What 433 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-benz C-class Phev

I was driving my car was sputtering or trying to shut off while I press the gas and I let go of the gas and it catches and stayed on. I took it to the dealership and they said they found nothing wrong. May 3rd around 12pm im driving on the freeway and as im getting on the express lane going 60 it dies and I couldn't move the steering wheel and I slammed into a guardrail. After doing research my car (vin [XXX] ) had multiple recals from the fuel pump and steering wheel and the dealership never fixed or checked any recalls before selling it to me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11736219

Component/System Failure: The rear subframe on my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 failed due to severe corrosion/rusting. The subframe is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure created a serious and immediate safety hazard. While driving at highway speeds, the structural integrity of the vehicle was compromised, I had to break and lost control of the vehicle and almost causing a crash. This also posed a danger to other drivers on the road. The condition was severe enough that I believe I narrowly avoided a major accident. Confirmation of Problem: The issue has been confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz dealership service department, who identified the subframe as rusted and structurally compromised. Inspection by Other Parties: The vehicle has been inspected by a Mercedes-Benz dealership. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer directly, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: There were no clear warning lights or dashboard messages indicating this issue prior to the failure. The problem appears to have progressed without visible warning until it became severe. Additional Context / History: Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged subframe corrosion defects in certain vehicles from approximately 2010–2020, but my specific vehicle was not included in the extended warranty coverage. This is the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle I have owned (previously a 2012 model) that has experienced the same subframe failure. I was previously told that this issue had been resolved in newer models, which influenced my decision to purchase this vehicle. Additionally, this vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz, which implies it passed a detailed inspection process. Despite this, a major structural component failed. A warranty claim was submitted but denied on the basis of “rust,” even though this appears consistent with a known factory defect.

NHTSA ODI 11734527

rusted rear subframe. unsafe braking and suspension due to this. damage code 35441 47 shows 2008-2015 vins but my vin does not show active recall, yet has the issue

NHTSA ODI 11734426

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly veered to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable, and the contact was unable to straighten the steering wheel. The brake pedal was also depressed. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle started to stall. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and was able to restart the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678756

Power steering malfunction Car unable to drive I believe there is supposed to be a recall for this issue but not popping up when I put in VIN number Warning lamps come up. Sometimes every light on dashboard. Took it to Mercedes but it was when code was not popping up and they said I needed a new battery. Did that but still an issue. Has also happened when driving. Sometimes collision assist plus light comes on and power steering acts up. Light I am pointing at in picture is another light that consistently pops up I have been able to intermittently fix problem by resetting computer by unplugging battery for 15min or longer. As well as confirming full service on vehicle. Now it isn’t working though.

NHTSA ODI 11660262

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the front suspension of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack locknuts, observing that the steering rack had become loosened. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659503

My car is a 2015 Mercedes Benz, I bought it at the agency in 2022. When I tested the vehicle at the agency, I noticed the steering was a little hard. I asked the sales person and he told me it was normal. Then, after 1 year and 5 months, it was on its way. I went to work and the steering wheel jammed and it wouldn't cross and the car turned off then it didn't want to start and it said the following on the dashboard power stering see operator manual

NHTSA ODI 11583449

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V850000 (Steering) and the contact was referred to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554301

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to pull over safely on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that steering column was experiencing an electric failure, and that the rack and pinon needed to be replaced, and the steering module needed to be reprogramed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not under any recall. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11519273

Failed component: power steering. Mercedes Benz of Princeton did the replacement, but we're not sure if they kept the part. Safety issue: On June 14, 2022, the vehicle’s power steering failed in the middle of a drive (see attachment for the error message). This was a major risk since the car was stuck in the middle of the road, with the steering wheel requiring tremendous force to turn. Luckily, we were a few 100 feet away from home, so we just left it. Next morning the car turns on fine and there are no issues with the steering. One week later, on June 19, 2022, the issue resurfaced. This time we were driving 35mph in a public street with traffic behind us. We were barely able to pull the car over to the side of the road. We took the car to Mercedes Benz of Princeton where they diagnosed the issue and quoted $4551 to replace the entire steering rack. We also contacted MB USA to understand why our vehicle wasn't recalled as part of NHTSA Recall ID #15V-845. After dragging their feet for a full month (where no updates were provided), they denied the claim. On July 22, 2022, we ended up paying the full cost of repair and lost the use of the vehicle for a full month.

NHTSA ODI 11484758

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the power steering malfunction message appeared on the instrument panel. As the contact attempted to exit the highway, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V845000 (Steering). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11476885

Power steering malfunctioned while driving. Received error on dash. The steering wheel was very difficult to turn. Issue was resolved after turning the car off for 5mins and restarting. However it is unclear whether the issue would fester again. This is the first time this issue occurred between 2017-2022.

NHTSA ODI 11446430

THE C300 4MATIC SPECIFICALLY SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE SOMETHING NEAR THE FRONT END SQUEAKS AND MAKES ALL TYPES OF NOISES

NHTSA ODI 11405111

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ABOUT STEERING HARDER WHEN ON LOWER SPEED, EVERY OIL LEVEL LOOKS TO BE PERFECT.

NHTSA ODI 11384549

WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 C250 COUPE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARD AS I WAS TRYING TO AVERT STOPPED HEAVY TRAFFIC. WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS, THE STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN AND ENTIRE VEHICLE LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL ENTIRELY. AS A RESULT, MY VEHICLE SLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND. BECAUSE BOTH THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING, I WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE.

NHTSA ODI 11353979

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ C300W. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISLA VERDE DEALER (LLC, AVE. BALDORIOTY DE CASTRO KM 10.3, CAROLINA, PR 00979, PUERTO RICO) FOR A RECALL FOR THE RACK AND PINION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES, AND ON THE THIRD SPIN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL WITH THE VEHICLE FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE PLUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ABNORMALLY TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE PARAMETER OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11339568

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WITH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CV JOINT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11310605

GAS SMELL COMING FROM CABIN EVERY TIME I PUT HEAT ON ,COME TO FIND OUT DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THERE WAS A LEAK ON GAS HOSE AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY I HAVE, ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR DIDN'T DRIVE MY CAR IN FEAR WILL EXPLODE PLUS IM A SMOKER SO I COULD OF HAVE BLOWN UP, PLUS BATTERY THEY SAID WAS WEAK NEEDS TO B REPLACE ,AGAIN I BARELY DRIVE AND ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR A YEAR CPO EVERYTHING SHOULD OF BEEN NEW AND RUNNING PERFECT

NHTSA ODI 11301299

AREA UNDER STEERING COLUMN IS EXPOSED REVEALING ELECTRICAL WIRING WHICH APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE OR SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TOLD THAT'S THE WAY VEHICLE WAS MADE, NO PART OR OPTION TO COVER EXPOSED AREA. IT IS UNSAFE BECAUSE AS I AM DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CITY STREETS, ETC., MY KNEES TOUCH THE AREA AND MAY JARR SOMETHING LOSE.

NHTSA ODI 11230581

MERCEDES BENZ WONT HONOR THE RECALLS. VEHICLE WAS IMPORTED (NOT BY ME) FROM CANADA. MERCEDES BENZ CONSIDERS THIS VEHICLE TO BE "GRAY MARKET VEHICLE" AND WONT SERVICE THE VEHICLE FOR RECALLS. THERE ARE UP TO EIGHT (8) SAFETY RECALLS AND THEY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. I HAVE CONTACTED THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, WHO REFERRED ME TO THE NEW MOTOR VEHICLE BOARD WHO REFERRED ME TO THE NHTSA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER,

NHTSA ODI 11161816

LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. EXTREMELY UNSAFE. ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED FRONTAL LEFT MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED. VEHICLE INOPERABLE. STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI 11150790

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE POWER STEERING ABILITY CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 10967679

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,500.

NHTSA ODI 10958381

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD NOT YET DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V598000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA ODI 10787204

I SAT IN THE CAR, HAD NOT STARTED IT YET, AND A "POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION, SEE OPERATORS MANUAL" WARNING IN RED WAS ON DASHBOARD SCREEN, AND ANOTHER SMALLER RED INDICATOR LIGHT OF A STEERING WHEEL WAS ON IN THE SPEEDOMETER AREA. STARTED THE CAR AND THE WARNINGS REMAINED. SHUT IT OFF AND IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AND THE WARNINGS REMAINED. STARTING DRIVING THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WAS INDEED OUT. I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY TRYING TO STEER, ESPECIALLY UNDER 5MPH. DROVE ABOUT A MILE AND THEN PARKED AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. CAME BACK ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE WARNINGS WERE GONE AND STEERING WAS BACK TO NORMAL.

NHTSA ODI 10760375