What 570 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid

I purchased the vehicle in 2015, and a few months ago I started having issues with the steering wheel, as well as an error message with the airbag. More recently, I am experiencing issues with my ignition switch, and after doing some research I’m seeing that many people who drive the mage and model of my vehicle are experiencing issues with their ignition switch suddenly going out. I’ve been quoted 2k to repair the issues, but I feel the Mercedes should be responsible for taking care of what seems to be a faughty ignition switch with this particular model. There was no warning, no indication that there was a problem, one day my car just wouldn’t start. I need to report this to make sure buyers are aware with issues with the C300 model for all vehicles that are a 2013 and under.

NHTSA ODI 11532612

CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER breakdown with only 70k miles on engine. Dealership asking for 6k for repair as extended warranty expired last year.

NHTSA ODI 11530733

Rear Control Arm Broke off of the rusted Rear Sub Frame assembly which was confirmed and inspected by my mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11528405

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded. The independent mechanic replaced the subframe; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle making an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11525564

The car was all over the road when braking and making banging sound. Had towed to 3 repair shops and all said Subframe was rotted out beyond repair. Mercedes Benz in golden bridge will replace subframe, but my cost is towing, labor and renting a car until it’s fixed which can take up to 1 month.

NHTSA ODI 11522485

Rear passenger side brake lights and turn signal stopped working due to ground wire burning out post. Ground wire seems to be to weak and gets overheated. I'm not the only one found this issue on YouTube with many other Mercedes C class vehicles

NHTSA ODI 11522559

Purchased said vehicle from Rahal Mercedes Benz (Wexford PA 15090) in 9/2021. Used. Took in for PA inspection in 10/2022 (to Rahal service dept). Mechanic noticed rear subframe was rusting (I was not aware of this until this point; was never disclosed to me by Rahal in their printed pre inspection vehicle repost; I have this document). Told me would need re-placed sometime in 2023. Never mentioned a recall. I have not received any recall. Prove from MB. Conversation with said mechanics e railed I would have to pay for this repair out of pocket. This is a major safety issue. MN should 100% cover the cost/all costs of the subframe and any issues caused by said subframe.

NHTSA ODI 11519789

UNKNOWN: Transmission malfunction on the computer for the car. Seems like a sensor problem

NHTSA ODI 11514309

Car wouldn't pass inspection because of a rotted subframe. I had to pay $3k to have it replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11512960

Car was garage kept and in mint condition, yet the rear subframe has completely rusted through and while breaking the car lurches to the right. Also the breaking performance is noticeably impaired. There was no signs of this failure as the car still looks new, only way of knowing was the near crash while driving and trying to stop.

NHTSA ODI 11511438

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and various other unknown components needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509683

Car violently shakes

NHTSA ODI 11508844

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at high speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the rear suspension was unstable and felt loose. The contact pulled to the side of the road before continuing to drive. The contact notified an independent mechanic of the failure and was informed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure through voicemail. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508327

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear suspension cross member was fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed the failure, but no repair was performed. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507201

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights started flashing off and on. The contact stated that the turn signal stopped working on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the main dash connectors and instrument panel had short circuited and nearly caught on fire. The independent mechanic stated that fuses and the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507307

HI I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND STARTING FEELING THE CAR SWAYING. I GOT REALLY SCARED AND TOOK SIDE BLOCKS HOME. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS AIR IN THE TIRES OR A FLAT. WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK NO FLAT TIRES WERE FINE. THEN I STARTED HEARING LIKE A CRACKING SOUND THE NEXT DAY AND STARTED SMELLING GAS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID BAD NEWS THE SUBFRAME IS ROTTED OUT AND DO NO DRIVE THIS CAR. I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EARS. HE SAID LETS SEE HOW MUCH TO FIX IT. HE LATER CALLED ME BACK AND SAID 7-11 MONTH WAIT FOR THE PART. I SAID WHATTTTTTT. HE SAID MERCEDES SAID IT’S A COMMOM PROBLEM. THEY HAVE A LOT ON BACK ORDER. HOW COULD MERCEDES KNOW THIS AND TAKE A CHAMCE ON HAVING CARS LIKE THIS ON THE ROAD. SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED. I DID SOME INVESTIGATING AND ITS ALL OVER WITH SO MANY MANY CARS. HOW CAN THEY NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS. GOD FORBID SOMEONE GETS HURT BAD OR DIES. I FOUND IT IT’S A RECALL IN CANADA AND EUROPE. COME ON GUYS WHATS UP?. THIS IS NOT FAIR. ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS SO YOU HAVE TO RECALL . PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I CANNOT NOT HAVE A CAR TO DRIVE THIS IS INSANE. I WILL LOOK OTHER WAYS TO TRY TO FIX BUT COME ON YOU GUYS ARE MERCEDES BENZ I HAVE HAD ABOUT 5 OF THEM!!!!!!! MERCEDES DOES NOT RESPOND. I PAID TO FIX IT ON MY OWN BECAUSE I NEED A CAR. THIS IS REAL BAD AND ITS A RECALL ALL OVER BUT THE US I PAID TO FIX IT AS THE PART IS ON BACKORDER AND I GOT LUCKY SOMEONE CANCELED THE ORDER. I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSTED

NHTSA ODI 11507175

Rear Subframe control arm broken and rusty and dangerously to drive and Mercedes refused to make it as recall.

NHTSA ODI 11505351

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine service, he was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact also stated that while driving at highway speeds, the rear of the vehicle was shaking while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11504374

When breaking at high speeds, the car feels like I will lose control of it. Has happened a few times and I thought I was going to hit the neighboring car. Took it to a repair shop and found out that the rear driver side subframe Is completely rotted out and the rear control arm is hanging. The car only has about 97,500 miles on it, has not been driven in high salt areas, and doesn’t have any other signs of rust. Two auto body shops have told me this shouldn’t happen on a car with that low mileage, and these cars, Mercedes c300s, are known to have this defect.

NHTSA ODI 11504245

Bought a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic on 1/16/23 with only 80k miles. Alignment was off so took it to local Mercedes dealer today on 1/24/23. They advice that the subframe was rusted and not safe to drive, they are keeping it overnight to take a closer look and evaluate. Looked into it and found this is a common issue, experienced by many all over the world. UK has rust protection so they can get it replaced for no extra cost. Why do we have to pay out of pocket? Also did buy the Carfax and showed clean with no issue found before purchasing the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11503518

I was driving on the highway and had to hard brake when traffic slowed down quickly. My car was all over the road swerving and I am very lucky I wasn't killed. Come to find out the rear subframe had completely rusted out. I have since found out that this is a very well known issue with Mercedes that they have refused to do anything about. I am sure there have been people killed because of this. This vehicle had been at the dealer the week prior and had the rear brakes replaced. They said they did not notice that the subframe was rusting through at that time because it rusted from the inside out so it's not something that would be noticed until it completely rusted out, which in my case was on the highway. This is outrageous that Mercedes is getting away with ignoring this very well known safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11502792

There is a defect in the subframe of the vehicle which causes it to corrode and rust out. Apparently, this is a known issue with certain years and models, and has already been recalled in Europe, but not the US.

NHTSA ODI 11502562

This 2013 Mercedes C300 with 88,xxx miles has significant subframe rust. This is unacceptable and is a safety hazard because the rust and corrosion will continue to spread and cause additional safety issues. This will cost over $4,000 to repair, but it is a manufacturer defect. There are a ton of similar complaints online, so this is clearly a systemic issue with this model that needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ODI 11502630

Rear subframe rusted out and failed. This caused vehicle to suddenly veer to left upon braking. Was fortunate to avoid hitting something. Dealer says common problem but Mercedes isn’t recalling/replacing defective subframes.

NHTSA ODI 11501355

The subframe has rotted from insufficient protection . This car is unsafe to drive , many US consumers having same problem with this model where the subframe is rusted out. This is a major issue effecting thousands of cars of this model or maybe more

NHTSA ODI 11500968