2013 Mercedes-Benz C300: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Body, Brakes · IN

On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the backend together. Fortunately I was able to get this diagnosed prior to a serious accident. The car gets very unstable, especially at higher speeds, when braking. There are no warning lights that will catch this. This problem absolutely places both passengers and other cars on the road at risk of a collision when braking, especially on the highway at higher speeds. I am going to contact a local Mercedes Benz dealer to evaluate replacement of the damaged parts to ensure the car is safe to drive following repair. Based on the links below, it sounds like a known issue at Mercedes Benz. I was never notified of any issues or from prior service visits, or via mail notice from the manufacturer. My mechanic was shocked, to say the least. Hoping MB will take care of this dangerous problem without hassle. See: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 16, 2024 · Suspension · WI

Drivers side lower control arm was rusted off rear subframe causing vehicle to be inoperable.

Filed Sep 3, 2023 · Suspension · MA

Excessive rust has caused a separation of the lower control arm from the rear sub frame. From Google searches this appears to be a common safety defect in the manufacturing of these vehicles. Control arm separation causes drive ability and stability issues that can lead to loss of control of said vehicle leading to accidents that can cause serious bodily injuries including death. Why hasn't Mercedes been forced to recall the affected vehicles in the United States as they have been in several other countries?

Filed Aug 1, 2023 · Suspension · NY

Rear subframe rust through, affecting the function of control arm. When braking mildly caused the forward motion of vehicle to swerve into oncoming traffic. It has been reported and is in their possession. There was a small clicking noise like a possible loose shock absorber, a few times in the past month. Then two days ago, the sound became stronger including a clicking noise like two pieces of sheet metal torn passing each other. Upon personal inspection I found severe rust through on the subframe on the left side in front of the left drivers side rear tire. Corporate has sent a letter extending the warranty for that part. Photos can be provided.

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Body, Suspension · NJ

Rear Control Arm Broke off of the rusted Rear Sub Frame assembly which was confirmed and inspected by my mechanic.

Filed Feb 3, 2023 · Suspension · MD

Rear Subframe control arm broken and rusty and dangerously to drive and Mercedes refused to make it as recall.

Filed Jan 28, 2023 · Body, Suspension · NJ

When breaking at high speeds, the car feels like I will lose control of it. Has happened a few times and I thought I was going to hit the neighboring car. Took it to a repair shop and found out that the rear driver side subframe Is completely rotted out and the rear control arm is hanging. The car only has about 97,500 miles on it, has not been driven in high salt areas, and doesn’t have any other signs of rust. Two auto body shops have told me this shouldn’t happen on a car with that low mileage, and these cars, Mercedes c300s, are known to have this defect.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Body · IL

Rear subframe rotted. Common issue, needs a recall. Control arm broke off on both sides of the rear subframe. Rear passenger lower control arm close to gas tank, can cause a fire if punctures through tank as well. Lots of swaying in rear as well

Filed Dec 5, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · NJ

Discovered a severely "rotted/rusted" rear subframe and one of the passenger side suspension/control arm of the rear passenger side wheel is completely "detached/disconnected" from the rear subframe. During a hard brake, the car will "swing/drift" to the right and is very dangerous and prone to accident/catastrophe. Also, many other 2008-2014 C300 owners already have reported/complaints over the internet. This defect needs to be recalled by the manufacturer. The contact paid for the replacement and service repair of the rear subframe. The contact was informed by a technician that the detached rear control arm may "puncture" the gas tank because of how close it is to it. The vehicle is not recommended to be driven until the repair is made.

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Body, Suspension · 86,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to abruptly stop the vehicle to avoid a crash, the vehicle suddenly drifted into the opposite lane while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear control arms had failed. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear subframe and rear control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2022 · Suspension · NY

Rear subframe and rear wheel control arm separated and corroded. Car not safe to drive. 2013 model with 31,000 miles, always garaged and maintained.

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Suspension · WI

I had noticed that my car was starting to pull to the side when braking. I took it in to my authorized dealer, where I always have it serviced and maintained, and I was told that the rear sub-frame bracket was broken off at the left rear lower control arm attachment point. The rear sub-frame and left rear lower control arm needs to be replaced. I was told that the car was absolutely not safe to drive. I have always taken great care to maintain the vehicle, and it has always been stored in a garage. There were no warning signs prior to the failure, and I was very surprised to hear that the sub-frame had rusted out since there is no rust anywhere else on the vehicle.