NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
An inspection of my vehicle on August 6, 2026 disclosed that the rear subframe has corrosion, including perforation. It is my understanding that this problem has been identified in mine and many other Mercedes-Benz models, and that Mercedes-Benz has offered an extended warranty to replace the subframe in certain of these models, but my model for the year it was manufactured was not included. I was not made aware of this potential problem by Mercedes-Benz, and they are not offering an extended warranty to resolve this serious safety issue.
Vehicle rear subframe has rusted through, causing vehicle to swerve upon braking, making the car unsafe to drive for the occupant, other vehicles on the road, and pedestrians. Mercedes dealer has advised that subframe has rusted through, requires replacement. The car will be brought to the dealer for repair (at owner's expense) by Friday, 8/28/2026. We can request that the dealer provide us with the subframe - please advise. The vehicle provided no warning indications.
Sunroof Glass failure vin:55SWF4KB1FU039607 2015 Mercedes C300 2PM July 16 2026, Tampa highway near college park east coordinates28.06840 N.82.35292W TEMPERATURE 91F
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle fishtailed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was raised on a lift, and the mechanic discovered that the rear subframe was severely corroded. The mechanic determined that the failure was associated with Manufacturer Communication Number: MC-10232321 (Structure); and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed, and it was discovered that the rear subframe had separated. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair and was informed that goodwill assistance would not be provided. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer was unreachable. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Rear subframe rust has deemed the car unsafe to drive. Hitting a pot hole at high speed or any sudden stop could cause the subframe to collapse causing loss of control of car. Car is available for inspection upon request. Car was taken in for regular oil change and multi-point inspection when rust was noticed by mechanic at the dealership. Car is located in East TN not the snow belt. There have been recalls on similar models for the year prior, but this vin is not part of the recall and has same issue, although the number 204 which is part of the recall is stamped on the part. (Pic attached below.)
My 2015 C300 W205 failed at its state inspection today due to a rusted through rear subframe. I understand that the W204 warranty on this was extended to 20 years/unlimited miles but the W205 was not. I have contacted Mercedes customer care for a potential goodwill repair since this seems to be a known issue with class actions pending. This should not be failing and it’s unclear why Mercedes did not include all models with the same design in its extended warranty. The costs could be up to $7k.
Car was pulling to one side. Replaced the front routers and breaks. Problem still persisted. After more investigating the subframe was found to be rusting out, Mercedes of New London CT said it was unsafe to drive. But allowed my daughter to drive it home. This car was purchased it brand new from Mercedes=Benz of Warwick. The car was garaged all it life. This should not happen. They have had recalls and problems with this model just not this one. My concern is the safety of those driving this model clearly the problem was not solved. Please make Mercedes notify people driving this model, that there is a known subframe corrosion issue.
The car would seem to shift when stopping , when tires were removed the rear subframe had rusted out completely, this is a major safety issue and could cause loss of control of the vehicle. The failure is the same as what the w204s experienced but they’re being fixed at the cost of Mercedes
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)
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
Mercedes issued a recall for Mercedes C class for the model year up to 2015 for rear subframe that is rusting with holes in it. The dealer tells me my car is not covered by Mercedes even though it is a 2015 model. They gave me an estimate for the repair of over $5000. They say the model changed mid 2015 and mine is a model that is not covered. This could cause a serious crash at high speed. I am not sure why that repair is not covered for my 2015 model & I would like Mercedes to honor the repair.
The rear of the car would begin to slip during turns and when brakes were applied. When I had the issue checked out, my mechanic said that the rear subframe has severe corrosion, rust and holes. The subframe perforation is causing instability in the rear wheels, which is a safety issue. I took the car to Mercedes for an inspection and they confirmed the holes in the sub frame,with the inspector stating that the sub frame is "about to fall off". I believe this to be a safety issue as having the wheels or subframe fall off could cause fatalities. This appears to be a manufacturing defect given recalls for the same issue in other models of the 2015 c300. See video of the inspection of my car here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the exterior of the vehicle and became aware that the moon roof panel had detached, and the moon roof panel flew off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure) in 2021. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 62,612.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the panoramic roof failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the panoramic roof guide rails had failed. The contact was informed that the panoramic roof guide rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the mileage and age of the vehicle had exceeded the limitation. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The R&R rear subframe is showing premature corrosion that can cause structural failure. This can lead to rear suspension detachment, erratic driving behavior, and severe safety risks. This problem has been confirmed by the Mercedes Benz dealer. This has been inspected by the Mercedes Benz dealership. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior me finding out it was failing. I had a multi inspection performed on my car due to another issues and the MB service dept found it during that time. Which means if I had never had the multi inspection done due to another issue I was having with the car, I would not have known.
Rear subframe has rust and holes. Dealer is saying not covered under warranty and asking for 8000
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes C300. The contact stated that the driver's side rear brakes and rotors were rusted. The contact stated that when the brakes were applied, they were slow to respond. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a braking center, which declined the warranty for the aftermarket parts. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN
The rear subframe completely rusted out on both sides causing the car to swerve very dangerously to the left when braking. The subframe was diagnosed by the dealer. There was a " collision prevention assist inoperative" warning a week prior the the car noticeably swerving when braking
Fuel pressure pump hose on top of the engine leaks gasoline this is a serious safety concern the hot engine can catch fire easily, I noticed due intoxicating vapors in cabin while driving because car takes air from q side of the engine to the cabin. The car only has 28k miles on it.
During a mandatory Virginia State Safety Inspection, the vehicle failed due to severe structural corrosion and perforation of the rear subframe. Because these components notoriously corrode from the inside out, the fact that the rust is externally visible and structurally failing indicates an advanced, catastrophic material breakdown.The rear subframe serves as the foundational load-bearing anchor for the rear suspension and control arms. This level of structural rot poses an immediate, severe safety hazard. Had the failure occurred while driving at highway speeds rather than being caught during an inspection, the suspension mounts could have catastrophically detached, causing a sudden loss of vehicle control, unpredictable fishtailing, and an imminent crash risk. There are absolutely no dashboard warning lights, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), or driving indicators to alert the driver of this structural degradation. The defect remains entirely hidden until the metal physically fractures or the vehicle fails a professional inspection. Furthermore, because neighboring states (such as Maryland) do not mandate annual safety inspections, this severe structural failure will go entirely unnoticed by thousands of drivers until a catastrophic on-road failure occurs. Mercedes-Benz has already explicitly acknowledged this exact engineering and material defect in the preceding W204 generation (C-Class models up to 2015), subsequently issuing a 20-year, unlimited-mileage extended warranty for rear subframe corrosion. However, Mercedes-Benz has arbitrarily excluded my 2015 W205 C-Class model from this coverage, despite the vehicle employing a highly similar subframe design that suffers from the exact same moisture-trapping and premature rotting failure mechanism. This represents an unaddressed, systemic manufacturing defect that poses an immediate risk to public safety. I’ve included two photos showing holes in the subframe from rusting inside out.
Exhaust camshaft pulse wheel shifted on camshaft. Replacement of camshaft, positioner, oil control valve, timing chain and chain tension was recommended.
After strong fuel odor in interior of car, inspected the engine and discovered fuel in the top of the engine this is a serious safety concern due possible car fire. The leak appear to be due failure of a top engine gasoline hose due low quality. The car barely has 30k miles .
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the body of the vehicle shifted to one side. The vehicle was drivable after the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. An independent mechanic was contacted, and it was determined that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was not available.
When buying this car from Auto Shoppers, they was an airbag light on but dealership said it was a sensor from auto detail on car or recall. Got diagnostic from Mercedes Benz, findings was there was no air bag in place on drivers side. Dealership did not tell us there was no air bag and only was a sensory/recall and are refusing to fix it.
I am reporting a structural failure of the rear subframe due to corrosion on my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC. The failure was diagnosed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, who confirmed that the rear subframe has corroded and broken, compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle. This is not cosmetic rust. The subframe is a load-bearing structural component, and its failure creates a serious safety risk, including potential loss of vehicle control. I have been advised that the vehicle may be unsafe to operate in its current condition. The vehicle has approximately 143,000 miles and has been registered and operated in Connecticut, a salt-use state. However, this level of corrosion leading to structural failure of a major suspension component is premature and not consistent with normal wear and tear, even in such environments. I contacted Mercedes-Benz USA and escalated the matter to an Executive Referral Manager. Mercedes-Benz acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but declined to provide any repair assistance, stating that my vehicle falls outside of warranty extension and goodwill parameters. Mercedes-Benz did not dispute the nature of the failure or its safety implications, but refused to address the issue based solely on internal policy criteria such as age and mileage. A rear subframe supports critical suspension components. Corrosion leading to structural breakage can result in instability, misalignment, or failure of suspension components while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This issue appears to be consistent with known reports of rear subframe corrosion in similar Mercedes-Benz vehicles, raising concern about a broader safety defect. The failure was identified during inspection, and repair costs are estimated at approximately 5,000–6,000. I am submitting this complaint due to the safety risk posed by structural failure and the manufacturer’s refusal to address the issue.
Strong gas odor coming from vent when heat and AC is on. Odor was causing dizziness and had to drive with window open or vent off. When opening the hood gas odor was also present. Brought to the mechanic and found fuel lines leaking. Went online and found out this is a very coming problem. I had to spend $657. to repair. Mechanic stated Mercedes issued a service bulletin but not a recall.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The low-pressure fuel feed line (Part No. 274-070-35-00) and its associated clamps connected to the high-pressure fuel pump. Availability: State: The defective hose is currently on the vehicle and is available for inspection. If the repair proceeds, I request the dealership to retain the failed part for my inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure resulted in raw fuel leaking directly into the engine compartment. This creates an immediate and severe fire hazard, as gasoline is being released near high-temperature engine components. Furthermore, the strong odor of gasoline entered the cabin through the HVAC vents, exposing passengers to toxic fuel vapors while the vehicle was in operation. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed? Yes. The defect was confirmed by Mercedes-Benz of Orange Park (Dealer Code: 64111). The technician performed a 'cold start' inspection and verified fuel leaking from the low-pressure line to the high-pressure pump. > Note: My service advisor's admitted: Yes sir we will do the hose. 4. Has it been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or others? Answer: The vehicle has been inspected and the failure documented by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership technician. It has not yet been inspected by insurance or police as no fire has occurred yet; however, the dealership has identified the part as defective. 5. Were there any warning lamps or other symptoms prior to failure? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The primary symptom was a pungent smell of raw gasoline inside and outside the vehicle, specifically during cold starts. These symptoms first appeared recently [January 3rd, 2026] and became persistent as ambient temperatures dropped.
I took my car for service and they found a rusted rear subframe, with a small hole in it. I was informed that the car was not safe for my annual trip from NJ to FL (about 1000 miles). I was also told that this defect was a recall for cars through 2014. My car is a 2015 and I have the same defective part - which is supposed to be manufactured with rustproof material. I am requesting that this car be recalled and the part replaced by the manufacturer.
I have been informed by my dealer's service unit that the rear subframe of my car (2015 Mercedes C class) is rusted with holes. My understanding is that this can affect the integrity of the structure and cause problems while driving. According to your website [XXX] ) , this should be covered under a warranty extension. However, Mercedes says that my car is not, and to fill out this form if I believe it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Purchased this car in September 2024 for our [XXX] son. Upon inspection at our local Mercedes Dealership on December 1, 2025, we were informed that the rear subframe should be immediately replaced as there is a rusted hole in the subframe, "compromising the structural integrity of the rear of the vehicle." We were informed that the prior bulletin issued for 2010-2014 C-Class models did not include our 2015 C-Class. We were quoted over $5200 to repair the subframe. There were no warning messages, lights problems that were noted, prior to inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My wife first noticed loud noise from the back of the car when braking. Subsequently, when I drove it one day after, the car lost balance and nearly went into the opposite direction of the road on a two-lane street. The MB dealership later confirmed the problem was a severely corroded rear subframe that needs to be repaired at very significant expense. This is a serious safety issue that could have caused a head-on collision for me and my wife as a passenger on that occasion. I believe this issue warrants a full investigation by the NHTSA. I understand other Mercedes models such as the 2008-2015 C300 (W204) had the same corrosion issue and was under a recall but my car model (W205) was not covered by this recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car’s rear subframe was so badly disintegrated due to severe corrosion. It made the driving so dangerous when braking and nearly caused an head-on collision. I have reported this issue under tracking number 11701609 and would like to provide pictures on the corrosion issue.
Fuel hose system leaking. Inhalation of gas fumes caused headaches and nausea. Risk of vehicle fire. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by a Mercedes dealer. This is a known issue with Mercedes C300 2015 models and other years. There have been other complaints/lawsuits against Mercedes not wanting to pay for the issue. No warnings just strong gas smell.
Rear subframe completely rusted out. While driving on the hwy I heard a loud noise, a couple minutes later I hit the brakes to slow down to get off my exit and after pressing the brakes the car instantly fishtailed sending me sideways across 2 lanes of traffic. Luckily no one was injured or killed. I’ve seen that the car manufacturer was replacing this issue on models 2008-2015. My vehicle is a 2015 and they are telling me my vehicle is not covered for the issue. The car is not drivable and Mercedes needs to be held accountable. A critical component such as rear subframe completely rusting out in just under 10 years is unheard of and I can’t afford to pay 10k to fix it. Please help
I’m the owner of a Mercedes Benz C- Class Sedan 2015. My Rear Sub Frame Rusted Through at The right trailing arm - Fails state inspection. Mercedes Benz has issued a extended 20 year warranty on all vehicles from 2008 - 2015 C - Class Sedan for Rear Sub Frame that rusted out. Mercedes Benz service advisor stated that my vehicle was not under that extended warranty when he run my vehicle Vin number. My vehicle should be under that warranty, I have the same problem with the same vehicles on the list. Please help. Thank you
Rear subframe rusted out, car is not safe to drive
I took my 2015 vehicle to the Mercedes dealership and learned the rear subframe is rusted and has holes on two sides. I was warned that it is a safety hazard and could lead to a lack of control and other dangerous situations. I also learned that other 2010 through 2014 Mercedes models in the same class have been recalled for this exact concern. I am disappointed and upset to learn that those concerns are known, but not addressed in this model and put customers at risk.
there is a recall for 2008-2015 Mercades Benz c-300 c/w204. this recall talks about the rear subframe rusting out early on this car. we have a 2015 c300 c/w205. this car is seeing the same early rust seen in the other c-300. the dealership is refusing to do right by the warranty because it is a c/w205 even thought this is a known problem for this year and type of car. I am making this because it should be extended to all c300 2008-2015 cause they all use the same subframe. they changed the subframes and the look of the c-300 starting in 2016. it also would appear that the rust is coming from the inside of the subframe making we wonder how bad it is on the inside if it is making its way to the outside of it. I believe water penetrates into the rear subframe has no drainage and begins to rust. also we take the car to the dealer every 5 Ish months and this last service is the first we have seen of this.
The Rear Subframe on this vehicle is rusted and has hole in it. The sub frame requires replacement. The sub frame was inspected by the Mercedes-Benz Dealership, Euro Motorcars in Germantown, MD and they recommended that the sub frame should be replaced. There is an extended warranty that has been issued by Mercedes-Benz for the Model Year and Model (2008-2015 C-Class Sedan/Coupe). However, Mercedes-Benz decline to cover the cost of the repair stating that my VIN is not part of that Warranty. This is a well documented safety issue and I believe that Mercedes-Benz should include my VIN in that extended warranty and replaced the subframe on my car.
Failed/Malfunctioned Component: Rear subframe (structural/chassis component) exhibited advanced corrosion (perforation/rust-through), compromising structural integrity and alignment/handling. Availability for Inspection: Yes. The vehicle and the subframe are available for inspection upon request. I can provide photos, videos, and repair estimates if needed. The corroded subframe is fracture and detach suspension mounting points, which may lead to: Sudden loss of vehicle stability or control (especially during braking, cornering, or over bumps). Unpredictable alignment changes causing pulling, vibration, or abnormal tire wear that can escalate into a loss-of-control event. Increased stopping distance and potential for wheel misalignment or collapse, raising the risk of a crash involving occupants and other road users. I limited driving/use due to the risk; issue is a structural safety concern rather than cosmetic. Confirmation: Yes on multiple visits since Oct 2023 -Yes—diagnosed and documented by Mercedes-Benz of Silver Spring on Oct 2 2023, Nov 2023 and Dec 2025. Technician confirmed severe corrosion/rust perforation on the rear subframe requiring replacement. No No
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was rusted, and there was a hole on each side of the rear subframe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and the dealer ordered an unknown part to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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.
Failed component: Front Sunroof Clip What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Sunroof clip, yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The glass pane lifted while the car was in motion and had to be held down to secure it until the car stopped. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes 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 While merging to enter the freeway at approx 45-50 mph I opened my sunroof. At about halfway back the glass began to lift up off the track/railing as if it was going to fly off the track. Had I not been holding the button to open the sunroof I would not have noticed and the entire glass pane would have blown off, possibly damaging the car or worse flying off and hit another car. I had to hold the glass in place to keep it from flying off until I was able to exit the freeway. Once I stopped the car to inspect the sun roof I noticed the clip that secures the glass to the track was broken (crumbled) in the sunroof track. I removed the pieces of broken plastic from the track and was then able to close the sunroof. I am now unable to safely open my sunroof while the vehicle is in motion.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof panel detached from the vehicle and fractured. The contact stated that the roof panel had previously been replaced, but the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front roof panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Check Engine light came on recently, fault code P052E is identified by scanner. Car has 60,000 miles on original it. MB dealer wants to charge $300 for diagnostics, repair job (parts and labor) may cost over $2,000. Since this is critical emission compliance part/system, why is it not recalling?
On May 27th, 2025, during highway driving suddenly the sunroof got open by itself for like 3 inches upwards from the front and after exiting the highway i stopped and push the sunroof downwards by applying the force and apply duct tape all around the sunroof to keep it protect from sun and rain so i am not driving anymore before getting it resolved.
Rear-subframe corrosion at the lower-control-arm mounts has progressed to the point where both arms have play and produce loud metallic bangs while braking or turning at low speed. Two independent shops lifted the car, documented flaking rust around the bushing sleeves, and advised the subframe is structurally compromised and could let a control arm detach under load. The corroded subframe remains installed and can be inspected on request. Safety risk: a detached rear control arm would cause sudden, unpredictable steering and loss of control. The vehicle already pulls right under braking, and feels very unstable in curves Problem has been reproduced and photographed by two independent repair facilities. No manufacturer representative has inspected the vehicle so far. Additional component failures possibly linked to the same progressive chassis stress: premature wear of both front CV axles; timing-chain stretch with worn guides; slack oil-pump chain; upper & lower oil-pan gasket leaks; water-pump seepage; right engine-mount collapse; persistent misfire traced to a loose intake-hose clamp; transmission-cooler hose clip released under pressure, dumping all ATF and destroying the automatic transmission; excessive play in all four lower control-arm bushings. The transmission and the other components were replaced 1-2 months before the subframe bro History: A faint clank from the rear suspension first appeared roughly three years into ownership. Dealer service dismissed it as “normal noise,” and warranty would not cover “loud clanks,” so the issue went unaddressed. The noise has grown steadily into the current condition, suggesting long-term subframe corrosion that was never inspected or remediated. No collision, flood, or off-road use; the car has typical Northeast winter-salt exposure. The failure pattern matches subframe-corrosion cases already acknowledged by the manufacturer on this model, although this serial number is not yet included in the official campaign.
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 source checks for this vehicle year
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Aug 31, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.