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

On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the backend together. Fortunately I was able to get this diagnosed prior to a serious accident. The car gets very unstable, especially at higher speeds, when braking. There are no warning lights that will catch this. This problem absolutely places both passengers and other cars on the road at risk of a collision when braking, especially on the highway at higher speeds. I am going to contact a local Mercedes Benz dealer to evaluate replacement of the damaged parts to ensure the car is safe to drive following repair. Based on the links below, it sounds like a known issue at Mercedes Benz. I was never notified of any issues or from prior service visits, or via mail notice from the manufacturer. My mechanic was shocked, to say the least. Hoping MB will take care of this dangerous problem without hassle. See: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11614928

The Brake lines in this car rot very early in life span. This is a severe issue as no one would know unless car is brought in for repair. There is already a extended warranty for subframe rotting for my c300 and several other models and years . Both of these should be repaired due to poor manufacturing not just the subframe. Both of these issues even independently put everyone on the road at risk of potential failure. Car has been brought in for repair and has been pointed out to me both by independent party and Mercedes Benz dealership in my area. There are NO WARNINGS also multiple claims for both rusting and rotting

NHTSA ODI 11596919

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that while the vehicle was approaching a building ahead, she veered to the right and hit the front bumper of an occupied vehicle. The vehicle then drove over the sidewalk. The contact stated that while approaching the end of the sidewalk, she veered to the right and the vehicle stopped after approximately 200 feet. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision repair shop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,032.

NHTSA ODI 11578340

The ESP, or Electronic Stability Control system can put the car into limp mode unexpectedly. Say you are driving on route 66 going 50 mph. The ESP system can turn off if a wheel speed sensor or yaw sensor is on the way out. This causes the car to suddenly dramatically brake and limit speed to 5 mph on the highway. Risk of high speed rear end collision and mortality to the driver.

NHTSA ODI 11561434

Discovered a severely "rotted/rusted" rear subframe and one of the passenger side suspension/control arm of the rear passenger side wheel is completely "detached/disconnected" from the rear subframe. During a hard brake, the car will "swing/drift" to the right and is very dangerous and prone to accident/catastrophe. Also, many other 2008-2014 C300 owners already have reported/complaints over the internet. This defect needs to be recalled by the manufacturer. The contact paid for the replacement and service repair of the rear subframe. The contact was informed by a technician that the detached rear control arm may "puncture" the gas tank because of how close it is to it. The vehicle is not recommended to be driven until the repair is made.

NHTSA ODI 11496018

While my car was being inspected at the Mercedes dealer from who I purchased the car, I was informed that the rear subframe was rusting out, needed to be replaced immediately (at the cost of $4250) as it is unsafe to drive and that the result could be catastrophic if I continued to drive it. They explained that they are having this problem with other C300 models in the US, Canada and Germany, but there has not been a recall in the USA. They told me that it might be the road salt as this is only happening in the North East. If this were true than I would think other parts of the undercarriage would be rusted or this would occur in other models too. They are well aware of this issue but have neglected to contact owners therefore putting my life and the life of my family at risk. The NHTSA needs to investigate and recall these vehicles immediately before someone is killed. Seems to me they are using sub standard materials and while having knowledge of this issue, should be held accountable. Thank You.

NHTSA ODI 11491771

Rear subframe of vehicle rusted under regular use conditions and the left trailing arm mount broke off as a result. This caused vehicle braking to become extremely unstable and dangerous, even at low/medium speed. This is a known problem from this manufacturer and the Fed government should take action to force recall.

NHTSA ODI 11486195

THE REAR SUBFRAME ON THE CAR IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. I GET AN OIL CHANGE AND A INSPECTION OF THE CAR DONE AT THE DEALER EACH YEAR. NOBODY MENTIONED TO ME THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RUSTED AND IS ABOUT TO CRACK AND FALL APART. WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I SUDDENLY HAD TO STOP AND THE WHOLE CAR SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. DROVE HOME AND NOTICED A NOISE EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES. THE NEXT DAY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SHOWED ME THAT THE SUBFRAME CRACKED AND FELL APART. I KNOW THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN EUROPE AND THE DEALERS CHANGE IT FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT IS ON A RECALL, BUT NOTHING IN THE USA AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM DRIVERS. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

NHTSA ODI 11481341

While driving normal highway speed and braking suddenly the car violently pulls to left. Same occurs when driving normal city traffic . Good afternoon I am following up on a major safety issue #11453988 concerning a 2013 C300 Mercedes. I reported this a few weeks ago as this safety defect can cause personnel injury when the defective part fails . As noted earlier during normal braking the car pulls hard to left or right . With normal highway speed driving and emergency braking the car will violently pull left or right possibility into oncoming traffic and or fixed objects . Please reply with update into this major safety defect concern . PS the part number in question has been changed from number 2043500141 with new number 2073509702. This part is not available in the US currently and has a lead time of 30 days from Germany. With the long lead time and the need to travel to work it is a major safety issue that can be avoided. Thanks George

NHTSA ODI 11458444

I’ve had 2 c300 Mercedes models in the past 8 months both used and were driving fine until rain water and car washes caused electrical damage there is a water leaking issue that goes into the floorbeds of the vehicle that causes the car to malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11449416

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, she started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence however while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle was pulling to the left. The contact continued driving to her residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s side rear axle and brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.

NHTSA ODI 11438638

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADRESTS DETACHED DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. AFTER THE CRASH, THE ABS, AIR BAG, AND SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF HOUSTON GREENWAY (LOCATED AT 3900 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX 77027, 713-489-211) WHERE THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES STILL OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11267313

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY EXIT WAS COMING UP SO I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WAS STIFF AND I COULD NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. ONCE THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON ITS OWN DUE TO ME DRIVING ON A INCLINE I TURNED THE CAR OFF. STARTED THE CAR AND TRIED IT AGAIN AND I STILL HAD NOT POWER TO THE BRAKES. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM PUMP WAS LEAKING OIL. I HAD TO FIND A REPLACEMENT PART AND INSTALL IT.

NHTSA ODI 11217266

TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE TODAY, MY CAR BRAKES FAILED. I COULD NOT STOP MY VEHICLE EVEN WHEN I PRESSED DOWN COMPLETELY ON THE PEDAL. I ENDED UP JUMPING THE PARKING SPACE "CURB/STOPPER" AND HIT A LIGHT POST. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PRIOR BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. I HAVE HAD OTHER ISSUES WITH THE CAR - THE RADIO WHERE WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VOLUME SPORADICALLY INCREASES AND DECREASES WITH NO RESOLUTION EVEN AFTER DIAGNOSTICS AND SOFTWARE UPDATES PER THE DEALER. THIS, HOWEVER, WAS AN ISSUE THAT COULD HAVE HAD WORSE CONSEQUENCES. AFTER THE COSMETIC DAMAGE IS FIXED, I PLAN TO HAVE MERCEDES RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 11088915

ON 09-12-16 I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION (35+ MPH). I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC (INTERSTATE HIGHWAY). MY VEHICLE WAS IN ECO MODE AND THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE HOLD FEATURE WAS ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE WAS FULLY ENGAGED/PRESSED, AND HOLD WAS DISPLAYED ON THE FORWARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. WHILE STOPPED, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK MY VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. MY VEHICLE'S NECK-PRO RETRAINT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE HAZARDS ACTIVATED. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE BRAKE HOLD FEATURE DEACTIVATED AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL INTO RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. AFTER ACTIVELY PUMPING THE BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL, I INITIATED AN OFFENSIVE MANEUVER AND SWERVED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO UNPAVED SIDE ROAD/SHOULDER. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD AND ONLY STOPPED AFTER I FULLY PRESSED/ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. IS DEACTIVATING BRAKE HOLD IN A REAR END COLLISION A DESIGN FLAW, OR IS THIS THE INTENDED FUNCTION?

NHTSA ODI 11019536

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AND THEN TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 10926253

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 10888183

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED ACCELERATOR PEDAL NOT DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. WHEN BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THEY FAILED AND DID NOT STOP NOR SLOW THE VEHICLE. CAR CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING. AIR BAGS ADDITIONALLY DID NOT DEPLOY AS CAR HIT BUILDING IN CORNER AT CENTER OF FRONT. MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER FROM SEAT BELT RESTRAINT.

NHTSA ODI 10849871

ON 8/26/14 I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE-OFF, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. IT FINALLY DID BUT VERY SLOWLY. THIS OCCURRED TWO MORE TIME AT THE NEXT TWO STOP LIGHTS. I WAS THEN IN A CENTER TURN LANE TO TURN ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC & WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR DIED AND THE ELECTRONIC DISPLAY GAVE A YELLOW ERROR MESSAGE THAT THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURNED IT OFF & THEN STARTED IT BACK UP. FORTUNATELY IT RE-STARTED, THE ERROR MESSAGE WAS GONE & I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE INTO MY OFFICE PARKING LOT. MY MERCEDES SERVICE DEPT. SAID NO CODES REGISTERED ON THE COMPUTER, PROBABLY BECAUSE I TURNED THE CAR OFF SO QUICKLY IT DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO. TODAY, 8/17/14, I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. MY CAR IS BACK AT THE MERCEDES SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS, IN MY OPINION, A DANGEROUS & LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10636985