NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
While driving on secondary road at 45 mph, braked for stoplight in 2012 Mercedes C300 4matic. Car veered left, rear swung right, and right front dove downward. Luckily regained control and prevented swerving into oncoming traffic. Took car to my regular mechanic and it was determined that the welds on the left rear portion of the rear subframe had rusted out from the inside of the subframe, severing the attachment to the left rear wheel control arms. The car had been inspected 6 months earlier and there was no sign of problem. The failure was catastrophic, not gradual. When the mechanic called the local Mercedes dealer, the service manager was not surprised and proceeded to outline what parts would be needed to carry out the repair. When I contacted the local Mercedes dealer, myself, they said this wasn’t an uncommon problem, but there was not recall or service bulletin on the problem. Was given a rough quote of $5000 to affect the repair. I also contacted Mercedes Benz USA and was told there were no recalls or service bulletins, but they might be able to provide some “Goodwill Assistance” to offset the expected cost if I had it towed to a MB dealer and got a quote from them. Benzworld.org, an owners forum with over 5 million participants world-wide https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w204-rear-subframes-deterioration.3048088/#post-17965564 has multiple postings about the problem as do other forums including CarProblemZoo.com https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/c300/suspension-problems.php . This design/manufacturer defect has had recalls in both Europe and Canada. Why this is not being addressed in the US? This sudden failure is potentially life-threatening.
This is a followup to a previous report. I now have photos and the actual part that was replaced. While driving on secondary road at 45 mph, braked for stoplight in 2012 Mercedes C300 4matic. Car veered left, rear swung right, and right front dove downward. Luckily regained control and prevented swerving into oncoming traffic. Took car to my regular mechanic and it was determined that the welds on the left rear portion of the rear subframe had rusted out from the inside of the subframe, severing the attachment to the left rear wheel control arms. The car had been inspected 6 months earlier and there was no sign of problem. The failure was catastrophic, not gradual. Upon removal, it was also noted that the right mounting bracket was also in the process of rusting through and failing. When the mechanic called the local Mercedes dealer, the service manager was not surprised and proceeded to outline what parts would be needed to carry out the repair. When I contacted the local Mercedes dealer, myself, they said this wasn’t an uncommon problem, but there was not recall or service bulletin on the problem. Was given a rough quote of $5000 to affect the repair. I also contacted Mercedes Benz USA and was told there were no recalls or service bulletins, but they might be able to provide some “Goodwill Assistance” to offset the expected cost if I had it towed to a MB dealer and got a quote from them. Benzworld.org, an owners forum with over 5 million participants world-wide https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w204-rear-subframes-deterioration.3048088/#post-17965564 has multiple postings about the problem as do other forums including CarProblemZoo.com https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/c300/suspension-problems.php . This design/manufacturer defect has had recalls in both Europe and Canada. Why this is not being addressed in the US? This sudden failure is potentially life-threatening.
2012 Mercedes Benz C300 4-Matic; Failure of rear subframe, significant crack of an important support member; very limited minor corrosion of the other parts of the frame, seems to be a manufacturing quality defect in a very specific part. Vehicle has been inspected by a highly qualified independent mechanic and by the closest manufacture's dealer in Massachusetts. Car cannot be driven because it is unsafe to do so. Both the dealer's service department and the independent repair shop have advised and confirmed this. Limited research online seems to indicate that this problem is well known by Mercedes Benz, and the manufacturer has issued recalls in other countries and has taken some responsibility for this defect. However, in the USA, Mercedes Benz has not issued a recall, to the best of my knowledge. It certainly seems that they should have done so. It is highly likely that many owners with this problem lack the knowledge or experience needed to report this problem to the appropriate authorities. I happen to have an above average knowledge regarding automobiles. I first became aware of this problem in Nov., 2021. The vehicle is available for inspection by your department if you deem appropriate.
When accelerating to pass a vehicle the check engine light comes on and there is loss power. When this happens there is a huge potential of a crash. The car has to be shut off to try and reset this. When you are on the frwy this puts life at danger. The code is a p002 and if you research it Mercedes is aware of this and is most likely a defective high pressure fuel pump problem that needs replacing but there have been no recalls. I have looked it up on you tube and has been on ongoing issue with no recalls as of yet. I am taking my car to dealer on 11/15/2021 for this issue which they will charge me for even though its a safety issue
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the variable valve timing solenoid had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through a voicemail message. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
While driving recently we noticed that the vehicle pulled to one side while braking, and very hard under quick stop tests. Vehicle handling felt extremely dangerous when performing a hard brake test. An inspection was performed, and the service center found a rotted out rear subframe, and cracking around the suspension mounting brackets. After researching this repair, we found this to be a common problem in this and similar model Mercedes-Benz (MB) vehicles of that vintage. I understand that a recall may have been issued in Canada regarding this issue, but not in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz and their service stations have acknowledged this issue is common but they have not taken action to rectify this serious problem, or to compensate owners for the repair costs, which range from $3500 to $6000 depending on where the vehicle is serviced. We are the first owners of this car. It is barely 10 years old, is regularly maintained, and thoroughly washed during the winter months to remove road salt. A well maintained vehicle should not deteriorate this rapidly from rust, especially a Mercedes-Benz. We feel that it is unacceptable for MB to remain unaccountable for this problem.
3 signal Signal light comes one saying abs, another SRS MALFUNCTION, also crushed control inoperable. Car will come one as normal next day car comes on no lights not 1 button work turn signals didn’t work then my car fan came on in the engines the also the when they the electric isn’t working i have to manually shift the gear
The rear drivers side had a loud chunking/clanking noise while driving and the vehicle was unable to control and break when in motion. Driving was impossible as the breaking component was a total failure and car could not be controlled while traveling down 45-50mph zone. I reduced my speed to 20-25 mph by letting off on the gas to get better control of the car if breaking would need to be suddenly made. I relied on the shoulder to pull off if any sudden breaking was needed. The car was immediately take to be reviewed by a specialized Mercedes benz mechanic and further inspection proved that the rear subframe on the driver’s (left) side was corroded and broken. The connecting arms are rusted, corroded and rendered the car inoperative. I notified my insurance company as well as car manufacturers corporate office. I researched this issue further and discovered that this reoccurring issue with this make and model. There are a pheletera of recounting of this same issue on various message boards to validate the same issues and callouts I found. The car was taken to the dealership that it was purchased and further inspection showed that the left side subframe/ subframe arms were corroded with rust and broken. The brake lines and fuel tank were equally rusted and corroded. The service manager confirmed that this is defect of the car but it had been part of a recall. I had the car towed for 2nd opinion to another dealership service department to access the car and this callout further validated the corrosion and rust was wide spread and has rendered the car inoperable unless these damages were fixed.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes -Benz C300. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, he was informed that corrosion had developed on the subframe. The dealer informed him that the subframe needed to be replaced to prevent a possible severe safety failure. The contact emailed the manufacturer about the failure and received a response informing him that they could not offer any assistance. The manufacturer referred him to the NHTSA for additional assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH, there was a rattling noise heard and the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted and had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was awaiting a call back from the case manager. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
I was driving my 2012 Mercedes C250 through an intersection on 08/09/2021 when I first heard clunking noises in the rear of my vehicle. Every time I placed my foot on the brakes after that it continued to clunk until I took it to the Mercedes dealership for repair on 08/17/2021. The car had about 57,000 miles on it and was only nine years old, but the dealership said that the entire rear subframe of the vehicle had rusted and was close to completely separating from other parts of the vehicle. This was the first time I heard of any rusting in my vehicle, despite having the 2 rear tires replaced and alignment by the same place on 10/02/2020 (less than one year before). The service rep acknowledged that the car was well-maintained and that this was not due to any accident. This rusting was due to a manufacturing defect and has caused accidents in other Mercedes vehicles (https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/c300/suspension-problems.php). It has resulted in recalls of rusted parts in both Europe (https://europe.autonews.com/article/19981026/ANE/810260839/mercedes-offers-guarantee-against-rust-for-30-years) and Canada (https://www.wheels.ca/news/mercedes-benz-recalling-vehicles-for-rust-problems/). Had I been travelling at a higher rate of speed when this piece failed, I could have been at risk of serious injury. This event occurred without any warning lamps or messages. The service for replacement and realignment was quoted at $4,358.71. Only after much argument did I receive a final bill of $3448.71. This was an unbelievable cost for replacing a part with a manufacturer defect. Mercedes headquarters tried to claim that the issue was due to exposure to snow and salt on the roads. This region rarely gets any snow. This lack of care for customer safety along with the fact that the dealership did not retain the part they removed from my vehicle after I had requested them to do so, left me realizing that Mercedes doesn't care about safety standards for their products.
Brakes failed to deploy, randomly, during recent trip; VERY DANGEROUS; pressed brakes, would NOT engage and car kept moving and would not stop; pushed car into P (Park) to stop moving; just completed a 225 mi trip from Chicago to Detroit Metro area traveling at speeds between 65-70 mph with no issue, all service on vehicle is and has been conducted via Mercedes authorized dealers, had vehicle in for service on morning of trip for overview and safety check prior to leaving and no known issues; after coming off freeway engaged brakes upon pulling into neighborhood and vehicle brakes failed completely-stopped engaging; NO NOTIFICATION; NO INDICATOR LIGHTS OR READ OUT OF ISSUES related to brakes was indicated on dashboard; had we been on the freeway at the time of incident coming off an exit ramp at high speed we would have suffered a grave result, brakes failed completely. THIS IS A DANGER and UNACCEPTABLE for this manufacturer; vehicle has been towed to dealership, is not drivable, and is currently being assessed. This has been widely reported on other sites, regarding this specific vehicle, Mercedes C250, my model year is 2012; I researched this issue, yesterday, to determine what could possibly have gone wrong as vehicle was not leaking fluids and NO indication of issues during recent diagnostics and safety check two days prior. Not having sufficient braking capability with NO warning or indication is DANGEROUS, a liability to manufacturer and should be investigated immediately. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift from the center in either direction without warning. After describing the symptoms to an independent mechanic, he was informed that the rear subframe might be corroded. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe had started to corrode which had caused the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that they are aware of the failure however, there was no recall regarding the issue. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer of the failure but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
2012 Mercedes C250 caught fire with no warning. Drove about 5 miles to the store and parked the car. A passerby said your car is on fire. Within minutes the entire front of the car was ablaze. The vehicle was towed to the city impound lot and has not been inspected by anyone.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who cleared the code. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,541.
1. The (RH) rear suspension forward link attach point on the rear Suspension Cross-Member (Mercedes-Benz P/N: 204-350-01-41), separated from the sub frame due to internal corrosion of the Suspension Cross-Member. Part available for inspection. 2. When part failed, the RH rear wheel alignment was no-longer fixed; some loss of vehicle steering control was experienced, especially during braking and also turning. 3. Numerous reports of similar episodes of this failure are reported in owners' and maintainers' forums. The dealer service department was familiar with this Suspension Cross-Member part failure. 5. This vehicle passed a Maryland State safety inspection performed by the seller of the vehicle 6 months and 5000 mi prior to the part failure. 6. Part failed with no warning, during normal driving on secondary roads.
WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS ON HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSSES POWER THIS IS DANGEROUS AT 70 PLUS MILES PER HOUR, ECM CODE READS P0002 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL REGULATOR FAILURE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON UNTIL CAR HAS BEEN SHUT OFF FOR LONGER THAN TEN MINUTES OR IF YOU HAVE A SCANNER YOU CAN ERASE CODE AND DRIVE THE CAR NORMAL, NO PASSING. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP LIGHT CAR HAS BUCKLE WITH IMMEDIATE POWER LOSS AND WILL ONLY CREAK UP IN LIMP MODE JUST ENOUGH TO GET YOU HOME. I AM A WELL SEASON MECHANIC WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED BY THIS WHICH IS A KNOWN ISSUE GOING BACK BEFORE 2012. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS AST WEEK AND TODAY.
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the rear subframe was severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A BURNING TYPE ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHILING INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT PLUGS HAD MELTED. ALSO, AFTER TURNING THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT HEATER ON A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT AND THE SEAT FELT EXTREMELY HOTTER THE NORMAL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ 2012 C300 ##
the rear subframe rotted away
REAR SUBFRAME (AS RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS) WAS COMPLETED CORRODED - FAILED VIRGINIA INSPECTION - IN SUCH POOR SHAPE THAT ENTIRE SUBFRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED - CORROSION RIDDLED THE PIECE SO THAT HUGE HOLES RESULTED IN NO POSSIBILITY OF WELDING TO FIX/SUPPLEMENT WEAKNESS - AUTO REPAIR PLACE HAD NOT SEEN SUCH A WEAK FRAME IN SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR. LUCKILY - NO ACCIDENT OCCURED BUT COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO CORROSION. NO OTHER PART OF VEHICLE WAS CORRODED - SO PART WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (NO CORROSION CONTROL?/SHIPMENT FROM GERMANY ISSUE?) - MERCEDES BENZ HAS RECALL FOR THIS PART IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS - PICTURES OF SUBFRAME AVAILABLE UPON DEMAND
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FUEL LEAK - FUEL STARTED TO LEAK FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK, INSIDE THE CAR FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLOSEST SHOP AVAILABLE WHEN HEAVY FUEL SMELLS WERE NOTICED INSIDE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. A LOCAL TIRE SHOP, HAMIL FIRESTONE, LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND IDENTIFIED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING DOWN THE FRAME TO THE ROAD. SOMEHOW GASOLINE WAS ACTUALLY LEAKING FROM INSIDE THE CAR. I CONTACTED MERCEDES CORP IMMEDIATELY AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO COLLECT THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE ISSUE IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR. MERCEDES SAID THAT DESPITE THE CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY, SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD GO TO "UPPER MGMT" FOR REVIEW AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY MERCCEDES. NOW THE VEHICHLE IS STILL AT THE LOCAL MERCEDES DEALERSHIP WHERE THE HAVE CONFIRMED AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND SEALS, AND THAT THE CAR IS DEFINETLY LESKING FUEL OUT ONTO THE ROAD.... BUT DESPITE A RECALL ON ALMOST EVERY OTHER 2012 MODEL CAR FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THEY ARE SAYING BECAUSE THIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT IT IS DOING THE SAME THING. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I EXPLAINED THAT I OR MY CHILDREN, OR EVEN ALL OF US COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR FIRE DUE TO THE ISSUE!!! MERCEDES DIRECT RESPONSE WAS, "THAT IS THE RISK OF DRIVING A VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY." UNACCEPTABLE!!!
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. STARTING WITH ME NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER FROM A START, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN ENOUGH POWER TO DRIVE AT A SAFE SPEED FROM THE START, AS IF THE VEHICLE LAGS & NO MATTER THE GASOLINE OR SERVICE, THE PROBLEM NEVER CORRECTS. WHEN I'M TRYING TO GAIN SPEED TO MAINTAIN WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC SAFELY THE VEHICLE LAGS NOTABLY BEFORE GAINING SPEED. I'M NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BC THE OIL COOLANT HOSE BURST WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED BUT THE ONLY NOTICE DISPLAYED ON THE DASH WAS THE ENGINE COOLANT WHEN IT WAS LOW. WHEN THE HOSE BURST WHILE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH I HEARD A POP SOUND UNDER THE HOOD, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST, THEN A CLANKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD THAT GOT LOUDER & LOUDER UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY, & THEN I NOTICED A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL ON THE GROUND THAT LEFT A TRAIL ALONG THE GROUND FROM MY VEHICLE. THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS MY VEHICLE LOST POWER DURING THAT INCIDENT. I'M TOLD BY THE MECHANIC, THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT A WARNING. THE MERCEDES BENZ IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE & RELIABLE LUXURY VEHICLE & NOT A NIGHTMARE TO HAVE FOR THE OWNER.
AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES THE PARKING BRAKE BEGAN STICKING AND WAS DIFFICULT TO RELEASE. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IT BEGAN HAPPENING AGAIN . I SPOKE TO THE MERCEDES USA AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE O PAY TO REPLACE IT. I BELIEVE THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE.
MY MERCEDES HAS A RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIR BAGS. I DO NOT LIVE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A MERCEDES DEALERSHIP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ORANGE PARK, FL WHICH IS AROUND 85 MILES AWAY. I HAVE, ALSO, SPOKEN TO MERCEDES CUSTOMER CARE. NEITHER WILL ASSIST IN HAVING MY CAR PICKED UP AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP OR ARE THEY OFFERING ANY ASSISTANCE IN REMOVING A BARRIER TO HAVE THE AIR BAG REPLACED. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT RECALL BUT HOW DO I COMPLY AND MITIGATE RISK OF INJURY IF MERCEDES IS NOT WILLING TO HELP CAR OWNERS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS? PLEASE ADVISE.
PLEASE ALLOW THIS TO SERVE AS A LIMITED NOTICE TO I) MERCEDES-BENZ AG, II) MBUSA AND III) DAIMLER AG OF A NEW TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR RUPTURE FOR TREAD COMPLIANCE PURPOSES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W,VIN#: ***************** (THE 'VEHICLE'). I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF REPRESENTING TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE SEVERELY INJURED ON 11/7/2020 WHEN THE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE IMPROPERLY RUPTURED DURING A CRASH EVENT DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME OF THE RUPTURE. DUE TO THE VIOLENT EXPLOSION OF THE INFLATOR MODULE, THE INFLATOR'S IGNITER CAPS AND HOUSING BLEW APART AND STRUCK THE PASSENGER, A YOUNG FEMALE, IN THE FACE AND HEAD WITH LETHAL VELOCITY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED IN PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE YOUNG FEMALE PASSENGER HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 WEEKS WITH SEVERE INJURIES AND MULTIPLE SURGICAL PROCEDURES. HER CURRENT INJURIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF VISION IN HER LEFT EYE, COGNITIVE TRAUMA, FACIAL PARALYSIS AND DIMINISHED HEARING CAPACITY IN BOTH EARS: AS SHOWN BELOW, THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG MODULE BLEW APART (AS WE HAVE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PASSENGER-SIDE TAKATA BAGS)'DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF AMMONIUM NITRATE PROPELLANT USED IN THIS MODEL FOR DEPLOYMENT. THE BELOW IMAGES SHOW PIECES OF THE INFLATOR MODULE POST-EXPLOSION, INCLUDING THE INFLATOR MESH, HOUSING AND IGNITER CAPS FROM STAGE 2 SEPARATION. ## VIN PASSED ## 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250W ##*DT*DT*JB *TR
The rear subframe rusted through causing mounting point of the torque link to fail. As a result, the car looses control when braking going sideways. Luckily, I discovered it when testing brakes after pad replacement in a safe setting. To my understanding, there are many other W204/W212 cars affected in the US with that issue. Mercedes so far does not want to take responsibility and recall cars for this issue which is a huge concern.
PARKED CAR IN STRIP MALL TO BUY LUNCH & TURNED OFF IGNITION.LOCKED CAR. RETURNED, OPEN D DOOR WITH KEYLESS ENTRY BUT CAR WOULD NOT START. TRIED WITH KEY. STILL WOULD NOT START. CALL AAA FOR JUMP. CAR WOULD NO START-DIDN'T NEED JUMP-BATTERY OK. KEY IN IGNITION BUT CAR WOULD NOT START. ALL BATTERIES WORKING IN KEY. HAD TO GET TOW TO TAKE CAR TO DEALERSHIP. MERCEDES SENT A TECHNICIAN TO GIVE ME A JUST, TOLD I DIDN'T NEED IT. TECH FOULS THAT OUT WHEN HE TRIES TO JUMP CAR. NOTHING HAPPENED BECAUSE CAN'T TURN ON IGNITION OR PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. HAD TO WAIT 4 HRS FOR A TOW WITH A BACK LIFT ( I PARKED FRONT END FIRST. REAR FACING PARKING LOT. (4 TOW TRUCKS DISPATCHED BUT WHEN THEY SPOKE TO ME I TOLD THEM, LIKE I TOLD THE PERSON WHO DISPATCHED THEM THAT MY CAR WAS PARKED WITH REAR FACING PARKING LOT.) STILL WAITING TO FIND OUT WHY CAR WOULD NOT START WITH KEY. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKING.
DRIVING LOW SPEED IN TOWN IN FAIR WEATHER AND HIT BRAKES, NOISE AND STRANGE "LOOSENESS" IN BACK END. HAD NEARBY SERVICE STATION INSPECT AND REAR SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT, SEARCHED AND FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF EXACT ISSUE. CONFIRMED W/ LOCAL MB DEALER KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY ARE SEEING ABOUT 1 MONTH NOW.
I purchased this 2012 C250 Mercedes from Carmax of Waldorf on 04/26/2017, with 20,046 miles on it. I informed Carmax the engine light was on and the car was rattling at start. I also reported the oil dipstick was broken. When the car was returned, the dipstick was replaced, coolant light off and engine light was off; however, the rattling at start up continued. I reported the problem to Carmax several months later and they pretty much denied fault and went as far to say the car is just cold and does that at startup. For further protection I signed with carshield as my wife drives the car. The car's rattling continued at startup and eventually became difficult to start. I took it to Mercedes of Arlington, Virginia and they stated the timing gear and chain needed replacing. carshield reported back to me that it was a preexisting problem and wouldn't fix it. Meanwhile, we were stuck with a car we were paying on with no one taking the blame. Following research, I found that this is a recurring problem with the 2012 C250 model but there is no recall. I eventually paid approximately $5000 for the engine to be repaired as the engine failed. The engine is currently rattling again; with the engine light coming on constantly. this seems to be a common problem, however, with to consequences and accountability.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ## VIN PASSED ## MERCEDES-BENZ C300 2012 ##
2012 C250 PURCHASED NEW FROM A DEALER. RATTLING ON STARTING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. SPOKE WITH MY MECHANIC AND IT IS DUE TO FAULTY CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS. REPAIR WILL COST $5000 PLUS AND INVOLVES REPLACING THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS, TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED 10 DAYS AGO WITH APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SEEMS TO BE A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT AN EXPENSE I CAN REALLY AFFORD ON REDUCED INCOME DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWN. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR AS THIS PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND I AM REGULARLY ON THE FREEWAY. DRIVING THIS CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE. I PURCHASED A MERCEDES THINKING THEIR REPUTATION FOR SAFETY, QUALITY AND ENGINEERING WOULD PRECLUDE SUCH ISSUES.
MY VEHICLE AND MANY OTHER MERCEDES BENZ MODELS SUFFER A FAILED ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH AND ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AMONGST MANY MODELS/YEARS OF MERCEDES BENZ VEHICLES AND ONLY A DEALER CAN REPAIR. THE COST OF REPAIR IS $1,900. THE CAUSES THE VEHICLES TO BE UNABLE TO START, AND VERY CLEARLY, A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
I WAS DRIVING A OF MAYBE TEN MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY . AS SOON AS I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY ; THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT .(MALFUNCTION). DAYS BEFORE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT A MERCEDES BENZ DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. AFTER THEIR RESEARCH I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE . THERE ARE COMPLAINTS AFTER COMPLAINTS LISTED ONLINE IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE, CAM SHAFT ADJUSTERS ETC. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CLEARLY NEEDS TO BE HANDLED . THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.
MY VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL LEFT WHEN BRAKING. HAD ALL BRAKES REPLACED AND PULLING CONITNUED. AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, FOUND OUT THAT THE REAR CROSSMEMBER / SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. WHEN BRAKING, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SHIFTS. YOU CAN SEE THE REAR CALIPER MOVE UP. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE SUBFRAME IS SO ROTTED THAT IT SHIFTS THE ARMS COMING OFF OF IT (EITHER TRAILING OR TORQUE ARM), CAUSING A DANGEROUS SHIFT IN THE BRAKE/WHEEL. CALLED MERCEDES CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND ALL THEY OFFERED WAS A SMALL DISCOUNT ON THE FULL REPAIR COST, WHICH OF COURSE IS ALREADY OVERPRICED. MY VEHICLE IS 8 YEARS OLD, GARAGE KEPT, ORIGINAL OWNERS, AND ONLY HAS ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. NOTHING ELSE ON THE CAR IS ROTTED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE BY THE MANUFACTURER. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2008-2015 MERCEDES VEHICLES.
P0002 FUEL VOLUME REGULATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE MERCEDES C250, IF I'M EXPERIENCING A LACK OF POWER WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND I'M GETTING A P0002 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THERE'S A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT I WILL NEED A NEW HPFP HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.
THE REAR SUBFRAME HAS CORRODED AROUND THE AREAS WHERE THE TRAILING ARM AND CONTROL ARM MEET THE SUBFRAME ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE, AND HAS DISINTEGRATED AROUND THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TRAILING ARM CAUSING IT TO HAVE DETACHED, ALONG WITH A PIECE OF THE SUBFRAME. THE METAL OF THE SUBFRAME IS DISTORTED AROUND THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THE DETACHED TRAILING ARM AND PIECE OF SUBFRAME ARE NOW MAKING CONTACT WITH THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE FUEL TANK COULD HAVE EASILY RUPTURED AND IGNITED WHEN THIS CAR WAS STILL IN OPERATION, AS THIS CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WHEN COMING TO A GENTLE STOP FROM 20-30 MILES PER HOUR ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. THERE WAS A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR. THIS CAR HAD 92,000 MILES AT TIME OF THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE AND HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED, EXCLUSIVELY AT MERCEDES-BENZ. MERCEDES-BENZ USA CUSTOMER SERVICE IS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THIS EXACT ISSUE HAS LED TO A RECALL OF THE SAME MODEL IN CANADA, AND THERE ARE COUNTLESS NHTSA REPORTS DESCRIBING SIMILAR STRUCTURAL FAILURES. MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND IS ALSO AWARE THAT THERE IS A RECALL IN CANADA, BUT HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT GOODWILL WILL NOT BE EXTENDED.
TIRE BRAND: SUMITOMO TIRE LINE: HTR A/S P02 TIRE SIZE: 225/40R18 92W COMPONENT: BUBBLE IN TREAD AREA, NOT SIDEWALL DOT NUMBER: LM6R2916 AND LM6R2416 TWO FRONT TIRES WERE PUCHASED NEW FROM AMAZON.COM IN MAY OF 2017 AND WERE IMMEDIATELY INSTALLED AND PUT INTO SEVICE. THERE WERE APPROXIAMATELY 30K MILES ON THE TIRES. THE FIRST FRONT TIRE FAILED IN JULY OF 2020 (LM6R2916) AND THE SECOND FRONT TIRE FAILED IN APRIL OF 2021 (LM6R2416). NO SPECIFIC EVENTS LED TO THE FAILURE OF EACH TIRE AND OCRRUED DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE FIRST TIRE STARTED MAKING A WEIRD WOBBLING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. INSPECTION REAVEALED ON LARGE BUBBLE ON THE INNER PORTION OF THE TREAD. THE SECOND TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER STRANGE NOISES AS IF A ROCK WAS STUCK IN THE TIRE. INSPECTION REVEALED A SMALL BUBBLE FORMING ON THE INNER TREAD. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. A WARRANTY CLAIMED WAS ATTEMPTED WITH SUMITOMO. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR A WARRANTY AND TOLD ME THE VENDOR WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE WARRANTY CLAIM. AMAZON.COM REFUNDED THE PURCHASE PRICE.
IN A MERCEDES BENZ C250 2012-2014 THERE HAS BEEN MANY REPORTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES WHERE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS+TIMING CHAIN COMPONENTS FAIL/BREAK. THIS IS A HIGHLY RISK AND SAFETY MATTER THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY MERCEDES BENZ AS RECALL. BEING NEWER MODEL CARS, THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS SHOULD NOT FAIL. NOT EVEN AT 100K MILES. SOME OF THESE MODELS HAS HAD THEIR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS+ TIMING CHAIN FAIL AT 46K MILES. WHY IS MERCEDES NOT OWNING UP TO THESE FACTORY FAULTS? WHY ARE NEW MODELS THAT ARE NOT EVEN 10 YEARS OLD HAVE THIS KIND OF ISSUE? THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE MAJOR ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD. CAUSE YOU GO AT HIGHWAY/FREEWAY SPEED 60 MPH AND YOUR TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, YOU CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH OTHER CARS, AND INJURE YOUR OWN SELF AND PASSENGERS. CAN YOU IMAGINE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BABIES AND DRIVE THESE VEHICLES. WHY IS A HUGECOMPANY LIKE MERCEDES NOT OWNING UP TO THESE DEFECTS? INSTEAD THEY WANT TO CHARGE $4,000-$8,000 TO GET THIS REPAIR DONE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE WARRANTY THEY STILL HESITATE ON GETTING THIS REPAIR DONE. I JUST WANT TO BE HEARD BECAUSE BEING ONE OF THE MANY REPORTS WITH THIS ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES, IT'S CONCERNING TO SEE MANY OF THESE VEHICLES STILL OUT ON THE ROAD. WHEN THESE PARTS HAVE ARE FAILING, YOU WILL GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT READS "P034062" CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR BANK 1 ELECTRICAL FAILURE" AFTER GETTING DIAGNOSED BY MANY SHOPS, AND EVEN MERCEDES BENZ DEALER ALL THE TEST SAY THE WIRING AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS OK. CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS ARE FAILING WILL NEED REPLACING + TIMING CHAIN & TENSIONER. BUT WHY ON SUCH A NEWER CAR? IT SHOULD RUN ABOUT 200K MILES UNTIL IT NEEDS A NEW TIMING CHAIN. CARS BEING SERVICED AT CORRECT INTERVAL & BEING WELL MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A ISSUE. ENGINE WHEN START UP WILL RATTLE. IT WILL SOUND LIKE ENGINE IS FALLING APART. PLUS CAR WILL RUN REALLY ROUGH.
the back sub frame rotted away from rust
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V017000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SALT LAKE CITY (575 S STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER NUMEROUS OF TIMES.*JB
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF RALEIGH (5607 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 573-5050) AND MERCEDES-BENZ OF DURHAM (110 KENTINGTON DR, DURHAM, NC 27713, (919) 794-7077) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, THE OBC CODE WAS P0340 CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER. MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACE UNTIL AROUND 250.000 MILES. OTHER OWNER'S OF 2012 C-250 HAVE EXPERIENCE THE CAME ISSUES. MERCEDES BENZ SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF POSSIBLE DEFECTED PARTS.
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER ALL OIL CHANGES WERE DONE PERFECTLY WITH THE CORRECT OIL AND ORIGINAL FILTER.
ESL SUDDEN FAILURE, APPARENTLY THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR YEARS NOW WITH NO ACTION TO RECALL OR ADDRESS THE DESIGN OF THIS PART. CAR IS IMMOBILIZED AND MUST BE TOWED, BUT ONLY TO DEALER WHO MUST PROGRAM THE PART BUT NOT SELL IT TO CUSTOMER OR OTHER SERVICE CENTER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
COLD ENGINE VEHICLE JERKING I TOOK IT TO MERCEDES OF FORT MYERS FL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AND I TOOK IT TO SO MANY OTHER PLACES AND STILL CAN'T FIND IT I'M JUST WONDERING IF IT COULD BE A RECALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ON A 4 LANE BOULEVARD CLOSE TO HOME I PULLED OUT TO PASS A SLOW CAR AND NOTICED A CAR COMING UP FROM BEHIND AT A HIGH RATE. I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING THEN LOST ALL POWER. THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS WERE ON. I ROLLED TO A STOP, AS FAR OFF THE ROAD AS I COULD. AFTER A FEW SECONDS I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE HOME. SIMILAR INCIDENTS CAN BE FOUND ON YOU TUBE BUT NOT FOR A C300. THE ONES I FOUND WERE FOR A C240 MERCEDES. THEY SAY THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO THE COMPUTER SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT CAN'T PROPERLY BALANCE THE FUEL TO AIR RATIOS. THIS SEEMS LOGICAL BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HAD TO ACCELERATE LIKE THIS BEFORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN PULLING OUT INTO FAST TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. NOW I 'M AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHEN. ALL I CAN DO IS TRY NOT TO PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR TOO FAR. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS IN THE CAR'S COMPUTER MEMORY SO HE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I'M SUSPICIOUS OF THAT BECAUSE IF THEY ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM THEN THEY WOULD BE EXPECTED TO FIX IT. I THINK THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND UPON QUICK ACCELERATION THE CAR MISFIRES AND BEGINS TO SHAKE. ALSO HAVING WATER COME THROUGH TOP FRAME WHEN IT RAINS
AIRBAGS NOT REPLACED!