The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unexpectedly pulled to one side and almost crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic and was diagnosed with corrosion on the rear sub frame, causing the vehicle to drift unexpectedly. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Mercedes-Benz C300 pulling problems
26 of the 2,727 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz C300 describe pulls to one side, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 26
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 103,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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 left rear subframe separated from the main frame causing the car to pull to the left when braking. I had an episode where I was stopping for a traffic light and the car started fishtailing and I almost lost control of the car. Following this episode, I took the car to a mechanic who advised me that the car was unsafe to drive. My mechanic also told me that he has repaired a number of these vehicle with the same problem, and that Mercedes Benz has extended their warranty from 4 years 50,000 miles to 20 years unlimited mileage. They did the extension after someone filed a class action suit in Georgia about the problem. The vehicle is presently at a Mercedes dealer awaiting the new subframe.
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)
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle pulled to the left before coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced; however, the Salvage Title voided the extended warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
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)
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle independently pulled to the left and crossed the yellow line into the direction of oncoming traffic. The vehicle was almost involved in a head-on collision due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured subframe and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The contact was informed that the repair could not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the left aggressively. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, while driving, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a severely corroded rear subframe and that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Rear right side Subframe rusted and broke off. Vehicle pulled to the right while braking.
Car has approximately 60,000. miles. Upon it's state inspection Mercedes Benz service center indicated rear subframe is rusted. Service advisory says it is okay now, but will need to be replaced. Searching Mercedes forums, I've noted this is a n oft reported issue. Many do not realize there is an issue until it breaks and car pulls to one side at rear upon braking. Others have experienced rusted brake lines at the same area as the subframe issue. Others have noted damage to the gas tank from suspension parts banging the fuel tank after it breaks. I realize this is a 8 year old vehicle. But the vehicle shows zero signs of rust on the undercarriage except for the subframe. Sure seems like a manufacturer's defect that should be recalled by Mercedes. Because of safety concerns, I now have to decide to repair or trade the car because of safety concerns. But the rusted subframe zaps the value I thought I had in the vehicle for a trade. What is the protocol for manufacturer's to issue safety recalls. Sure seems like this one qualifies.
Related recalls
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.
- Risk
- Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.
Recall number 22V189000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe and one C300 4Matic Coupe. The steering coupling may not have been correctly locked during manufacturing.
- Risk
- If the steering connection was not properly locked, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack may come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120010.
Recall number 18V872000 · Recall details
Steering: rack and pinion: rack
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
- Risk
- A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
Recall number 18V850000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
- Risk
- A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 17V252000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact.
- Risk
- A loss of electrical contact will cause the electric power steering assist to deactivate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 17V243000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured November 4, 2015, to March 1, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist system may shutdown due to a software error.
- Risk
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 16V438000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 and C400 4matic sedans manufactured January 27, 2014, to December 1, 2014. Due to an error in the electric power steering control unit software, the affected vehicles may have a loss of electric power steering assist.
- Risk
- If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering software, free of charge. The recall began in January 15, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 15V845000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to September 18, 2014. If the steering coupling interlock mechanism is not locked in place, the sliding shaft, which is part of the steering column, could become disengaged from the steering coupling socket due to vibrations, steering thrust, or load feedback from the road surface.
- Risk
- If the sliding shaft becomes disengaged from the steering coupling socket, the driver may experience noises, steering backlash, and in a worst case, loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling interlock mechanism to verify that it is in the locked position, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2014090008.
Recall number 14V598000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mercedes-Benz C300 pulling
Which Mercedes-Benz C300 years have pulls to one side problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (12 complaints), 2011 (6 complaints) and 2015 (4 complaints).
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