What 284 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver’s side interior door latch detached. The contact had to reach through the front driver’s side window to open the front driver's side door using the exterior door handle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there was an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11709762

I purchased my vehicle from the Mercedes Benz Dealership and received a recall letter in the mail stating that driver side deployment may occur. After receiving notice I brought the car to the dealership to get the recall repaired. I've been driving around with a false sense of security believing that this issue was repaired. However, recently, while I was driving the driver side airbag unexpectedly and abruptly deployed and injured me. This is a major safety concern and car owners should be notified and made aware that the issue can still occur after the recall was repaired. I contacted Mercedes Benz and they did not issue any additional notices to inform customers of possible recall issue reoccurring due to manufacturer defects even after the repair was made. Additionally, I believe the driver side Takata airbag/inflators may have also been defective because of the injuries I incurred from the forceful explosive eruption of the airbag. MBUSA Campaign Number 2017120024 NHTSA Recall Number 17V627 Recall Start Date January 18, 2018 Recall Reported Date October 16, 2017 Component(s) 1709P46C62 Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain MY12-17 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe vehicles (204, 207, 212 platform) have insufficient electrical grounding in the steering column components. In rare instances, if the steering column module is exposed to an electrostatic discharge, and if the steering column module clock spring is broken (due to wear), this could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. An inadvertent driver airbag deployment may cause a risk of injury to the driver and might increase the risk of a potential crash. A broken clock spring will illuminate the SRS warning light as well as display a warning message in the instrument cluster. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer will install a sufficient ground to the steering column, and a protective ring to the steering column module.

NHTSA ODI 11609790

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the contact observed water entering the vehicle from underneath the driver's side footwell, causing extensive water damage. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11605831

The driver's side interior door handle became disengaged as I was trying to open the door so I was momentarily trapped inside. If I had been in a situation where I had been in an accident and needed to get out quickly, or the car had been on fire, or I was stalled on the train tracks, this could have been a serious incident. When I googled this, it sounds like this is a very common occurrence in Mercedes. There was no warning that this was going to occur - everything seemed secure before this happened. I have taken it to a service center for a very expensive repair as they have to remove the door panel, replace/reattach the part and put the door panel back.

NHTSA ODI 11597583

1. the component that failed was the front stationary sunroof panel, and what failed on it was the adhesive which leads to it leaking water, and the potential of even falling off while driving 2. it could lead to falling off on the highway which could lead to damages to it or other vehicles around it 3. Unknown 4. Yes it was inspected at a nearby dealer ship in which they stated that the glue was failing on that part of the car and would need to be replaced 5. No warnings for this issue, i was only able to notice it because when it rains now if not under cover that part of the car will allow water to leak into the vehicles inside There was a recall campain in which the number is 2021070010 and it included 2014-2020 mercedes C class which my vehicle matches said description but when i have tried to get this issue resolved but my vehicles vin number was not apart of this recall as it shows across multiple sources

NHTSA ODI 11591531

The driver's side door handle broke impossible to open door from inside if there was an accident. I have been told that this is a common problem with my car, and that it cost 1600.00 to replace repair at the dealer. This is such a common problem that there are after market kits to repair the broken handle for 20.00, but including labor the repair is $500.00.

NHTSA ODI 11551878

unknown but I have submitted a previous complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11539690

SUB FRAME ON MERCEDES HAS RUST ISSUE, RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. I ONLY FOUND OUT BECAUSE I GOT NEW TIRES. ONLY 70K ON THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI 11504526

Malfunction of rear subframe and control arms due to rust causing the subframe to crack. When breaking the rear wheels swerved almost causing a collision on the highway. My mechanic inspected the car and deemed it unsafe for driving as this can cause injury or death to me and others. The car is currently being repaired. This problem is being ignored by MBUSA, however MB in Europe acknowledges the faulty metal and will repair at no cost. There were no warning lamps or messages that made me aware that the subframe is rusted and cracked.

NHTSA ODI 11500261

Interior driver door handle not operating. I brought the car to the mechanic and he states this is a common problem and the whole door panel has to be replace for 1000.00. I went home and researched repairs on this and this is a very common issue with mercedes and many mechanics including the one I went to doesn't understand why this is not a recall. This a very serious safety issue. I have to lower the window to get out of my car. If I have to get out quickly it is impossible. If the window stops working I cannot get out of the car. This safety issue affects me and my passengers if I have to get out of my car quick such an accident or fire. The quality is so poor on these plastic parts of the handle and removing the door panel is complicated because it not meant to be removed and taken apart. I am a nurse that was traveling in Nevada when this occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11497597

During an oil change (11/9/2022), my technician found rust on the rear subframe. He stated that this is a known safety problem caused by defective materials during manufacturing. He stated that Mercedes is aware of this problem but has not issued a recall as of this date. I checked the online Mercedes forums and the problem is very common with the C-class W204 models. The car has been running fine and I received no warnings other than what my mechanic told me. I want to know when Mercedes is going to issue a recall to get this fixed before it's too late.

NHTSA ODI 11493178

Rear subframe of vehicle is starting to become rotted/rusted out and may fall apart at any time. My Mother has the same body style car as me (2011 c300) & she was recently driving at around 60mph and all of the sudden, went to step on the brakes and the car swerved across the highway uncontrollably. She took it to a mechanic who said the car is not drivable and showed me how badly the subframe was destroyed. This is due to a Mercedes Benz manufacturing issue where they tried cost cutting which turned out very poor quality materials for this very important assembly. My car only has ~55,000 miles and is just about 8 years of age. This issue should never happen for a vehicle with such low miles and such a short life, especially from a prominent and distinguished automotive company. This is a Huge Safety Concern, and I am Scared that this subframe will fail without warning and at a high speed, which can likely cause me to be involved in a major accident where people are killed or seriously injured. I would even consider getting rid of this car, which would be unfortunate since it is gorgeous and seems almost brand new, although I cannot afford to sell this & buy another car at this time. I have researched online about this problem, and turns out, it is Very Common with this body style c300 ('08 - '14). There are hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals within the USA who are having this exact same issue with as little as 60,000 miles. Most are happening around the 90,000 mile mark however. They primarily mention in many online forums how scared they were when it happened and how lucky they are it didn’t cause a major accident…yet. It is astonishing how this subframe was not recalled by now and how Mercedes USA has not taken responsibility for this. This issue needs to be addressed and recalled Immediately before people are killed or seriously injured, and before more of these parts break. Please look into this very soon and contact me with any questions.

NHTSA ODI 11483657

Failed component: The subframe on my Mercedes C300 broke on one side and was almost broken on the other. It would be available for inspection as it is sitting in the Mercedes dealer bone yard waiting on the part to be shipped from Germany around September 17th. It also ruined my back tires & now I have to replace them too. I understand that in the UK the Mercedes dealers are fixing this problem free of charge but there seems to be no recalls! Safety: I was entering the freeway on a rainy afternoon. My car was fishtailing very badly. At first I thought is was the highway itself as we had not had rain for quite some time. I tried to accelerate 4 or 5 times with the same fishtailing. I pulled off the busy freeway onto the shoulder & sat for a few minutes to collect my thoughts as I didn't know what was wrong. Then I drove very slowing to the next exit & a few more miles home. I drove very slowly a few miles the next morning to the Mercedes dealership. Inspected: The Mercedes dealer told me the subframe was broken and the car was not drivable! Couldn't find the part in the US so ordered from Germany with at least more than a month to wait. Warnings: There were absolutely no warning lights what so ever! Additional: The dealership did not have any loaner cars. I went for 5 days without a car to drive. I finally purchased another vehicle as I depend on it to do my job. It is going to cost over $4,400 to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11479919

INSIDE HANDLE DOOR left broke 2019 and right broke 8/10/2022, Senior people is hard to open a broken door and if an accident will happen they can not came out of the car. We took the car to Mercedes Benz dealer and they want to charge to fix it. We took to independent mechanic the 1st time on 2019 and they charge us like $1,000. Now the right handle door is broke 8/10/2022. We need Mercedes Benz to fix it ASAP. This issue is happen a lot to Mercedes Benz

NHTSA ODI 11479038

On 5/15/2021, I was driving in Phoenix, AZ at about 35-40mph and heard a large bang. Was not sure what happened. Struck nothing. It was dark. The next morning I came out and noticed that the glass panel in front of my panoramic sun roof had completely shattered with a long horizontal fissure. I went to the nearest dealership and was told he has seen this happen before. I asked if it was safe to drive 4.5hrs back to my home city, Las Vegas. He said yes. When I got back I called my MB service representative, described what happened and he said there is a recall coming up 5/21/2021 for that problem. I looked it up online and it is for 2015 C-Class forward. However, my 2014 MB AMG C63 coupe is the exact same model as the 2015 MB AMG C63 coupe. So I’m questioning why my vehicle is not included?

NHTSA ODI 11418105

THERE IS A GLASS ROOF PANEL BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. THIS GLASS PANEL IS EXTREMELY BRITTLE AND SHATTERS EASILY. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME HAVING TO REPLACE THIS GLASS PANEL. IT IS A DEALER ONLY PART AND COSTS $960 PLUS $300 FOR INSTALLATION. THE COST OF THIS GLASS PANEL IS EXTREMELY HIGH. BOTH TIMES THIS GLASS PANEL SHATTERED, NOTHING HIT IT. IT APPEARS AS SMALL CRACKS AT FIRST AND THEN SPREADS. BECAUSE IT IS SO BRITTLE, IT EVENTUALLY SHATTERS. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PART WITH OTHER MERCEDES MODELS BUT NOT THE C250 FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. PLEASE ASSIST.

NHTSA ODI 11319938

WHEN IT IS RAINING WATER COME FROM THE TOP OF THE CAR

NHTSA ODI 11310931

2014 MERCEDES C 250 1) SMELLS OF STRONG FUEL FUMES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE 2) STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS VEHICLES OR ACCELERATE SOMETIMES 3) RED PAINTING HAS CLEAR COAT FINISH PEELING 4) CAR SMELLS LIKE SPOILED MILK / MILDEW DURING SUMMER MONTHS WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS STARTING

NHTSA ODI 11170884

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND USED THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. MERCEDES-BENZ OF MARION (2604 WEST DEYOUNG STREET, MARION, ILLINOIS 62959, (618) 997-1313) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,500.

NHTSA ODI 11122223

DOOR HANDLE BREAKS FROM THE INSIDE, CAUSE IT TO BECOME COMPLETELY NON-FUNCTIONAL. PASSENGERS CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE INSIDE.

NHTSA ODI 11121963

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 9AM CST HEADED TO DFW AIRPORT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I JUST HEARD A LOUD BANG. I IMMEDIATELY FELT PRESSURE IN MY EARS AND IT NOW FELT LIKE THERE WAS A WINDOW OPEN. HAVING PULLED OUT TO A SAFE SPOT ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE SUNROOF GLASS IS WHAT HAD EXPLODED.

NHTSA ODI 11101470

INOP DRIVER DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE. DEFECT AFFECTS THE SAFETY INTEGRITY OF THE PRODUCT. TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR WARRANTY REPAIR 6 MONTHS AGO AND THEY STILL ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ODI 11058485

I WAS DRIVING ON GLADES ROAD, BOCA RATON, FL. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SAW SMOKE AND LOST MY POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO TOWN CENTER MALL, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE BOCA RATON POLICE CAME, #5 FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES OF DELRAY.

NHTSA ODI 11022435

STATIONARY VEHICLE'S DOOR LATCH STOPPED WORKING WHILE TRYING TO EXIT THE CAR. THE LATCH IS LOOSELY MOVING AROUND WITH NO CONNECTION TO THE DOOR LOCK WHATSOEVER.

NHTSA ODI 11015764