2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 1, 2025IASuspension

   Recently my Mercedes has been pulling and swaying to the side while breaking even at low speeds.Yesterday I got my 2 front tires replaced and asked them to take a look at what could be causing my rear end to pull.When I returned to pick up my car they informed me my rear subframe was completely decayed/rusted through and not safe to continue driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11652172 · source
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Nov 28, 2023VASuspension

   The rear subframe is cracked. This puts myself at risk and others if vehicle is involved in an accident. The problem has been confirmed by two independent service dealers. The vehicle has only been inspected by independent dealers. No warning lights.

   NHTSA complaint #11557344 · source
5. Filed Sep 3, 2023MASuspension

   Excessive rust has caused a separation of the lower control arm from the rear sub frame. From Google searches this appears to be a common safety defect in the manufacturing of these vehicles. Control arm separation causes drive ability and stability issues that can lead to loss of control of said vehicle leading to accidents that can cause serious bodily injuries including death. Why hasn't Mercedes been forced to recall the affected vehicles in the United States as they…

   NHTSA complaint #11542390 · source
6. Filed Aug 1, 2023NYSuspension

   Rear subframe rust through, affecting the function of control arm. When braking mildly caused the forward motion of vehicle to swerve into oncoming traffic. It has been reported and is in their possession. There was a small clicking noise like a possible loose shock absorber, a few times in the past month. Then two days ago, the sound became stronger including a clicking noise like two pieces of sheet metal torn passing each other. Upon personal inspection I found severe…

   NHTSA complaint #11535720 · source
7. Filed May 1, 2023PASuspension

   Purchased said vehicle from Rahal Mercedes Benz (Wexford PA 15090) in 9/2021. Used. Took in for PA inspection in 10/2022 (to Rahal service dept). Mechanic noticed rear subframe was rusting (I was not aware of this until this point; was never disclosed to me by Rahal in their printed pre inspection vehicle repost; I have this document). Told me would need re-placed sometime in 2023. Never mentioned a recall. I have not received any recall. Prove from MB. Conversation with…

   NHTSA complaint #11519789 · source
8. Filed Mar 12, 2023SCOther / UnknownSuspension

   Car was garage kept and in mint condition, yet the rear subframe has completely rusted through and while breaking the car lurches to the right. Also the breaking performance is noticeably impaired. There was no signs of this failure as the car still looks new, only way of knowing was the near crash while driving and trying to stop.

   NHTSA complaint #11511438 · source
9. Filed Feb 21, 202380,000 miOHSuspension

   The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at high speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the rear suspension was unstable and felt loose. The contact pulled to the side of the road before continuing to drive. The contact notified an independent mechanic of the failure and was informed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure through voicemail. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11508327 · source
10. 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
11. Filed Feb 14, 2023NYSuspension

    Hi i was driving my car on the highway and starting feeling the car swaying. I got really scared and took side blocks home. I thought maybe it was air in the tires or a flat. When i got out to look no flat tires were fine. Then i started hearing like a cracking sound the next day and started smelling gas. I took the car to my mechanic and he said bad news the subframe is rotted out and do no drive this car. I could not believe my ears. He said lets see how much to fix it. He…

    NHTSA complaint #11507175 · source
12. Filed Jan 28, 2023NJBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

    When breaking at high speeds, the car feels like I will lose control of it. Has happened a few times and I thought I was going to hit the neighboring car. Took it to a repair shop and found out that the rear driver side subframe Is completely rotted out and the rear control arm is hanging. The car only has about 97,500 miles on it, has not been driven in high salt areas, and doesn’t have any other signs of rust. Two auto body shops have told me this shouldn’t happen on a car…

    NHTSA complaint #11504245 · 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