What 302 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-benz E-class Cabrio

Brake line failure , i have a 2014 E350 that the rear brake lines failed , all rusted and corroded , mercedes should extend the warranty on brake lines as they did with the subframe , this is a major safty concern , when you buy a mercedes you expect you are buying a top of the line car not all plastic .

NHTSA ODI 11583965

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed, causing a stopping distance delay. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear metal brake tubes were corroded, which caused brake fluid to leak. The mechanic replaced the rear brake tubes. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580602

Rear brake lines are rusting out prematurely caused by a defective rear sub frame

NHTSA ODI 11567635

RE: VIN# [XXX] I am the owner of the above referenced vehicle, a 2014 E350 4matic sedan, showing 98,000 miles on the odometer. On Friday [XXX] I was alerted by Mercedes Benz of Portsmouth, NH that the rear brake line on my vehicle had ruptured. I asked if I could see the failure, and they were happy to show me. I was dismayed at what I saw and took photos which I have included here. The extensive amount of corrosion was shocking. I also own a 2003 chevy plow truck that was driven on salt covered roads that did not require brake line repair for 18 years. I would not expect brake hardline failure at 9 years for a Mercedes product. Disappointed that my car was not able to be driven, I asked for a price for the repair. It was explained to me that Mercedes could not repair just the area of the failure, but instead had to replace the entire line. I understood this as the line was impaired in other areas as well, and posed a safety issue. The quote for the repair was $3,500.00 dollars. The quote represented approximately one third of the vehicle's value, I opted to have it towed and repaired the failed sections myself. (photos of cutout failed sections enclosed here). The car is now drivable, however the remainder of the hardline is still very corroded in other areas of the vehicle. Because of this I would respectfully ask that Mercedes Benz please correct this ongoing safety issue at their cost. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11566552

Was driving the car with my family close to home and the brake light came on. I drove home and noticed break fluid under the car. I took the car to Leober Mercedes in Skokie Il where I purchased the car and where I sometimes had it serviced. They told me my rear brake lining was corroded and it would be close to $4k to repair. I had it repaired but new that had to be a product defect since that just doesn’t happen as part of normal wear and tear and especially not to a car that has 57773 miles and hasn’t been flooded and that was regularly serviced. I’ve also found out that others have had the same issue with their Mercedes.

NHTSA ODI 11563888

Driving on a highway approximately 65 MPH. Had to break fairly hard due to unexpected traffic. When breaking, my car fishtailed and I thought I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me. I immediately took my car to my independent, Mercedes-certified repair shop. My mechanic informed me that it was a problem with the rear subframe. I then took it to Mercedes for an inspection. They confirmed that the rear subframe was rusted and needs immediate repair. I was told not to drive the vehicle as it is extremely unsafe. Mercedes is aware of this problem. There was a class action lawsuit filed in February of 2023. Mercedes supposedly informed owners of the potential problem, but I was never notified. I only became aware of this dangerous subframe problem as a result of this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11563509

- On 12/28/2023, Car developed a brake fluid in the rear near the differential after sitting, unused, for 3 weeks. - Car is available for inspection. - Brake system operates with diminished capacity. - An appointment has been scheduled with an independant repair center. - The brake warning light illuminated and a brake fluid warning message appears when the vehicle is started.

NHTSA ODI 11562532

The subframe corroded causing an unsafe potentially hazardous condition. Also the brake line was were corroded causing imminent brake failure. The rear springs rusted from the corrosion subframe defect..Mercedes required 2800 dollars from me to remedy the problem

NHTSA ODI 11557823

The parking brake frequently gets stuck and will not release when prompted even while driving the vehicle. Usually takes several attempts before the parking brake will release and disengage. The vehicle cannot be driven with the parking brake engaged.

NHTSA ODI 11553212

Rear brake hard lines are corroded and leaking. Loss of rear brakes and fluid while driving. Rear subframe corrosion is being addressed by recall/warranty extension but this coverage has not been extended to the premature failure of brake lines. The rest of the car is not rusted or corroded, only rear brake lines and recalled rear subframe are rusted and corroded. Attached photos show the condition of brake lines and additional photo shows the rest of the car in a rust free condition.

NHTSA ODI 11544219

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the brake lines were extremely rusted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: DP20004. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515448

While driving down the road at 60mph, I hit the brakes to slow down. I heard a pop and thunk from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it was some boxes in the back of my car and forgot about it. I then brought my car into the dealer for an engine computer update and during the inspection they found that the passenger rear control arm mount broke away from the sub frame and that the rear brake lines were heavily rusted. They quoted a new rear subframe and brake lines. If I was on the freeway and this happened or I had to take evasive maneuvers I most likely would have crashed. The mechanic told me the weld broke where the control arm mounts to the subframe. He inspected the rest of the vehicle and everything looks good. On a less than 9 year old vehicle the subframe should not have rusted enough to break. Especially on a safety issue like the suspension and brakes. Mercedes should have done a better job with their welds and with their rust proofing especially on safety components.

NHTSA ODI 11502210

I brought my car into Mercedes on 9/13/2022 and was told my brake lines and subframe were rusting. It's a 2014 with only 80k miles on it. I was told I had a year before it needed to be replaced/addressed. I brought the car in again on December 12, 2022 and they said on a scale of 1-10 the subframes and brake lines were a 7 and were a safety issue. After doing some research, I am clearly not the only owner of this model dealing with this issue. This is safety issue and should be recalled. Subframes and brake lines should not rust so quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11501601

The car lost the brakes as I was driving. This was very sudden and there was no prior sensor indication. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake line broke and leaked the brake fluid as I was driving, causing the car to loose braking ability. Inspection of the brake line also showed severe rust in multiple parts of the brake line.

NHTSA ODI 11495576

Parking brake pedal assembly failed. Yes it's available for inspection. My home is on a hill, a functioning parking brake is required to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Personal mechanic identified issue and replaced part. There were no warning lights or lamps indicating an issue.

NHTSA ODI 11495654

Brake line to rear completely rusted through. Lost brake control while driving. Upon further inspection, the entire rear subframe has significant rust damage that warrants replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11495481

This issue is pertaining to a 2014 E350 Mercedes Benz. The brake system is in jeopardy. The subframe has rotted and cracked. Mercedes Benz is aware that this is a problem for many of their vehicles. While the right side of the subframe is rusted and beginning to crack, the left side of the subframe is totally rusted and busted out. The vehicle is routinely brought to the Mercedes Benz dealership for maintenance visits. It was making cracking sound in 2021, we brought it in to be serviced for that reason on 11/23/21. This issue was not noted at that time. Mercedes Benz indicated the solution was a lube. The issue persisted post visit. The car is infrequently driven because the primary driver teleworks. We returned the car to the dealership for an assessment 8/6/2022 due to ongoing concerns for our safety. The first indicator that there was a problem was the unfamiliar cracking sound as if the car could snap in half, then hard pulling to the left when braking. There was never a warning light or any other indicator on the dashboard or otherwise. The owners initiated the visit to the Mercedes Benz dealership. Mercedes Benz reported that they did not see the rust when they assessed the car for the cracking sound in 11/2021, furthermore that the rust and deterioration happens rapidly. Had the right side of the subframe also rusted and rotted out, this could have resulted in a total loss of control over the vehicle and been needlessly catastrophic. Warning indicators necessary and routine free inspection are warranted. Repairs for the subframe alone will cost more than $4000. This is a hardship. Further, it's unclear if the malfunctioning rear left caliper resulted from the rotted subframe. The vehicle appears to be in otherwise pristine condition. Mercedes Benz has never indicated there were any issues with the vehicle's subframe despite routine class service visits at the dealership. An internet search confirms this issue is not uncommon and possibly negligible.

NHTSA ODI 11483603

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The brakes were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the brake lines were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The contact has stated that the brakes lines were replaced at the owner's expense. The contact believes that the state that they live in as well as Mercedes which is held responsible for the erosion of the brake lines.

NHTSA ODI 11478337

Vehicle is 9 years old, with 73000 miles. Dealer Service has advised that the rear subframe and brake lines are rusting and need to be replaced as a safety issue. Cost quoted was $8800. Mercedes agreed to pick up the cost of the parts and the dealer offered to split the installation cost, bringing my total down to $3150. On-line research reveals this is a common problem across several product lines and has been an issue for 20+ years. Failure at this point could lead to uncontrolled movement of the the rear suspension structure, the rear suspension members, wheels, and electronic sensors in the ABS causing loss of control and brake failure.

NHTSA ODI 11475442

Informed by local Mercedes dealer that the vehicle has severe rear brake line corrosion at 55K miles. Stated that the vehicle could suffer loss of braking power if the line(s) ruptured. This is unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage. According to internet searches this is a widespread problem on 2014 models and earlier. Estimated cost to repair is $3600.

NHTSA ODI 11474854

Brake booster starting to squel and squeak. Brakes Not feeling as firm Driver seat leather was torn at stitching.

NHTSA ODI 11468098

brake line failed the hard line. lost my brakes . Mercedez Ralley Motors of Roslyn N.Y said that it was normal rust . there was no warning before the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11445243

DISTRONIC WAS IN USE, AND FAILED. ABS LOCKE UP, CAUSING ME TO SKID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11197308

IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION ON A WET ROAD, THE CAN BUS FAILED, DISABLING ALL OR NEARLY ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS. AT THE TIME, NUMEROUS WARNING MESSAGES AND LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE DASH FOR SRS, ABS, SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, ETC. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF USING THE START-STOP BUTTON, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. ACCORDING THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER, A REAR BLIND SPOT RADAR SENSOR IS CORRODED, AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE CAN BUS. THIS EXACT FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE, DOCUMENTED HERE: HTTPS://WWW.BENZWORLD.ORG/FORUMS/W212-E-CLASS/2911098-LANE-ASSIST-RADAR-SENSOR-FAILURE-CAUSES.HTML IT APPEARS THAT WHILE CORRODED RADAR SENSORS ARE FAIRLY COMMON, WATER FROM THE ROAD CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE THE SENSOR TO SHORT THE ENTIRE CAN BUS. I CAN PROVIDE THE EXTENDED PRINTOUT OF STORED CAN FAILURE MESSAGES IF NECESSARY.

NHTSA ODI 11140621

08/13/2018 WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME TODAY STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED FOR LIKE 1-2 MINUTES AND I LOST CONTROL.. THEN ALL THE INSTRUMENT WARNING LIGHTING STARTED TO FLASH CONTINUALLY THE TEMP GAUGE AND RPM WAS IN MOTION. SRS AND ALL PRE SAFE FUNCTIONS MALFUNCTIONED I CAN SEND AN VIDEO OF THIS IF THERE IS A WAY TO UPLOAD. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHAT IF I LOST CONTROL ON A HIGHWAY, EVEN FOR A SPLIT SECONDS. WHY I BOUGHT A MERCEDES I THOUGHT ITS A SAFER CAR WELL THAT'S HOW THEY ADVERTISE IT THE BEST OR NOTHING. BUT THAT COUPLE OF MINUTES WAS SCARY AND SHOCKING FOR ME

NHTSA ODI 11119760