NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
54 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 4, 2022
Structure
As per an inspection by my mechanic, the rear sub frame of the vehicle has cracked due to rust corrosion and subsequent metal failure. I first noticed the issue when there was a thumping sound over bumps and the car started to swerve when applying brakes on the highway, quite a scary situation as I thought the brakes were faili…
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As per an inspection by my mechanic, the rear sub frame of the vehicle has cracked due to rust corrosion and subsequent metal failure. I first noticed the issue when there was a thumping sound over bumps and the car started to swerve when applying brakes on the highway, quite a scary situation as I thought the brakes were failing. The car has 78000 miles and has had all maintenance done. The is no other rust on or underneath the car. According to my research on Mercedes-Benz owner forums I discovered that it is a common issue and that, so far, Mercedes Benz has not issued a recall in the US. According to these forums Mercedes has issued recalls in other countries (although I have not confirmed this point). The estimated cost to replace the sub frame is $3000 including labor and there is an 8 to 10 week backlog for the part due to the number of failures occurring. In the meantime I cannot drive the vehicle as my mechanic has told me that the car is not safe to operate.
NHTSA ODI #11492253
97,000 miles · Oct 31, 2022
StructureSuspension
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to a dealer for maintenance repairs; he was provided an estimate for the repair of corrosion to the rear subframe of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure could lead to a potential braking system failure…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to a dealer for maintenance repairs; he was provided an estimate for the repair of corrosion to the rear subframe of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure could lead to a potential braking system failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #11491578
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2022
Structure
The rear subframe rusted and completely cracked. The car started to shake violently while I was on the highway. Fortunately I was in the right hand land and was able to slow down. I was driving in the car with my mother. My understanding from the mechanic is that we were lucky not to be killed or hurt anyone else. The frame is c…
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The rear subframe rusted and completely cracked. The car started to shake violently while I was on the highway. Fortunately I was in the right hand land and was able to slow down. I was driving in the car with my mother. My understanding from the mechanic is that we were lucky not to be killed or hurt anyone else. The frame is completely cracked. I called the local dealership and they said this is an extremely common problem. So common they have multiple vehicles on the lot waiting for parts, and the waitlist is indefinite. There were absolutely no warnings on the car.
NHTSA ODI #11491215
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2022
Structure
I have a 20212 Mercedes C300 with 70,000 miles. I took it into the MB dealership for inspection and was told that the rear subframe was rusted through. The subframe's failure also caused the brake lines to rust to the point of needing to be replaced. The subframe repair will cost $5,900 and the brake line replacement will cost a…
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I have a 20212 Mercedes C300 with 70,000 miles. I took it into the MB dealership for inspection and was told that the rear subframe was rusted through. The subframe's failure also caused the brake lines to rust to the point of needing to be replaced. The subframe repair will cost $5,900 and the brake line replacement will cost around $1,200. The dealer told me the car couldn't be driven safely, so I had to leave it there to be repaired. There were no interior warning alarms about the structure or the brakes. According to forums on Benzworld.org, this is a known problem on these specific cars and the component is replaced for free by MB in Europe.
NHTSA ODI #11491185
80,000 miles · Oct 18, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine maintenance check and she was informed by the dealer that there was a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not …
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine maintenance check and she was informed by the dealer that there was a hole in the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11489862
Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2022
StructureSuspension
Rear Subframe Cracking in Mercedes Benz 2012, C- Class, Sports. It can be life threatening for driver and passengers. Cost is $5700 for repairs. This replacement is free in Europe and Canada.
NHTSA ODI #11488998
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2022
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other
Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation
NHTSA ODI #11488700
125,000 miles · Oct 3, 2022
StructureSuspension
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while having an oil change performed on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, he was informed that the cross member was severely corroded. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer ha…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while having an oil change performed on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, he was informed that the cross member was severely corroded. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #11487590
65,500 miles · Sep 22, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced under an unknown recall however, the mechanic informed him that the rear subframe was severely rusted, creating holes in the subframe. The dealer diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been rep…
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The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced under an unknown recall however, the mechanic informed him that the rear subframe was severely rusted, creating holes in the subframe. The dealer diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,500.
NHTSA ODI #11485892
Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2022
Structure
- Right Rear Subframe; Yes, available for inspection. - My mechanic told me that driving the car more than 2 miles or at a high rate of speed was very dangerous. He told me there that if the car braked quickly or was driven at a high rate of speed that there was a very good chance of an accident. There is a risk of the right c…
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- Right Rear Subframe; Yes, available for inspection. - My mechanic told me that driving the car more than 2 miles or at a high rate of speed was very dangerous. He told me there that if the car braked quickly or was driven at a high rate of speed that there was a very good chance of an accident. There is a risk of the right control arm detaching from the frame; this could cause the car to be uncontrollable with the right rear wheel and control arm detaching from the vehicle. - Yes, the issue was confirmed by my mechanic, who works at an independent service center. - No. - There were no warning lamps or messages. I had begun to hear a loud clunking noise, usually when braking.
NHTSA ODI #11484148
Official recalls
6May 22, 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C250, C250 Coupe, C300, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. An incorrect replacement front passenger air bag may have been installed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect passenger air bag may not provide adequate protection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060011.
Jan 9, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Oct 6, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Mar 14, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Jan 10, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012 C300 4Matic, C250, C250 Coupe, C350, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK350, SLS AMG Cabrio, and SLS AMG Coupe vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2009 C300 4Matic, C300, C350 and C63 AMG vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above MBUSA is recalling certain 2008 C300 4Matic, C300, and C350 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification in March 2017. Second notices started going out in October 2018 and continue to be mailed as parts become available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691
Dec 3, 2012
Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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