Mercedes-Benz E350 ball joint problems

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OH

The failure was when I hit the brakes hard in an emergency braking situation and the car very eratically and violently veered to the left. There was no warning and thank God there was no car coming in the left lane otherwise it would have been a broad side hit. I was doing 55 mph. We had the car inspected at a local shop and the left rear tie rod link was completely severed from the suspension sub-frame because of rust. The brake lines above the sub frame were also severely rusted and leaking. I called my closest dealer and they said the rusted frame replacement is covered under extended warrenty but not the brake lines which had the same issue, severe corrosion and a potential catostrophic failure! Mercedes Road Side Assistance was called to tow the car 70 miles to the closest shop.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Body · NY

Rear subframe rotted / corroded. Rear brake lines rotted and rear springs broken from corrosion . Mercedes refuses to address the issues under warranty except the subframe issue . Almost crashed on i-84 with child in vehicle due to rear control arm being rotted from subframe .

Filed Jan 1, 2025 · Body, Brakes · OH

When braking the car pulls hard off the road. inspection showed rear subframe rusted and control arms are not attached securely to frame. Unsafe to drive

Filed May 26, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Suspension Rear Sub-frame rusted through, rear Lower control arm disconnected from rear sub-frame due to rust/corrosion. It is available for inspection. While braking at highway speeds the car fishtailed and I almost lost control of the vehicle. This has not been confirmed or inspected by any service, Insurance or Police entity. No warning lights, messages etc. Brakes: Rear brake lines are severely corroded in the same area as the rear sub-frame. Electrical System: Battery continuously discharges and is dead after 5 hours.

Filed May 2, 2024 · Body, Suspension · 110,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the rear driver's side control arm was severely corroded and had detached from the subframe. The contact was also informed that the failure caused premature tire wear on both rear tires. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the subframe and rear driver's side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Body, Suspension · VA

Rear subframe corrosion and failure. Based on my queries this apparently a common issue. I am adding my report to add weight to this common issue. Vehicle is approximately 13 years old, is in good condition, and has not suffered any accidents affecting the rear subframe. Overall only minimal rust or corrosion is found during a visual inspection while on a lift. This vehicle has passed annual inspections as required by Virginia state law. The rear subframe has rusted from the inside. This corrosion was not visible from the outside, which is why it was not found in the annual inspections. Due only to this internal corrosion, the left-hand (driver) side of the rear subframe has broken loose where the rear wheel's control arm is attached. This removes one of the rear wheel's primary attachment points, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Suspension · CT

Rear suspension control arm bracket rusted, broken off from frame of vehicle makes a slight to moderate sound when driving or going off bumps I avoid rough surfaces, I drive at a respectable speed ,I never came across as long I owed this vehicle.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · MI

While driving down the road at 60mph, I hit the brakes to slow down. I heard a pop and thunk from the rear of the vehicle. I thought it was some boxes in the back of my car and forgot about it. I then brought my car into the dealer for an engine computer update and during the inspection they found that the passenger rear control arm mount broke away from the sub frame and that the rear brake lines were heavily rusted. They quoted a new rear subframe and brake lines. If I was on the freeway and this happened or I had to take evasive maneuvers I most likely would have crashed. The mechanic told me the weld broke where the control arm mounts to the subframe. He inspected the rest of the vehicle and everything looks good. On a less than 9 year old vehicle the subframe should not have rusted enough to break. Especially on a safety issue like the suspension and brakes. Mercedes should have done a better job with their welds and with their rust proofing especially on safety components.

Filed Jan 2, 2023 · Suspension · CT

I was on the highway traveling at 70 mph, when I noticed something was not right. I would switch lanes and notice the vehicle swaying in the rear I would also brake, and notice car would sway. I didn’t have any warning signs, and have deemed my vehicle unsafe to drive. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the rear subframe has been compromised with rust, fully detaching the lower control arm from driver’s side rear. This incident could have been catastrophic. I could have easily loss control of the vehicle and death could have occurred to me and others. Perhaps the whole rear axel and wheels could have detached at high speeds

Filed Nov 22, 2022 · Suspension · CT

--Rear sub-frame broken. Part is available upon request. --Rear of car swerved when turning and breaking, probably due to control arm dislocation. --Dealer is aware of problem and has in fact replaced many sub-frames. --The dealer has inspected the sub-frame and determined that it is broken. --No warnings prior to failure.