2011 Mercedes-Benz C300: pulls to one side

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Suspension · NH

Recently I was driving and heard a knocking/creaking noise in the left rear. When braking I felt as though I was going to lose control of the vehicle...vehicle appeared to fishtail and pull to the left. I first noticed it on [XXX] when I was driving on the highway in excess of 60 MPH. On [XXX] I brought it to my mechanic (Genesee Auto Repair, 40 Liberty Street, Salem, NH (603)898-1899) and my mechanic informed me that the left rear subframe had rotted out and told me that I should not be driving the car. There were no warning lamps or messages indicating there was a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Suspension · NY

While driving home last night (with passenger), I experienced a sudden pull to left and wobble\oscillation of the car when I made steering corrections to prevent vehicle from going into oncoming traffic. Car seemed to behave normally except whenever I applied the brakes. I proceeded home, where I inspected for the obvious such as brake calipers, pads. rotors etc. Then I removed the rear left tire. This was due to a clunking sound that seemed to come from that area. Everything looked OK until I saw a front lower suspension part (a plastic covered pressed metal strut connecting the lower part of the wheel\rotor assembly to large U-shaped frame member which had multiple welded attachments and brackets) just hanging there unattached on one (forward) end. The bracket it was bolted to was just sheared off. Looked like it rusted to the point of finally tearing itself off of the frame. There was no warning of this condition either by sensors/lights/etc. or the performance of the vehicle when driving it. The defective braking action was sudden. This is NO SMALL ISSUE! After reading of the numerous reports of this very same problem I have to say I am amazed that NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO PREVENT THE FIRST DEATHS AND INJURIES THAT WILL MOST LIKELY OCCUR FROM THIS. This is a danger to the occupants of the principle vehicle, pedestrians, as well as other vehicles in the immediate vicinity, moving or stationary. This can happen at high speeds, slow speeds, in traffic with other vehicles around the car or humans on sidewalks. I can clearly see that this is not a small repair as it looks like the entire rear assembly would need to be taken apart and reconstructed in order to replace the part. I have also read that this issue is not only common but that it has been recalled in Canada and Europe by Mercedes for repair. I guess we are waiting for the first deaths to occur before our American safety agencies can take action? Really?

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Suspension · NJ

I was driving my C 2011 MB and suddenly when applying the Brakes the car had a severe pull to the left and a loud noise from the rear driver side wheel. I made an appointment with my mechanic to have the issue looked at. There were no warning lights or other symptoms until basically the complete failure of the rear suspension. My mechanic informed me that the rear Subframe of the suspension on the vehicle had completely rusted out and the components holding the brake assembly and sway bar were almost at the point of becoming disengaged from the vehicle. He stated that the car is unsafe to drive. He was very surprised as the car is garage kept an in good shape with no rust anywhere else on the car. I did a quick investigation of the issue on the web and immediately found that MB has had this issue across the world in various models manufactured in 2011-2014. Presently, there are recalls in Germany and Canada for this issue. I contacted my MB Service department and was informed that no recall for this issue exists in the US and they would not cover the costs to repair. They told me that I would need to contact MB North America Customer Service. I find it amazing that MB Service, Dealers and North America HQ are all aware of this issue but the Company will not issue a recall or stand behind their product. This not some minor defect. When a major structural component of the car is compromised the lives of vehicle occupants and others on the road are at risk of death due to a major accident. The vehicle is now undriveable and will cost several thousands of dollars to repair. MB is fully aware of this issue and refuses to do anything about it. the federal safety agency needs to address this issue and make the Manufacturer stand behind their Quality pledge which as a consumer you are paying for when purchasing what you expect to be exceptional German engineering and what you are given is a a product with a known defect that will not be addressed.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Body · 170,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the rear subframe of the vehicle had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to pull to the right while braking. The contact was advised that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed May 4, 2022 · Body · 139,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact indicated that while driving at various speeds, a knocking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, while abruptly braking the vehicle would pull to the left. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear subframe was fractured. The cause of the subframe failure was not determined and no further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Suspension · PA

While traveling on the interstate @ 60 MPH, I loud knock was heard in the right rear. When brakes were applied, the vehicle pulled to the left, severely. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic on this date after making an appointment. Photos included show the issue as to why this occurred. The 'cradle' of the rear suspension on both, the left and right sides were completely rusted through. The vehicle is a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-300, with 63,000 miles. After researching this on line, it appears this is an on-going issue with this year along with other years. This, is huge safety issue and the results could be catastrophic to the occupants and or other operators.