Filed Aug 13, 2021205 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 E400 Coupe, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Coupe, and 2012-2014 E350 Cabrio vehicles. An incorrect front passenger air bag may have been installed during a prior repair.
Risk. An incorrect air bag may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag on the affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V010000
Filed Jan 9, 2019288,779 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module16V363000
Filed May 26, 2016258,163 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 C300 Sedan, C300 4matic Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan vehicles, 2010-2011 GLK350, GLK350 4-Matic and E350 Coupe vehicles, 2011 SLS AMG, E350 Convertible, E550 Coupe and E550 Convertible vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, MBUSA is recalling certain model year 2008 C300 Sedan, C350 Sedan, C63 AMG Sedan and C300 4-Matic Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. Owners were sent an interim notification October 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V081000
Filed Feb 11, 2016711,159 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed Dec 3, 20125,800 vehiclesMercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Defect. Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.
Risk. If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.
Remedy. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2026TN
Without an impact or collision, my car's passenger seat headrest shot out. I've been checking and others have done this as well. This morning, the driver's side headrest shot out without impact or collision. There is something wrong with the mechanism or airbags for the headrests. This can be extremely dangerous when in motion....
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 30, 2025MN
Dealer notes: Replace rear brake lines, found to be rusty recommend replacement with rear subframe replacement. This is a very well known issue and is not covered under recall from manufacturer. It will cost $3200 for brake line repair alone, not including the subframe. This is an extreme safety hazard and a common problem that has been acknowledged by the manufacturer.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 26, 2025MA
Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are extremely rusted, and I was advised that I could lose braking control if they are not replaced immediately. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,000. I have been a long-time owner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and part of the Mercedes-Benz family. However, I am now deeply concerned about the safety of myself, my family, and others on the road due to this severe corrosion issue, which I believe may be a widespread defect. I respectfully request that Mercedes-Benz investigate this issue and provide assistance, as the failure of these critical components poses a serious safety hazard. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [Phone: [XXX] ] [Email: [XXX] ] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension
Filed Sep 22, 2025MO
Rear crossmember or ( rear subframe frame ) rust and It broke due to corrosion
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2025IL
Brake lines have completely rusted through. Car had additional rust issues on the subframe which Mercedes admitted and replaced as part of an extended warranty . When that was repaired they never mentioned the brakes. Now 3 months later the brake lines rusted completely through … seems both subframe and lines rust at the same rate. And I would presume both cause equal safety risk. Why have they not yet issued an extended warranty on the brake lines? Both of these appear to be common issues. Hopefully NHTSA can encourage a change.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2025MA
Brake lines rust and corrode at the plastic support clips. Brake lines are not made from quality materials. Suffrage also corroded. Suffrage was changed by dealer though when vehicle was returned the Brake lines were broken. Car entered Suffrage service with brake lines intact, rusted i wouldn't doubt but intact. When returned after changing Suffrage, brake line was broken and leaking brake fluid. Extremely dangerous to return vehicle with broken brake lines and expected Owner to drive away with no brakes. Changing brake lines was offered at a cost of $4000 but the lines were not broken upon dropping off for service. Brake lines should be warrantied and changed to a less corrosive material. Engine mounts fail and cause vibration.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 24, 2025AZ
A gasoline smells fills the cabin and the outside surrounding area the vehicle continually to the point making anyone surrounding the vehicle and or sitting in the front and back seats physically sick. The gasoline smells omits continually from the backseat and or trunk area no matter the amount of fuel that is in the tank. It is a fire hazard and also health hazard as well.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 7, 2025156,094 milesAL
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the SRS Malfunction message was displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 156,094.
Suspension
Filed Apr 4, 2025FL
This vehicle, with 115,000 miles has been discovered to have had the brackets in the subframe for BOTH rear lateral arms rust through and are broken causing a $5,000 repair estimate. The mechanic who found this (42 years as a mechanic) said he has never seen anything like it. This is a car where I had to replace the transmission at 49,000 miles and the control unit at 62,000 miles (over $13,000 in repairs). I saw through AI search that this problem has been reported many times but has not prompted an investigation. This issue should NEVER happen and is a MAJOR SAFETY threat.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 2025VA
Rear brake lines are known to corrode. Had to get my line replaced at 78xxx miles. This is a common problem for the w212 Mercedes, along with the rear sub-frame rusting away. If the brake lines bursted when I was driving, I could of lost my life.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 2024MA
Broken rear sub frame.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 14, 2024159,143 milesCA
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that on multiple occasions when fuel was administered into the vehicle, he observed a strong fuel odor in the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that as he came out to inspect the vehicle he observed a leak under the vehicle near the fuel spout. The vehicle was inspected and the rear seat and the access panel were removed and a large amount of condensation was present near the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,143.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 7, 2024MO
The known Subframe rust recall issue has caused the brake lines to rust and mercedes in St Louis wont cover the expense to fix this known extra problem. They want $2200.00 to fix the brakes that other dealers would charge half for. They want to escape this problem and I just want this fixed at their cost.
Suspension
Filed Aug 27, 2024AL
Driving on interstate, hit the brakes and noticed the car was swaying hard to the left. After that it progressively got worse. When hitting even the smallest bump or braking I heard a metal on metal ‘thunk’ sound. My daughters were in the car and it was frightening. Upon further inspection by a Mercedes mechanic, the secondary frame had rusted and snapped into. After reading forums online I found it’s very common. They rust from the inside out. There was absolutely NO previous warning.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 18, 2024NY
Rear subframe rusted and broken apart.
Power Train
Filed Aug 6, 2024108,000 milesNC
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would occasionally become difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the power steering fluid was previously refilled. The air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an unusual amount of smoke coming from under the hood occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid might have leaked. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 2024CA
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V081000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Sacramento (1810 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service Brakes
Filed May 20, 2024NY
I bought my vehicle to the Mercedes dealership to get the rear subframe replaced under extended warranty due to it being rusted and broken from the rear suspension attachment points. While the Mercedes technician had the subframe removed he noted that the rear brake lines which are routed under the body and between the subframe had significant rust/corrosion on them.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 19, 2024AZ
With less than 40,000 miles on the odometer, I noticed a gas smell both inside the car and outside. I was able to access the fuel filter assembly on the top of the gas tank and found it had a substantial leak resulting in a puddle of fuel on the assembly. The car has never been in a wreck on had any damage that would cause this problem. I researched and found earlier years of the same model had this problem resulting in Mercedes Benz extending the warranty to 150,000 miles for this part. They have refused to warranty my car. This is a major safety issue and by releasing gas fumes into the atmosphere is an environmental problem as well.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 26, 2023NJ
The passenger front air bag malfunction,the passenger seat head rest deployed and And malfunction with any incident,the driver air bag is light on malfunction.after I took it to the dealership radio stop working no audio
Suspension
Filed Dec 13, 2023IA
While driving at approximately 55mph on the highway, I was required to brake for a merging vehicle who decided to make a lane change at the last second. I used my breaks, and my car did not break correctly. Instead, the car pulled the the right and locked up, it felt as though I had lost control of the car. When I went to my mechanic, I thought it was a break issue. Instead, it turns out the whole rear sub frame had rusted. When researching this issue, I found many other similar experiences. The harm that this part failure lead to was extreme. This could have been deadly. This is a safety issue that the manufacturer does not address.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 13, 2023FL
The sunroof detached and the water from the rain leaked through the faulty sunroof into the interior doors, floorboard and dashboard. This happened to both the passenger side and the driver side. It was repaired out of pocket because of the hazard and lack of dealership accountability. Because the dealership wanted to charge $1000 to provide a water intrusion inspection so we went to an a MB authorization independent mechanic to repair the vehicle.This leaking lead to the growth of mold and lack driver visibility.Lastly they were no warnings before the leak happened.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 9, 2023CA
There is a strong odor of gasoline inside the passenger compartment and around the outside of the vehicle when the gas tank is filled. A previous maintenance code of 0456 was triggered. Several repairs have been done to try and solve this problem, but the issue still remains. There is currently no recall for this specific VIN model but Mercedes Benz have issued the recall for other models with the same issue.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 2023NY
Bake line rusted through and drained brake fluid. Dashboard lit up bright red with a warning not to drive the car. Brake failure, spongy brake.
Suspension
Filed Jul 18, 2023FL
Purchased vehicle May 22, 2023 at Direct Auto Sales of Orlando, Florida. Approximately two and a half weeks later the subframe broke away from the support arm rendering the vehicle in an inoperable and unsafe condition. A local mechanic said this vehicle should not have been driven. He said we could have been in an accident and suffered severe injuries or even death. Mercedes Benz of South Orlando inspected the vehicle and reported the subframe, fuel tank, front and rear axles, exhaust system, support arms, motor mounts, etc need replacing. Cost is $30,000. How could anyone fail to see damage this extensive.and not report it.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 11, 202342,900 milesOR
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a strong fuel odor was detected. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,900.
Steering
Filed Apr 12, 2023180,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn from a traffic light the power steering failed to perform as needed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact drove the vehicle to a parking lot, stopped, placed the vehicle in park(P) and turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V459000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 6, 2023CA
On October 6, 2021 I took my vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek because ewhen I filled my gas tank there was a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The service department found the passenger side fuel sender upper cover leaking. The same situation is occuring presently, April 5, 2023, very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and garage after I fill the car with gasoline. The Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek invoice # is 934052, Tag # TEK93. This is a safety issue that could ceate a fire hazard if the vehicle were to be involved in an accident.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 21, 2023176,000 milesIL
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection preparing to make a left turn, the vehicle crashed into the front driver's side and part of the driver's side front fender by another vehicle that had run a red light. The vehicle had severe crumpling of the hood and the driver's side fender. The contact stated that the front end was damaged and spread debris all over the roadway. Law Enforcement was on the scene and filed a Police report. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact was transported by ambulance to an emergency room. The contact stated that he had suffered chest injuries from striking the steering wheel, and the contact stated that he had upper back pain and arm pain. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had been advised by the Insurance Provider that the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Suspension › Subframe/Mounting Bracket
Filed Feb 28, 2023PA
2011 MERCEDES BENZ E 350. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO ROTTED SUBFRAME ON VEHICLE.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 23, 2023NV
I just recently discovered that after filling my car with gas, there is a strong odor of gas filled in the garage for over 24hours. When I googled the issue, I discovered that NHTSA did confirm issues with Mercedes E350 from 2003-2009. However, I have also discovered that several owners outside of that model year period are having the exact issue. I ask you please reconsider and open the recall so that Mercedes can pay to fix my car before a fatality occurs. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 21, 2023FL
Both headrests have now exploded in this car. I see there have been class actions lawsuits filed but Mercedes got these dismissed. There is a cheap plastic piece that holds the headrest in place which just explodes without any impact or accident. "The Mercedes class action lawsuit was filed by four plaintiffs who claim the NECK-PRO active headrests are defective because the activate head restraints allegedly deploy without crash impacts." The car was parked in each of the incidents. One hit my passenger in the head. The driver side headrest exploded today when I moved the seat. I called Mercedes but was just sent on a wild goose chase.
Steering
Filed Feb 17, 2023FL
Power steering is makes winding noise and very wobbly Wood grain interior is turning white Emissions problems
Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2023MA
The rear subframe has prematurely rusted. It had a shear failure at speed on the highway when I applied the brakes. The rear end of the car swerved, almost causing me to crash. I did manage to decelerate the car in a controlled fashion. I did not know the rear subframe failed at the time. This was confirmed by an independent mechanic several days later. After research, it looks as though a recall has already been issued for this issue in Canada and potentially Germany. The mechanic tells me that until the issue is repaired the vehicle is unsafe to drive. My and others safety was put at risk due to the failure of vehicle control at 65 mph on a busy road. The problem was verified by an independent mechanic. No police, insurance provider, or Mercedes dealer has inspected the car/damage, only an independent mechanic. No prior indicators were given either directly or indirectly prior to failure. I did keep the part for inspection upon request.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 26, 2023VA
Rear subframe corrosion causing rear subframe failure/rusting which is a huge hazard. Mercedes Benz in several countries have recalled the rear subframe and are replacing free of charge. Mercedes Benz USA is not acknowledging this recall, it is a major issue and thousands are impacted.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 26, 2023VA
Rear subframe corrosion/damage leading to rust/holes and unsafe driving. This issue can cause the bottom of the vehicle to collapse. Mercedes Benz across many countries acknowledge this as a recall and repairs free of charge except USA. USA should acknowledge this defect as well.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 23, 2023DE
Rear subframe is rusting out. I reported about a month or two ago and have not heard back from you.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 18, 2023FL
I noticed about to 6 months or less that my car would shut off or stall after starting ignition and also hearing water sloshing behind the dashboard and the radio does not work and the rear camera goes on/off which is safety hazard, and the Engine symbol remain lighted up even after checking all components. Also, on a few occasion my floorboard in the passenger back seat would be soak and wet. I took the car to my mechanic, and he inform that the drain valve was not working properly. after doing some research on the internet I found that this particular incident was happening in several of Mercedes years 2009-2011 E50, that it was a recall on the water drain system. Also, on 01/17/23 my sunroof was working without any problems, I attempted to close it and it stop midday and i hear the motor working, but the sunroof did not move, I did more research and found a recall on the bonding glue for sunroof and the glass was detached without warning. Even though my vehicle is not on the recall list, my car is having the same exacts problems and issues and reported by NHTSA. I would appreciate as response or advice to solve these problems, right now my car is a safety hazard to myself and other drivers. thank you for cooperation in this matter in advance. My Case from Corporate Mercedes Customer Care#[XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension
Filed Jan 2, 2023CT
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
Suspension
Filed Dec 24, 2022PA
There is a hole rusted through the vehicle's rear subframe assembly and it is dangerous to drive. My car is an E350 Mercedes with 78,000 miles and garage-kept. Mercedes knows of this issue and is not helping anyone with this problem. The job costs about 5000.00 to fix.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 16, 2022DE
The subframe is rusting in four places in the area of the wheels. If the frame breaks I could lose control of the vehicle
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 1, 2022NY
Rear sub-frame is starting to rust/corrode. Understand from my repair shop that similar problems have been identified in other models using same rear subframe (W204 2008-2014 C-Class). Failure of the rear subframe may result in tire detachment and possible rupture of the fuel tank by metal fragments (per the repair shop).
Suspension
Filed Nov 11, 2022CT
I noticed fluid on the ground under my car in the driveway. Turns out it was brake fluid, the vehicle alerted me to low brake fluid. Here was a broken brake line which appears to have been caused by the subframe being rusted out. The issue is with the rear subframe on the Mercedes’ E and C class dating from 2008 on. Mine is a 2011 E class. The subframes on these vehicles rust and rot out causing issues to the brake lines and rear suspension parts rotting / rusting out due to the subframe being compromised. I’ve taken my vehicle to the dealer to look at the brake line and I was advised that the subframe was rusting out and should be replaced as well, it will only worsen, creating a safety hazard while driving because it can cause the car not to stop properly and difficult to control. I’ve taken the vehicle to repair shop and was told the same. Also was advised by both the dealer and private repair shops that this is a common issue with these vehicles, yet there is no recall by Mercedes in this country. Canada has a recall for this issue and other countries as well but not the USA. I was quoted $5000 to fix the issue by putting a new subframe, repairing is not possible. The part itself is on back order almost everywhere due to the commonality of this issue. This has caused the price to go up in cost due to the demand. A junkyard / car parts quoted me $2000 for a used subframe. As a service connected disabled Veteran I find this issue to be very concerning and ask why this is no
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 23, 2022TX
The rear subframe failed as a result of pre-mature corrosion while traveling at 70mph. Control of vehicle was lost and could easily have led to a multiple fatality incident if not for luck. The problem has been reproduced in many Mercedes models around this model year and Mercedes is well aware of the issue with their inferior subframe. NTSA needs to order a recall from Mercedes as class action lawsuits are going to be put together if nothing is done. There was no warning that this subframe was going to fail.
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Oct 17, 2022132,000 milesCT
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local dealer for a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the rear subframe, control arms, brake lines, and pipe socket were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 8, 202265,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact took the vehicle in for an oil change and was informed of a recall for fuel system failure. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor whenever there was more than ¾ tank of fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin Number: 2013020002. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V557000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 6, 2022OH
I do not know what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and my vehicle has been inspected. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk, because my vehicle was speeding in reverse and not responding to my multiple braking. The Dealership informed me that they did not find or detect any malfunction at all. Mercedes Benz performed a "full inspection on my vehicle". There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the incident.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 11, 2022PA
Just been told by the Mercedes Benz Service/Dealership that on my 2011 E-350 which has only about 73,000 miles that rear subframe of the car is so badly rusted that it is a serious safety hazard to drive this car, and it wouldn't pass the PA State Safety inspection. For safety reasons, the MB Service Manager has advised not to drive the vehicle until the issue is fixed. The cost to fix/replace the sub-frame and associated labor charges is quoted is $5400.00. The car has been serviced regularly as recommended by the manufacturer exclusively at the same Mercedes Benz dealership. It is hard to imagine that a company such as Mercedes Benz would make parts that would be rusted and damaged so easily and quickly. This ought to be a flawed part and/or poor-quality material to rust and become a safety hazard. I have now seen many postings on the BenzWorld.org forum who are experiencing this issue. I strongly believe, Mercedes Benz should be held liable and accountable to replace and/or repair the issue at their own cost - there should be a safety recall. Over the years, I have driven many cars for much longer time (over 15 years) and many more miles (over 150,000 miles) but never had such a rusting issue, and such expensive repair/replacement to rectify the issue. It is unfair to the consumers to subject them such safety hazard to themselves and others on the road.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 18, 2022123,000 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz E350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and abruptly depressing the brake pedal to avoid striking a deer, the vehicle inadvertently veered to the left out of the lane almost causing a collision with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was severely rusted causing the rear subframe to fracture. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Seats
Filed May 15, 2022NC
I was pulling up the passenger seat to put something in the backseat of my parked car. The headrest unexpectedly deployed and a small plastic piece broke off. Now I am fearful this could happen when driving the car, potentially harming myself or others. A witness saw what happened. There was no warning.
Complaints 1-50 of 223, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 13, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.