2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 body & structure problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

57 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300, 37% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 81,000 mi.

Body & Structure complaints
57
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
81,000 mi

Specific components reported

Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.

ComponentComplaints
Structure:body40
Structure:frame and members13
Structure2
Structure:body:door:handle:interior1
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields1

Body & Structure complaints across Mercedes-Benz C300 years

3200820200912201046201152201257201382014512015252016
Body & Structure complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k1160k–100k3100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 17, 202647,574 miMETowedBody & StructureBrakes
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle felt like it had shifted sideways. The contact stated that it seemed as if the steering wheel and the front driver's seat had shifted. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch was enabled; however the trunk failed to open or close. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where…
    NHTSA complaint #11757525 · source
  2. Filed Oct 24, 2025NYBody & Structure
    Vehicle Information: Year: 2013 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C300 (4MATIC) Approximate Mileage: 126,026 Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages – Interior Door Handle Summary of Issue: On October 10, 2025, the interior driver-side door handle on my 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 broke, making it impossible to open the driver’s door from the inside. The handle broke through normal use upon trying to open the car door from the drivers side. The only way to exit the vehicle now is to roll…
    NHTSA complaint #11695491 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 2025KYBody & Structure
    The interior door handle of the driver's side door snapped, which does not allow the driver to open the door at all. In the event of a crash, fire, or emergency, the door can only be opened from the exterior. This is a widespread issue with this model of car, which Mercedes-Benz is very aware of. There are hundreds of videos and online discussions of this common saferty issue that Mercedes refuses to make right. This is a risk for the safety of all drivers of these vehicles.…
    NHTSA complaint #11681819 · source
  4. Filed Sep 16, 2024INBody & StructureBrakesSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11614928 · source
  5. Filed Aug 9, 202482,000 miTXBody & Structure
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11607610 · source
  6. Filed May 31, 2024OKBody & Structure
    The driver side indoor handle keeps breaking. I have repaired mine 4 times but still keep breaking. The connector attached to the handle is so fragile it cant withstand regular use. why hasnt this been recalled by mercedes? One repair costs 1400 dollars.
    NHTSA complaint #11591772 · source
  7. Filed Mar 13, 2024134,000 miSCBody & Structure
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11577135 · source
  8. Filed Feb 27, 2024NYBody & StructureSuspension
    Broke rear subframe while driving. Made it home discovered the left rear suspension is almost completely detached from the vehicle. Researched the problem and discovered it’s a known issue and a warranty extension has been provided for some vehicles including some models of my particular year and model but after contacting Mercedes is seems mine is not.
    NHTSA complaint #11574281 · source
  9. Filed Jun 6, 202380,000 miPABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded. The independent mechanic replaced the subframe; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle making an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the…
    NHTSA complaint #11525564 · source
  10. Filed May 17, 2023NYBody & Structure
    The car was all over the road when braking and making banging sound. Had towed to 3 repair shops and all said Subframe was rotted out beyond repair. Mercedes Benz in golden bridge will replace subframe, but my cost is towing, labor and renting a car until it’s fixed which can take up to 1 month.
    NHTSA complaint #11522485 · source
  11. Filed Feb 14, 2023160,000 miMDBody & StructureSuspension
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the rear suspension cross member was fractured due to severe rust. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed the failure, but no repair was performed. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11507201 · source
  12. Filed Jan 30, 202380,000 miOHBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine service, he was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact also stated that while driving at highway speeds, the rear of the vehicle was shaking while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11504374 · source

Other 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 problem areas

  • Suspension (67)
  • Airbags (21)
  • Steering (19)
  • Other / Unknown (16)
  • Brakes (12)
  • Electrical System (10)
  • Engine (5)
  • Wheels & Tires (5)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (3)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 problems →

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