2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaint Log

Brought in vehicle for problem when braking, car would pull to one side. Repair shop said rear sub assembly was rusted and they were aware of others like my vehicle with the same problem. Looked up some Mercedes Benz forums online and discovered many of the same problems with the C300 model (2008 and newer) my vehicle is a 2009 Mercedes C300 4Matic. I do live in Minnesota

Steering lock malfunction and unable to start car. Vehicle has completely shut down.

rear subframe rotted away and car wouldnt move

Glass sunroof While driving, heard a loud bang/pop, glass sunroof began to shatter, and fall onto me, creating a unsafe conditions. Pulled over immediately and closed plastic sunshade to prevent entire glass window from collapsing on top of me. Particles of glass and finite glass dust covered interior, and my person. Reported to local police dept, took photographs, and awaiting to contact dealership, insurance co as this occurred on a holiday weekend. No previous defects observed car is pristine. No roadway defects, or other environmental factors as causation.

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving and activating the turn signals, the taillights were inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop, the brake lights were significantly dimmed except for the third brake light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V177000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

I think I’m a victim of odometer fraud

electrical ignition switch and electronic steering lock the component malfunctioned with no symptoms. i got stranded for 5 hours past midnight car has been inspected by a shop and Mb dealer no warning lights and no symptoms

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as she disengaged the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted and had fractured into two pieces on both sides of the vehicle, and the lower control arms were hitting the gas tank. The check engine warning light and TPMS warning light were illuminated at the time of the diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side rear tire inverted into the wheel well due to excessive corrosion. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he confirmed the failure and informed him that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR FELT UN-STABLE/UN-SAFE. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT THOSE SPEEDS CAR FELT EVEN MORE UN-STABLE/UN-SAFE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP AND FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM BROKEN OFF. 2 WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM IS ALSO BROKEN OFF. IT APPEARS THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE REAR SUBFRAME. RESEARCHING THIS ON WWW.MBWORLD.ORG THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.

passenger right rear subframe broke and full of rust

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she became aware that the vehicle was leaking fuel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AT A LITTLE OVER 50 MPH, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADREST NECK RESTRAINT SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. I FELT LIKE I WAS PUNCHED IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I DROVE IT TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS COMMON AND THAT EVEN DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS CAUSES THE HEADREST NECK RESTRAINTS TO DEPLOY. I DIDN'T DRIVE OVER RAILROAD TRACKS OR EVEN A POTHOLE SO IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS ABLE TO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT IT TO SEE THAT MOST OF THE INSIDE IS PLASTIC. I THINK MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THE INCIDENT HURT ME AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS.

REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY RUSTING, CREATING SAFETY ISSUE. DISCOVERED 04-22=2021

MY VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY GIVES ME WARNING/ALERT MESSAGES OF HEADLIGHT/SIGNAL/PARKING LAMP ISSUES. UPON INSPECTION AND TAKEN TO CERTIFIED, RELIABLE MERCEDES REPAIR SHOPS, LIGHTS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONING, YET ALERTS CONTINUE ON MY DISPLAY/DASH. MORE IMPORTANTLY THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (ESL) HAS FAILED ON MORE THAN ONCE COSTING VERY CONSIDRABLE AMOUNTS OF REPAIR BILLS, AND IT HAS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING, I PARKED THE CAR WHICH HAS BEEN PERFECTLY MAINTAINED AND WITH LOW MILEAGE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN HAVE IT TOWED TO BE REPAIRED.

IM THE OWNER OF A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC SPORT, WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2019. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 128,000 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND AFTER HEARING SOME CLUNKING NOISES, ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING, THEY DISCOVERED RUST, CORROSION, AND CRACKING TO THE REAR SUBFRAME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF MERCEDES. THERE ARE MANY OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $2500 TO REPAIR AT LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A KNOWN AND COMON PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BECOME A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WITH SO MANY KNOWN CASES AND OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, MB SHOULD RESOLVE THIS DEFECT AND PLACE IT UNDER RECALL. MANY OWNERS MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I’VE BEEN ADVISED TO REQUEST A GOODWILL REPAIR, SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. MB SHOULD BE FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. I’M CONTACTING NHTSA TO FILE AN OFFICIAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT THE RECALL PROCESS IS STARTED AND AN ORDER IS PLACED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL.

REAR SUB FRAME CRACKED - CAUSING VEHICLE SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED.

THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS THE CAR DOES NOT START AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD DOES NOT COME ON, IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS UNTIL IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE, IT WONT START AT ALL HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO MERCEDES

I BOUGHT MY CAR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, WITH 95K MILES, AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A FEW MONTHS I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A NOISE AT THE REAR PART, AND A LOSS OF BALANCE DURING THE ACCELERATION. AFTER DIAGNOSING IT WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC, HE TOLD ME THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDS TO BE CHANGED AS IT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED, AND DRIVING MY CAR IN THIS CONDITION CAN PUT ME IN DANGER.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME BRACKET WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND INSPECTED WHICH THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. MERCEDES-BENZ OF EASTON (4300 MORSE XING, COLUMBUS, OH 43219, (888) 530-5742) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2009 ##

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that she had experienced several electrical failures with the vehicle including the power seat and power windows, the parking brake, the exterior lighting, and the air bag warning lights. The contact also stated that the vehicle would lose motive power and stall while driving at various speeds with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked that failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V168000 (Exterior Lighting, Electronic Stability Control, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON BOTH SIDES AND BROKE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT A YEAR AGO. NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE WAS 55,000 MILES ON THE CAR AT THE TIME. ALSO, I HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE SAME W204 CAR SERIES 120,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. VIN [XXX]. LAST WEEK THE REAR SUBFRAME BROKE ON THAT CAR WHILE DRIVING. CAME VERY CLOSE TO HAVING SERIOUS WRECK ON I77. MERCEDES REPLACED AND PAID FOR THE FIRST VEHICLES SUBFRAME. I PAID FOR THE LABOR. THEY ARE GIVING ME 30% OFF THE REPAIR OF THE ONE NOW IN THE DEALERS SHOP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A MERCEDES SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND THAT MERCEDES KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SUBFRAME ON THIS MODEL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE WEB AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF SOMEONE HAS DIED FROM THIS PART FAILURE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FOR A RECALL. IT WILL SAVE SOME LIVES. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

Rear subframe rusted through near connection with control arm. This left the rear wheel connected to the rest of the car only through an axle and sway bar. This is a very common issue on these vehicles, and was remedied through the replacement of the subframe.

I'M THE OWNER OF A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC SPORT, WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2012 FROM A MERCEDES DEALER. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 60,400 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND AFTER HEARING SOME CLUNKING NOISES, ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKING OR TURNING, THEY DISCOVERED RUST, CORROSION, AND CRACKING TO THE REAR SUBFRAME. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF MERCEDES. THERE ARE MANY OTHER OWNERS POSTING COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $3-4K TO REPAIR. THE LOCAL MB DEALER REVEALED THEY ARE ACTUALLY REPAIRING A CAR WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM, AS WE SPEAK. ANOTHER CALL TO MB FOR PART PRICING INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON, KNOWN PROBLEM. THE CAR DOES NOT PASS INSPECTION AND HAS BECOME A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WITH SO MANY KNOWN CASES AND OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, MB SHOULD RESOLVE THIS DEFECT AND PLACE IT UNDER RECALL. MANY OWNERS MAY NOT EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DRIVING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS, AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I'VE BEEN ADVISED TO REQUEST A GOODWILL REPAIR, SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY MB THAT I NEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR ESTIMATE AT MY LOCAL MB DEALER ($179) BEFORE I CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH THE REQUEST FOR THE GOODWILL REPAIR. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE RECEIVED DENIALS TO THEIR REQUESTS, WHICH IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. MB SHOULD BE FOUND AT FAULT FOR THIS DEFECT AND KEEP THE SAFETY OF THEIR CONSUMERS AS THEIR TOP PRIORITY. IT WILL LIKELY TAKE A WEEK OR TWO BEFORE I RECEIVE A DETERMINATION FOR MY GOODWILL REQUEST, BUT I'M CONTACTING NHTSA TO FILE AN OFFICIAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT THE RECALL PROCESS IS STARTED AND AN ORDER IS PLACED TO THE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL.

CAR WAS PARKED BY SIDE WALK NEXT TO MY HOUSE. INSERTED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURNED IT. THE CAR DID NOT START, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. NO LIGHTS FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED ON TRUCK BED SINCE IT'S REAR-WHEEL DRIVE. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER. COST $1500 TO FIX. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. NOT FAIR.

MY EIS/ESL WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. IT'S A COMMON ISSUE FOR MERCEDES AND IT PLAGUES EVERY MERCEDES. IT'S A SAFETY HARZARD AND HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. MERCEDES ALSO CHARGES $1500 OUT OF WARRANTY TO GET IT FIXED WHEN IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.

Rear Sub-frame corrosion required a complete replacement of component to pass PA Inspection - car had about 63,000 miles and has been garage kept (and barely driven in Winter) since I purchased it as a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealer (6 months old with less than 6,000 miles on it). MB Mechanics state that they are seeing this a lot with these cars, replacement sub-frame design is modified to prevent corrosion and I personally think this should be a recall safety issue as the corrosion was classified by the dealership as "Aggressive" and can cause control arms to detach (yikes !). I contacted Mercedes-Benz corporate to see if they would provide some cost assistance, they agreed to pay $1000 towards the cost of the replacement, still leaving me with a bill of $2500. I have a 20 year old Ford Taurus that lives outside and is driven all year round that doesn't have a corroded subframe - why can't Mercedes make one that doesn't fall apart ?

I am 80 years old, and disabled. Gave this car to my son, (age 53). Within a month, he experienced a potential LIFE THREATENING incident with the car. While driving, the car became very unstable and steering was almost impossible. The car was towed to A-1 Auto Repair in Pitman, New Jersey for analysis. This establishment has an excellent reputation for Mercedes-Benz repairs. Upon extensive review the shop advised "customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven"The Invoice states " ...During road test vehicle is unstable and steering and braking are out of specification and feels very unstable to operate. Checked vehicle suspension and undercarriage to diagnose rear subframe rusted off body mounts. and is hanging off left rear of body and subframe. Needs extensive repairs to undercarriage and subframe needs replacing with new body mounts.Advised customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven! ... There was no warning of this problem. The car has been garaged since purchased. Car regularly maintained by dealership. No mention ever made of RUSTING ! Mercedes states not there problem since warranty has expired.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO NOT BE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF MARIETTA (810 COBB PARKWAY, MARIETTA GA 30060, (770) 783-5171) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 140,000.

MY REAR SUB FRAME IS BROKEN DUE TO RUST ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300. IT WAS CAUSING MAJOR WIGGLE WHILE BREAKING AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROTORS. THE CAR HAS 98,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN STORED DRY IN MY GARAGE. UPON LOOKING ONLINE, IT APPEARS THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH NUMBERS MERCEDES C CLASSES UPON 90,000 - 100,000 MILES. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE ROTORS, THEY WERE SURPRISED IT DIDN'T COMPLETELY BREAK AND CAUSE A WRECK. THEY ARE HAVING ME TOW IT TO A BODY SHOP.

MY REAR SUBFRAME IS DROPPED MY AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON MY SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE BECAUSE OF MY SUSPENSION MY REAR SUBFRAME HAD DROPPED AND MY LIGHT WARNING FOR MY LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON

BOUGHT C300 2009 4 MATIC SEP. 2017 USED FROM A DEALER. CARFAX INDICATES GETTING SCHEDULED SERVICE FROM DEALER AND IT DOES NOT SHOW PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT HAS NOW 90K MILEAGE. LATELY, I STARTED HEARING SOME NOISE AT THE BACK WHENEVER I HIT A SMALL BUMP, SO I DECIDED TO BRING IT TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER AND HAVE IT CHECKED LAST JULY 21, 2020. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME IS BROKEN BECAUSE OF RUST. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS $6,000. THEY ALSO SAID FRONT END LINKS TORN AND LEAKING, BOTH FRONT AXLES BOOTS TORN AND LEAKING, CENTRIFUGE AND VACUUM PUMP O-RING LEAKING OIL, TRASNFER CASE LEAKING OIL. THE COST OF REPAIR IS AN ADDITIONAL $4,000. I COMPLAINED TO THE THE TECHNICIAN THAT I JUST HAD A SCHEDULED SERVICE ON IT LAST YEAR, HOW COME IT HAS THIS SERIES OF PROBLEMS NOW. TECHNICIAN ADVISED ME TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SEE IF THEY CAN GOODWILL THE REPAIR COST. AFTER A SERIES OF EMAIL AND TEL. EXCHANGES WITH C.S., I FINALLY GOT THE RESULT TODAY AUG. 7, 2020 FROM THE C.S MANAGER AND SAID NO DISCOUNT OR GOODWILL ON THE REPAIR. THEY CAN ONLY GIVE A DISCOUNT OF $1,000 IF I BUY A NEW ONE FROM THEM OR $500 IF I BUY A CPO. IS THIS THEIR TACTIC ON SELLING THEIR CARS IN THE INVENTORY? THIS CAR IS SO EXPENSIVE THAT THEY BRAG THEMSELVES TO HAVE A VERY DURABLE CAR BUT YET, HAS THIS KIND OF ISSUES. I FOUND OUT LATELY THAT A LOT OF MERCEDES -BENZ OWNER HAS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. MERCEDES-BENZ DID NOT DO THEIR JOB TO AVOID THIS KIND OF ISSUE OCCURING, SO I FOUND THEM TO BE AT FAULT ON THIS AND MAKING THE CONSUMERS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THEIR CARS. CONSUMERS ARE GOING TO BE ALWAYS ON THE LOOSING END NO MATTER HOW CAREFUL WE ARE ON DRIVING AND MAINTAINING THE CAR, IF THIS KIND OF CAR AND SERVICE IS WHAT WE'RE GETTING FROM MERCEDES-BENZ. I'M APPEALING TO YOU TO HELP ME MAKE MERCEDES-BENZ SHOULDER THE COST OF REPAIR. I CAN'T DRIVE IT NOW BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUE. THANK YOU.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

MY CAR EVERY SO OFTEN WON?T START BATTERY IS GOOD STARTER IS GOOD JUST DOES NOTHING HAPPENED OVER 10X HAD IT TOWED TO 5 MECHANICS SHOPS AND MERCEDES CAN?T DIAGNOSE PROBLEM BECAUSE AFTER A DAY MAYBE TWO SOMETIMES 4 OR 5 THE CAR WILL JUST START UP ON ITS OWN AND THEN A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS WE GO THROUGH IT ALL OVER AGAIN RESEARCHED AND OTHER MERCEDES C300 DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM FOR MONTHS AND ITS THE STEERING LOCK MODULE. *TR

EIS STEERING LOCK BATTERY FAIL. $12 BATTERY DIES AND EIS STAYS IN LOCK POSITION KEY DOESN'T RESPOND TO IGNITION SWITCH OR CAR UNLOCKING DOORS.

TURNED IGNITION KEY TO START VEHICLE. NOTHING HAPPENED. NO CRANKING OR CLICKING. COMPLETE SILENCE. STEERING WHEEL AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WERE BOTH LOCKED INTO POSITION AND COULD NOT BE MOVED EVEN THOUGH IGNITION WAS IN THE 'ON' POSITION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH A DEFECT IN THE 'ELECTRICAL IGNITION SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK (EIS/ESL)' AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS CONDITION OCCURRED ON ONE PREVIOUS OCCASION WITHIN THE LAST 45 DAYS. ON BOTH OCCASIONS VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY HOWEVER IF IT WERE OCCUR WHILE MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED AND WIDELY KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT FOR WHICH THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF CORRECTING (AT THE CURRENT TIME VEHICLE OWNERS ARE CHARGED BETWEEN $1200-$1700 TO PERFORM THE DEFECT CORRECTION OUTLINED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN). *TR

PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN AFTER BEING INSPECTED. IT SAID TO BE A INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM I'LL HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BECAUSE IT WILL NOT TURN ON IT IS SHUT DOWN .

ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300, THE VEHICLE PULLED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE REPAIR SHOP I USE CHECKED THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND FOUND NO ISSUES. THEY THEN DISCOVERED A REAR SUB-FRAME ISSUE. THE ENTIRE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED OUT ON MY 2009 MERCEDES C300.THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 79K MILES ON IT, DID NOT GOT OUT IN BAD WEATHER AND WAS GARAGED. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER AND THEY SHOWED NO INTEREST IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM UNDER ANY TYPE OF DEFECT RESOLUTION ISSUE. THE REPAIR SHOP I USE ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME FROM MERCEDES, WHICH NOW HAS A DIFFERENT DESIGN WHICH I ASSUME IS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON THE ORIGINAL SUB-FRAME. WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP BEGAN TO REMOVE THE DEFECTIVE SUB-FRAME, A PART OF THE SUB-FRAME TORE AND BROKE APART DUE TO THE ROTTED METAL. HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN IN MOTION WHEN THE METAL TORE APART I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE CHECKED VARIOUS MERCEDES OWNER FORUM BOARDS AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH IS MODEL YEAR. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL BUT CAN NOT ATTACH A COPY DUE TO THE FILE SIZE.

THE REAR SUB FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND DEALER SAID IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER SERVICED VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. VERY SURPRISED SUB FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS IS NOT A RECALL. MY WIFE AND GRANDKIDS ARE THE MAIN USERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THANK GOD IT WAS IN FOR ITS MAINTENANCE WHEN ISSUE WAS FOUND AND NOT TRAVELING 65 MILES PER HOUR DOWN THE TURNPIKE. ONLY 10 YEARS OLD AND THEY WANT $3700 TO REPLACE RUSTED SUB FRAME!

HEAD REST BOTH ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER FRONT SEATS IMPLODED WITHOUT WARNING, WITHOUT INCIDENT. I WAS NOT STRUCK BY A VEHICLE AND I DID NOT BACK INTO ANY OBJECT.

STEERING WHEEL STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. CAR WILL NOT START. LOTS OF RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE HAS SHOWN MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS ISSUES HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY. MANY TIMES AT NIGHT WHEN I AM GETTING OFF WORK.

"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN I WAS DRIVING AFTER A OIL CHANGE, I HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE HIT MY CAR. I WAS SCARED AND SHAKY SO I PULLED OVER COULD SEE ANYTHING BUT I HEARD A TICKING NOISE. THEN I REALIZED THE HEAD REST MINI AIR BAG BLEW UP AND THE WIRING INSIDE THE HEAD REST WAS BURNING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I COULD HAVE GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAD TO PULL OVER RIGHT WHERE ALL THE TRAFFIC WAS BECAUSE MY HANDS WERE SHAKING AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE BURNING SMELL. I HAD MY HAZARDS ON AND PEOPLE WENT AROUND ME. THEN ALL KINDS OF ALERTS WENT OFF ON MY CAR. I ONLY HAD IT FOR A YEAR AND A HALF IT SHOULDN'T DO THAT. SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG AND THIS IS DANGEROUS WHILE SOMEONE IS DRIVING. MY TIRES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE MUFFLER IS MAKING NOISES NOW TOO WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR. IT'S TREATED WELL I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT NOW. I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT. IT'S WAS FOR ME FAIRLY NEW AND STILL GOOD, DO I THOUGHT. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED AND NEED SOME ANSWERS. I WAS TOLD THAT MAYBE IT'S THE EPS CONTROL UNIT BUT HAVEN'T WENT TO MERCEDES DEALER YET BECAUSE I'M DISCOURAGED ABOUT THIS CAR AND I HAVEN'T BEEN FEELING GOOD.

SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING FAILURE OF REAR SUBFRAME. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2009 C300 4MATIC SPORT. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT ITS ENTIRE LIFE AND IS NOT IN A HIGH SALT OR SNOW ENVIRONMENT. MY WIFE WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR DUE TO THE REAR SUBFRAME RUSTING THROUGH AND SEPARATING. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND PAID A PREMIUM FOR MERCEDES QUALITY BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE SAFEST VEHICLE MADE. I AM EXTREMELY DISMAYED TO LEARN THAT WHEN MY WIFE CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS DRIVING WEIRD, THAT IN FACT SHE WAS DRIVING A CAR THAT WAS FALLING APART WITH MY 7 YR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE BACK AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE ALIGNMENT SHOP THE MANAGER THERE INFORMED HER THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS TYPE OF FAILURE OF THE FRAME BEFORE. MY WIFE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS CERTAINLY SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR USE OF POOR MATERIALS AND MERCEDES SHOULD COVER THE REPAIRS

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? One day my car did not crank or start. Had it towed to dealer and they seemed to be familiar with everything they needed to order to fix it without blinking. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? As much as not being able to drive your car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, See attached invoice Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000(AIR BAGS). AFTER HE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTHLAKE (10725 NORTHLAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269, 704-321-4833) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED FOR THE AIR BAG INDICATORS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A FAULTY CHILD WEIGHT OCCUPANCY SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

MY C300 STRANDED ME IN DEMING, NM. WE HAD LEFT EL PASO HEADING HOME TO PHOENIX. QUICK BIO BREAK IN DEMENT, AND THAT'S WHERE MY C300 WOULDN'T START. THE SHOP IN DEMING SAID THAT THE CAR WOULD NEED TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER IN EL PASO. TURNED OUT MY STEERING COLUMN CONTROL LOCK MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED THE PART AND TWO DAY AND $1,400 LATER I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK TO PHOENIX. BETWEEN TOWING, LODGING IN DEMING AND EL PASO, MEALS, ETC I WAS OUT OVER 2K. THIS IS SO I CAN START MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL MB DEALER MY SERVICE ADVISOR SAID HE SEES ONE OR TWO A MONTH WITH THIS PROBLEM. I PICKED UP THE CAR IN 2012 WITH 50K MILES. THIS ISSUE CAME 70K TROUBLE FREE MILES LATER. AMAZED THAT ONE LITTLE PART COULD STRAND ME WITH NO WARNING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION OR THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL LOCK FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HOY FAMILY AUTO (1122 AIRWAY BLVD, EL PASO, TX 79925, (915) 706-2200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,169. *PM CONSUMER STATED OIL CHANGE WAS DONE 1,000 MILES PRIOR TO FAILURE.*JB

REAR SUB-FRAME CORROSION ISSUE. STARTING HEARING CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM REAR RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO NOTICED THE CAR SEEMED TO PULL OR TWIST TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING. I INSPECTED THE BRAKES, ALL 4 DISC BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKES LOOKED FINE, NOTICED SUB-FRAME RUST THROUGH. THIS LEVEL OF CORROSION ON A KEY STRUCTURAL COMPONENT IS DANGEROUS. IT SEEMED OBVIOUS TO ME THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THE CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION NO OTHER CORROSION ISSUES, AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND KEEP IN A HEATED GARAGE SINCE WE PURCHASED IT 6 YRS AGO. WE TOOK IT TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP, HAD THEM CONFIRM THE ISSUE, AND REGISTERED A REQUEST TO MERCEDES CORPORATE TO HELP FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY DENIED THAT REQUEST. THE LOCAL SERVICE DEPT. INDICATED HOW DANGEROUS THIS ISSUE IS AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE COST TO FIX THIS =$2600.

BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM ORIGINAL OWNER- NEVER SEEN A MASS WINTER -THE CAR'S REAR END IS SWAYING AND MAKING CLUNKING NOISE- JUST BROUGHT THE CAR INTO A MECHANIC - THE REAR SUB FRAME IS BROKEN IN TWO PARTS- ONE IS NEAR THE GAS TANK- VEHICLE NOT SAVE TO DRIVE- CAR HAS 80.000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2015 WITH 52,000 MILES ON IT- THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFE CAR - PLENTY OF AIRBAGS WITH PELVIC AIR BAGS ESPECIALLY- MY GF WAS IN A VERY BAD CAR ACCIDENT AND HAD A BROKEN PELVIS WHICH IS THE MAIN REASON SHE BOUGHT THIS CAR- SHE STILL HAS A YEAR LEFT OF MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT.

'TAKATA RECALL ' DRIVE MY 2009 C300 TO STORE EVERYTHING WORKED PERFECTLY . CAME OUT OF STORE CAR DEAD , NOTHING . MERCEDES TECH JUMPED CAR (NOTHING) CHECKED ALL FUSES THEY ARE GREAT . LONG SHORT EIS NEEDS REPLACING . I HAVE READ BLOG AFTER BLOG ABOUT THIS VERY SAME ISSUE YET NO RECALL . I AM A FIFTY YO WOMAN STRANDED OUTSIDE PUBLIX BY MYSELF . EXTREMELY DANGEROUS !!! COST TO REPAIR 1200 . SERIOUSLY??