general problems of the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300

32 problems related to suspension have been reported for the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 based on all problems reported for the 2009 C300.

1 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2024

The entire rear subframe of any w205 body model including but not limited to the c class from 2009-2014, cl class, sl, class etc. Suffers admittedly from mb USA, premature rust, deterioration etc. There is an active recall for these same models in canada and all of europe but not the USA. My garage kept 2009 C300 has suffered extensive rear end damage from a factory defect that mercedes refuses to recognize in the continental u. S. But will admit the same issues occurred in the eu and canada. Keeler mercedes, USA, of colonie new york, stated they completed my subframe repair under the mb rear subframe extended warranty. The vehicle was driven home and inspected only to find out keeler mercedes of NY did not replace this crucial safety component under mb-USA extended warranty issued for this defect. This is pure negligence. When asked why the subframe wasn’t replaced as the work order stated it did, they stated “a mix up in paper work” I believe mercedes-benz USA and keeler mercedes of new york conspired together to push this massive safety defect aside and lie about completing the work in fear of the payment from warranty not being worth the labor hours required by the technicians. This oversight could have been a multi million dollar lawsuit if any injury was sustained after said repairs were done in belief the vehicle was safe to drive. Keeler mercedes’ has also had this vehicle in their possession from June 14th 2024, to todays date, July 5th 2024 with no word on when repairs to subframe will be completed. Subframe replacement stated on mb website states it is an 8 hour labor job. We’re on day 18 now. Major safety issue and shady dealing by dealership.

2 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2024

After noticing brake fluid leaking I took my car to a local automotive shop and when he raised it to checkout the break line when he found the leak from the rust . He noticed a more serious problem that the subframe was rusted out on each side. He told me to contact mercedes immediately because the car is unsafe to drive.

3 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2023

As I was driving from work, I noticed that when I started using the brakes I starting hearing a metal sound coming from the back, the day after I looked down and realized a whole part from the sub frame was completely broken and the part is corroded.

4 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2023

I was driving in the highway 50 mph and I was braking and my car slipped in the other line of the highway and almost had and accident !!!! and cars switched off when driving almost had incident!!!! I saw that many people have the say problem like me about rusted component please do something because people are losing their lifes.

5 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/03/2022

I bought this car for my 18 year old son based on mercedes reputation for safety and longevity, only to discover that mercedes has a widely acknowledged issue with rotted sub-frames -- it's a serious safety issue and recalled in other countries. My son was was driving on the highway and the tire exploded. He was so close to being killed because the car went out of control. After getting it towed to my mechanic, he advised me that alignment adjusters were stuck, the subframe was rotted, the lower control arm subframe mounts were broken from the subframe and they were hitting the gas tank. Luckily, the tire only exploded as oppose to the entire vehicle bursting in flames. There were no warning lights or messages, only the feeling that the tires needed to be aligned. We bought new tires and were told an alignment was done from town fair tires, which was untrue. My son's life was in immediate danger. Shame on mercedes for not recalling this subframe. This is the first of many avenues I am taking to have this rectified and hopefully prevent a tragedy.

6 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2022

Was told by a mechanic that there is a safety recall for sub frames on mercedes vehicles. After an inspection the mechanic noted that it was suggested to replace due to a recall on the c-class models. After looking up the VIN it suggested that a 2009 does not have a recall - same sub frame issue.

7 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2022

The stability control is off in the rear. No warning lights or noise. Other models of this same year make and model have been recalled for something having to do with this. Please help me our family can’t afford this rn. We have a beautiful 1 year old that needs rides to dr apt.

8 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2022

Take my car to the dealer and told me my rear subframe is rusted out and is dangerous to drive. Total cost replace they said around $5800 . Why there isn’t recall for the problem in the USA ? I find out there is one in canada and germany for this car. What I’m supposed to do with the car? take it to a junkyard because mercedes’.

9 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2022

The contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated while driving at 70 mph, he heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon looking underneath the vehicle, the contact notice that the subframe located next to the gas tank was fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe had fractured from the manufacturer's wellpoint. However the parts to do the repair were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

10 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2022

The contact's son owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was severely rusted. The contact stated that his son then informed him that while he was driving approximately 50 mph and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle started wobbling significantly. The dealer replaced the subframe, the rear tires, and completed an alignment on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

11 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2022

My 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 4 matic sedan fishtails at the rear end when I apply the brakes. I’ve owned the car for 8 years. Prior to this happening, I took it to the Mercedes Benz dealership repair shop, it was fully inspected on a hoist and fully gone through from bumper to bumper. May 6, 2021, I have a report and a video of the inspection but nothing was revealed related to the undercarriage suspension subframe rusting. Just a few days ago, I had rear brake work done thinking this was the problem and would solve the fishtailing when brakes were applied, maybe one of the calipers was sticking. I also had a 4 wheel alignment, however to my surprise the problem worsened. I called a local mechanic, who offered to look under my car. After inspection of my vehicle it revealed that the rear undercarriage subframe is completely rotted out. I was advised that it is completely unsafe to drive and to immediately get rid out it to a local salvage yard. My dream mercedes still looks new on the outside as I have taken miraculous care of it over the years. Be aware everything that looks good on the outside can be rotted out on the inside. I live in a city that requires highway driving at 70 mph plus, this problem could have ended in a disastrous deadly way. Thank goodness my guardian angel was looking out for me. I checked into repairing the vehicle, the rear subframe is available and with labor the total cost of repair is well over $5000. 00 with labor costing $1632. 00 before tax alone. Mercedes knows this is a common problem and should recall these issues before someone gets seriously injured or killed.

12 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/26/2022

Suspension cross-member - mercedes-benz (204-350-01-41) driving regularly suddenly fill like the rear passenger side tire moved unevenly, then went to the tire shop, and when they take out the tire see how the rear frame was rusted and broken in a straight line exactly in the middle of the tire hole area. Then start to check used cars to donate that part and all of them have the same trouble in that piece, so I decided to review the frame and discover that the rust begins to damage the opposite side too, so I'm pretty sure is a component failure in metal and materials more than simple rust.

13 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 02/21/2022

The rear subframe @lower control arms right side rust on bracket when put break on the car go to right and make noise!!! the car just have 83. 000 miles!! this have re call or not?we d'ont know untill seaching on web side findown couple owner C300 have problem said some.

14 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2022

Rear subframe corrosion discovered by Mercedes Benz service. 105,000 miles on the vehicle. Presents a safety hazard, possible loss of control the vehicle. Frames rots from the inside out, which leads to discovery after vehicle performance and safety is compromised.

15 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2021

Brought in vehicle for problem when braking, car would pull to one side. Repair shop said rear sub assembly was rusted and they were aware of others like my vehicle with the same problem. Looked up some Mercedes Benz forums online and discovered many of the same problems with the C300 model (2008 and newer) my vehicle is a 2009 mercedes C300 4matic. I do live in minnesota.

16 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2021

Rear subframe rotted away and car wouldnt move.

17 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2021

The contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated while driving approximately 60-70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and lost stability. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as she disengaged the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear subframe was rusted and had fractured into two pieces on both sides of the vehicle, and the lower control arms were hitting the gas tank. The check engine warning light and tpms warning light were illuminated at the time of the diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

18 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2021

The contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side rear tire inverted into the wheel well due to excessive corrosion. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he confirmed the failure and informed him that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

19 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/22/2021

Passenger right rear subframe broke and full of rust.

20 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2021

Rear subframe assembly rusting, creating safety issue. Discovered 04-22=2021.

21 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/13/2021

Im the owner of a 2009 mercedes-benz C300 4matic sport, which was purchased in 2019. The vehicle currently has about 128,000 miles. It was taken to a local mechanic for inspection and after hearing some clunking noises, especially when braking or turning, they discovered rust, corrosion, and cracking to the rear subframe. Upon further research, it has been discovered that this is a known problem, especially for this year and model of mercedes. There are many other owners who have complaints online about the same problem. The rear subframe corrosion is estimated to cost about $2500 to repair at local mb dealership. This is a known and comon problem. The car has become a huge safety issue. With so many known cases and obvious safety concerns, mb should resolve this defect and place it under recall. Many owners may not even know they have this problem. Driving a vehicle in this condition could potentially cause injury or fatality to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. I’ve been advised to request a goodwill repair, since there is no recall. Mb should be found responsible for this repair. I’m contacting NHTSA to file an official vehicle safety complaint in hopes that the recall process is started and an order is placed to the manufacturer to issue a recall.

22 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/12/2021

Rear sub frame cracked - causing vehicle shake at highway speed.

23 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2021

I bought my car a little over a year ago, with 95k miles, after driving it for a few months I noticed that there was a noise at the rear part, and a loss of balance during the acceleration. After diagnosing it with a local mechanic, he told me that the subframe needs to be changed as it is completely rusted, and driving my car in this condition can put me in danger.

24 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2021

Tl the contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated that the subframe bracket was severely corroded. The contact noticed the failure when the brake pedal was depressed there was an abnormal sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and inspected which the technician determined that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Mercedes-benz of easton (4300 morse xing, columbus, OH 43219, (888) 530-5742) was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. ## VIN passed ## mercedes-benz 2009 ##.

25 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2020

Rear subframe rusted through near connection with control arm. This left the rear wheel connected to the rest of the car only through an axle and sway bar. This is a very common issue on these vehicles, and was remedied through the replacement of the subframe.

26 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2020

I'm the owner of a 2009 mercedes-benz C300 4matic sport, which was purchased in 2012 from a mercedes dealer. The vehicle currently has about 60,400 miles. It was taken to a local mechanic for inspection and after hearing some clunking noises, especially when braking or turning, they discovered rust, corrosion, and cracking to the rear subframe. Upon further research, it has been discovered that this is a known problem, especially for this year and model of mercedes. There are many other owners posting complaints online about the same problem. The rear subframe corrosion is estimated to cost about $3-4k to repair. The local mb dealer revealed they are actually repairing a car with this same problem, as we speak. Another call to mb for part pricing indicated this is a common, known problem. The car does not pass inspection and has become a huge safety issue. With so many known cases and obvious safety concerns, mb should resolve this defect and place it under recall. Many owners may not even know they have this problem. Driving a vehicle in this condition could potentially cause injury or fatality to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. I've been advised to request a goodwill repair, since there is no recall. I was told by mb that I need to schedule an appointment for an official diagnosis and repair estimate at my local mb dealer ($179) before I can move forward with the request for the goodwill repair. Many other owners have received denials to their requests, which is very disappointing. Mb should be found at fault for this defect and keep the safety of their consumers as their top priority. It will likely take a week or two before I receive a determination for my goodwill request, but I'm contacting NHTSA to file an official vehicle safety complaint in hopes that the recall process is started and an order is placed to the manufacturer to issue a recall.

27 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2020

I am 80 years old, and disabled. Gave this car to my son, (age 53). Within a month, he experienced a potential life threatening incident with the car. While driving, the car became very unstable and steering was almost impossible. The car was towed to a-1 auto repair in pitman, new jersey for analysis. This establishment has an excellent reputation for mercedes-benz repairs. Upon extensive review the shop advised "customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven"the invoice states " . . . During road test vehicle is unstable and steering and braking are out of specification and feels very unstable to operate. Checked vehicle suspension and undercarriage to diagnose rear subframe rusted off body mounts. And is hanging off left rear of body and subframe. Needs extensive repairs to undercarriage and subframe needs replacing with new body mounts. Advised customer vehicle is very unsafe to operate and should not be driven! . . . There was no warning of this problem. The car has been garaged since purchased. Car regularly maintained by dealership. No mention ever made of rusting ! mercedes states not there problem since warranty has expired.

28 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2019

On my 2009 mercedes C300, the vehicle pulled significantly when the brakes were applied. The repair shop I use checked the braking system and found no issues. They then discovered a rear sub-frame issue. The entire rear sub-frame was rotted out on my 2009 mercedes C300. The vehicle had less than 79k miles on it, did not got out in bad weather and was garaged. I contacted my local mercedes dealer and they showed no interest in addressing the problem under any type of defect resolution issue. The repair shop I use ordered a new sub-frame from mercedes, which now has a different design which I assume is to address the issue on the original sub-frame. When the repair shop began to remove the defective sub-frame, a part of the sub-frame tore and broke apart due to the rotted metal. Had the vehicle been in motion when the metal tore apart I can only imagine what would have occurred. I have checked various mercedes owner forum boards and this appears to be a common issue with is model year. I have the repair bill but can not attach a copy due to the file size.

29 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2019

The rear sub frame is rusted out and dealer said it is unsafe to drive. Dealer serviced vehicle since purchase. Very surprised sub frame is rusted out and this is not a recall. My wife and grandkids are the main users of this vehicle. Thank god it was in for its maintenance when issue was found and not traveling 65 miles per hour down the turnpike. Only 10 years old and they want $3700 to replace rusted sub frame!.

30 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2019

Safety issue regarding failure of rear subframe. I am the original owner of a 2009 C300 4matic sport. This vehicle has been garage kept its entire life and is not in a high salt or snow environment. My wife was extremely lucky to have avoided an accident in this car due to the rear subframe rusting through and separating. We bought this car brand new and paid a premium for mercedes quality because we thought it was the safest vehicle made. I am extremely dismayed to learn that when my wife came home and said the car was driving weird, that in fact she was driving a car that was falling apart with my 7 yr old daughter in the back and could have resulted in a very serious accident. When she arrived at the alignment shop the manager there informed her the car was unsafe to drive and he had never seen anything like this type of failure of the frame before. My wife had the car towed to the mercedes dealership for repair because it was not safe to drive. This certainly should be a safety recall due to a manufacturing defect or use of poor materials and mercedes should cover the repairs.

31 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2019

Rear sub-frame corrosion issue. Starting hearing clunking noises coming from rear right of the vehicle. Also noticed the car seemed to pull or twist to the right when braking. I inspected the brakes, all 4 disc brakes and parking brakes looked fine, noticed sub-frame rust through. This level of corrosion on a key structural component is dangerous. It seemed obvious to me this was a manufacturing issue. The car is in excellent condition no other corrosion issues, and has been well maintained and keep in a heated garage since we purchased it 6 yrs ago. We took it to the mercedes dealership, had them confirm the issue, and registered a request to mercedes corporate to help fix this issue. They denied that request. The local service dept. Indicated how dangerous this issue is and the car should not be driven. The cost to fix this =$2600.

32 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2019

Bought this car from original owner- never seen a mass winter -the car's rear end is swaying and making clunking noise- just brought the car into a mechanic - the rear sub frame is broken in two parts- one is near the gas tank- vehicle not save to drive- car has 80. 000 miles on it and it was purchased in 2015 with 52,000 miles on it- this car was purchased because it was a safe car - plenty of airbags with pelvic air bags especially- my gf was in a very bad car accident and had a broken pelvis which is the main reason she bought this car- she still has a year left of making payments on it.


Other Suspension related problems of the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300


C300 Service Bulletins
C300 Safety Recalls
C300 Defect Investigations