2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 5, 2024MASuspension

   Subframe rusted resulting in failure of left rear suspension mount causing dangerous loss of control of car under braking.

   NHTSA complaint #11623710 · source
2. Filed Oct 5, 2024OHOther / UnknownSuspension

   I just purchased a 2011 Mercedes C300. I was told that for the past 2-3 years the vehicle would constantly bald out the rear 2 tires and would need replaced every 3 months. As I was driving the vehicle I noticed that the rear tires would make weird noises as if it was hutting something. Upon further investigation the rear sub frame is rotted, which based on research appears to be a very common problem with these vehicles. The rear sub frame is rotted in which caused the…

   NHTSA complaint #11618212 · source
3. Filed Apr 9, 2024NHOther / UnknownSuspension

   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 [phone removed]) and my mechanic informed me that the left rear subframe had rotted out and told me that…

   NHTSA complaint #11581865 · source
4. Filed Nov 3, 2023VA3 injuredBody & StructureSuspension

   The subframe has rusted/fallen off. This is incredibly risky as the car cannot be driven safely and it happened without warning. My mechanic said it is not due to any driving incidents but through rust occurring on Mercedes' subframes, which are flimsy. It has been inspected professionally by a mechanic. There are NO warning lamps. This could kill someone on the highway as while braking the car veered left and right. I had small children in the car we all neck pain from the…

   NHTSA complaint #11553395 · source
5. Filed Aug 22, 2023OHBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   2011 C300 4matic Sport I'm very concerned about the front subframe after going over the invoice and everything that was replaced on the rear subframe due to a recall Mercedes issued. But wait doesn't the whole subframe have severe rust corrosion all throughout yes it does per mechanic/technician. I'm having steering issues while driving the vehicle when applying the breaks the vehicle pulls very hard to the left the whole car swerves to the left very dangerously. After…

   NHTSA complaint #11539978 · source
6. Filed Apr 14, 2023WIBody & StructureSuspension

   Like apparently the majority of this model year C300, the rear subframe is completely disintegrated. This is a known issue but Mercedes has not communicated it nor fixed it. I was told, and as the photos clearly indicate, this very likely could have resulted in a catastrophic or fatal accident as the entire rear is corroded. I have photo and video support as well as the inspection from a mechanic.

   NHTSA complaint #11517129 · source
7. Filed Mar 21, 2023OHBody & StructureSuspension

   My vehicle has been making very odd noises, the steering wheel keeps looking off center and the car is kicking/fishtailing at times without warning. Our mechanic has looked at the car SEVERAL times and finally discovered that the sub frame is completely rusted out and broken. We were told not to drive the vehicle anymore as it is extremely dangerous. After researching about this issue, we found that a class action lawsuit was filed in February 2023 for corrosion/rusting out…

   NHTSA complaint #11512961 · source
8. Filed Feb 8, 2023KSSuspension

   Rear tires were down to steel belt after replacing August 1, 2022 and less than 10,000 mile wear. I took the car to a dealership for diagnosis. The rear subframe is completely corroded and failed causing extreme wear on tires and a DANGEROUS DRIVING SCENARIO. I’ve researched and see this is a common problem on these Mercedes cars. Why is there no Mercedes recall or accountability for this common issue?This is a serious issue that could cause serious accidents and bodily harm…

   NHTSA complaint #11506266 · source
9. Filed Jan 25, 2023NJBody & StructureSuspension

   My 2011 c300 has a rotted rear subframe making the car not able to be driven. It has major ,life threatening, costly damage and this issue already has a recall all over the world but not in the United States.

   NHTSA complaint #11503537 · source
10. Filed Jan 20, 2023VABody & StructureSteeringSuspension

    Rear sub frame and suspension welds have cracks and are broken a loose which when having to put on brakes suddenly cause car to servely pull and twist which can cause a bad accident or worse.

    NHTSA complaint #11502894 · source
11. Filed Jan 10, 2023105,000 miNJBody & StructureSuspension

    The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the rear end of the vehicle pushed out. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the control arm had detached. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…

    NHTSA complaint #11501116 · source
12. Filed Dec 31, 2022OHSuspension

    I was teaching my 16 year old son how to drive when he got his learners permit . When we got onto the highway a car cut him off and he had to apply a firm steady brake . When breaking the car swerved from the rear into the other lane , nearly striking another vehicle . This also resulted in a loss of control when applying heavy breaking after I had him pull over and I took control of the vehicle once I was able to get the car to the shop I pulled the rear wheel s off and…

    NHTSA complaint #11499607 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology