2009 Mercedes Benz C300 body problems

Filed Oct 12, 2025 · Body · VA

Vehicle inspection by independent service center indicated that a new rear frame was necessary. This was the second communication to the federal safety agency on this issue. This automobile (2009 c300) is inoperable due to this Mercedes rear frame defect .

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Body · 201,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle would fishtail and become extremely unstable while driving over a bump in the road or while turning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the subframe was severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 201,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Body, Steering · NY

The entire rear subframe of any W205 body model including but not limited to the C class from 2009-2014, CL class, SL, class ETC. suffers admittedly from MB USA, premature rust, deterioration etc. there is an active recall for these same models in Canada and all of Europe but not the USA. My garage kept 2009 C300 has suffered extensive rear end damage from a factory defect that Mercedes refuses to recognize in the Continental U.S. but will admit the same issues occurred in the EU and Canada. Keeler Mercedes, USA, of Colonie New York, stated they completed my subframe repair under the MB rear subframe extended warranty. The vehicle was driven home and inspected only to find out Keeler Mercedes of NY did NOT replace this crucial safety component under MB-USA extended warranty issued for this defect. This is pure negligence. When asked why the subframe wasn’t replaced as the work order stated it did, they stated “a mix up in paper work” I believe Mercedes-Benz USA and Keeler Mercedes of New York conspired together to push this massive safety defect aside and lie about completing the work in fear of the payment from warranty not being worth the labor hours required by the technicians. This oversight COULD have been a multi million dollar lawsuit if any injury was sustained after said repairs were done in belief the vehicle was safe to drive. Keeler Mercedes’ has also had this vehicle in their possession from June 14th 2024, to todays date, July 5th 2024 with no word on when repairs to subframe will be completed. Subframe replacement stated on MB website states it is an 8 hour labor job. We’re on day 18 now. MAJOR safety issue and shady dealing by dealership

Filed Feb 24, 2023 · Body · NY

This car I have owned since brand new and I am the original owner. This car has never been used in winter despite I live in New York and always has been maintained in very good condition however, this car has developed noises from the rear when driven. I took the car to my trusted mechanic and he found out that the rear subframe has corrosion making it unsafe to drive.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Body · 94,200 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would sway from side to side as an abnormal clonking noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered that the subframe had cracked due to severe corrosion. The dealer was contacted about the failure, and she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 94,200.

Filed Jan 5, 2023 · Body, Brakes · OH

The brake lines and subframe were completely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Dealer confirmed at regular service appointment. I have documentation and competed all regular maintenance. Dealer would not cover costs for what appears to be a major defect. I had another shop replace the brake lines and subframe.

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Body · MI

Authorized Mercedes Benz dealership in Ann Arbor, MI advised replacing tires, valve stems and other items. I dropped off the car at the dealership for the work. During Alignment they found right rear out of spec due to subframe rusted out. They said rear subframe replacement is needed. This is a very dangerous condition and Mercedes Benz does not cover rusted subframe replacement costs at all, neither do they advise routine checks for this problem which seems to be a very common issue for the C Class. In Europe and Canada, Mercedes replaces rusted subframes for free. Why is it not done for free in USA? This is a very serious issue and can cause serious and fatal accidents. The cost to replace rusted subframe is very high and car can break down while driving without any notice or warning. Additionally, there is no warning light or signal displayed to alert the driver of a potential problem. The car can have an accident without any warning light or alert.

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Body, Suspension · CT

I bought this car for my 18 year old son based on Mercedes reputation for safety and longevity, only to discover that Mercedes has a widely acknowledged issue with rotted sub-frames -- it's a serious safety issue and recalled in other countries. My son was was driving on the highway and the tire exploded. He was so close to being killed because the car went out of control. After getting it towed to my mechanic, he advised me that alignment adjusters were stuck, the subframe was rotted, the lower control arm subframe mounts were broken from the subframe and they were hitting the gas tank. Luckily, the tire only exploded as oppose to the entire vehicle bursting in flames. There were no warning lights or messages, only the feeling that the tires needed to be aligned. We bought new tires and were told an alignment was done from Town Fair Tires, which was untrue. My son's life was in immediate danger. Shame on Mercedes for not recalling this subframe. This is the first of many avenues I am taking to have this rectified and hopefully prevent a tragedy

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Body, Suspension · 70,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle swayed on the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer to order the replacement part and was informed by the dealer that there was a recall for the subframe; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2022 · Body · IL

My spouse was driving approx 40MPH. Traffic light turned amber so she applied the brakes, at that point the vehicle pulled violently to the left into on coming traffic and at the same time the vehicle rear end was fish tailing out of control.Our mechanc inspected the vehicle and discovered the rear sub frame assembly had cracked on the driver side. We were advised by the mechanic this car is un driveable. Our Insurance appraiser inspected the vehicle and stated this is very common with this model vehicle and is a very bad design flaw. I contacted the Mercedes dealership and they advised there is no re-call on the subframe so I would need to pay $4000-$5000 for the repair. This vehicle is worthless to me now and is a grave safety risk to drive. I do not have the funds to fix this vehicle so I am now without a car. Mercedes customer care will not even answer any telephone calls. I have called 3 times and been on hold for over 60 minutes each time. This design flaw needs to be corrected by Mecedes before someone gets killed.