being the exacted year, make, and model for the recall. I removed the back seat to view the fuel filter and saw fuel puddled inside the car, on top of the fuel filter, under the left side of the rear seat. The risk is twofold. Spark ignited the gas in the vehicle out a spiral ignited the fumes smelled in my garage.

NHTSA ODI 11476002

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was detected. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11475294

Fuel leaking from rear passanger side tire area. Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer identified faulty fuel tank as source of fuel. This problem has been reported in other Mercedes classes, including a manufacturers recall. My vehicle is 10 years old with only 71,000 miles. Dealer wants over $7,500 to repair. This issue has occured in other Mercedes classes. This is a safety issue as driving with a leaking fiel tank can cause a fire and explosion. Please expedite this issue. Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11471201

The chrome handle on my driver's seat is peeling off and very sharp. It cut my inner wrist really bad last week. I searched online and found many people having the same issues. I was quoted at around $400 to fix this one little handle and I don't have that amount of money right now. This is serious danger and needs to be fixed immediately and it scares me to think of doing it again and cutting into the artery or nerves in that area of my wrist. 1) Yes, you can inspect it or I can send pictures in. 2) The risk it puts on me is cutting my wrist and/or hand, infection, stitches, pain, not being able to work, nerve damage, medical bills, etc 3) There are many accounts online of people experiencing this same problem. I'm surprised someone hasn't gotten seriously hurt from it already. 4) It has been inspected by a service and repair center that immediately told me to be very careful due to the high possibility of cutting me 5) No warning lamps or messages

NHTSA ODI 11470324

I found that the subframe had been recalled in other countries, but not in the united states? The large number of failures on this subframe across multiple models is concerning. This is a gross failure of a major safety component that can cause serious injury or death. My research showed this part has been recalled in Canada; MBUSA feels the need to wait to do so until a serious injury or death has occurred. The defective subframe is known and the new part’s design has been amended to take into account this rust issue. This is especially concerning considering the recent recall on the brake boosters due to advanced corrosion. MBUSA’s decision exhibits a lack of accountability for a defective part and this issue needs to be promptly addressed for the safety of its customers.

NHTSA ODI 11468693

A few months ago, start up my car to go to work, I had a warning "power steering malfunction". After a little research online about a possible cause, found out a weak battery would affect the power steering so, I went ahead and replace the battery. sure enough, the problem seemed to be resolved but only to comeback and this time is permanent. from reading online, I've realized, it's very common with these vehicle. Only thing, there has not been a recall on such a critical safety of this vehicle. This system even stop working while driving. may results in tragedy...

NHTSA ODI 11460972

Camshaft sensor leaking oil into engine harness and ecu. Misfire

NHTSA ODI 11454271

Camshaft sensor leaking into ecu and engine harness. Causing damage and contamination Known defect in prior years model but hasn't with the 2012 model..

NHTSA ODI 11454272

I sent NHTSA a report earlier -#485386-- A mercedes recall=#12V557000- for this vehicle was issued -- on cars manufactured from 4/18/11 to 7/12/11. My auto was manufactured on 7/11. There is no exact date listed. The past few weeks I did smell gas outside of the car. I spoke to the dealer who told me it was not a recalled car. I went ahead and went to a repair Mercedes shop to investigated the problem and found that the gas filter was leaking as indicated in the recall. Mercedes needs to expand the recall dates since it is obvious the dates are incorrect. I went ahead and took pictures of the leak and sent it to Mercedes customer service. Again response from them was the car was not on the recall. I also want Mercedes to pay me $478.70 for the repair. Pictures of the filter/leak was also sent to them and you.

NHTSA ODI 11452508

Totally puzzled.. Intermittent misfire from.exhaust. not a very loud backfire sound. Sounds like a fart or gurgle from exhaust only when I start the car sometimes. No check engine light No lights on the dash Car runs fine, accelerates normal, no ticking, vibrating or shaking..no rough idle Put on a code reader No codes pulled Only misfires after being driven engine turned off and back on. Starts fine. Went to several mechanics and unable to assess misfire due to it being random Spark plugs and coils changed Air filter and cabin filter changed No leaks in the exhaust Looking for answers

NHTSA ODI 11450497