Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2013 Mercedes Benz C300.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
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 down the window and reach around to use the exterior handle. On October 14, 2025, I spoke to two mercedes-benz dealerships in my area. They both confirmed this is a recurring problem on this model but stated there is no recall. One of them physically inspected the vehicle door problem. I believe the actual broken replacement part costs about $50. However, according to these same authorized Mercedes Benz repair shops I spoke to, mercedes-benz requires replacing the entire door panel assembly, which costs between $950 and $1,480 in labor and parts. This is not a reasonable or safe solution for such a critical component. This poses a serious safety hazard. In the event of a fire, collision, electrical failure, or if the windows become inoperable, the driver (myself) could become trapped inside the vehicle, leading to potential injury or death! I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this recurring defect, as it directly affects occupant safety and the ability to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Universal imports, rochester, NY – inspected and confirmed recurring problem, no recall, verbal repair estimate $950, and mercedes?benz of rochester (west herr automotive), NY] – confirmed recurring problem, verbal repair estimate $1480 requested action: please investigate whether this defect warrants a safety recall or mandatory manufacturer repair campaign. The interior door handle failure on mercedes-benz c-class vehicles represents a clear safety risk to occupants.
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and recurring steering system defect involving my mercedes-benz vehicle and recall campaign no. 2017120022 (steering column defect). Mercedes-benz corporate representatives provided conflicting information regarding whether the recall repair was completed in 2018. One representative stated it was performed; another stated no record exists. I was never notified that a recall repair had been completed. This inconsistency raises immediate concerns regarding recall documentation integrity and owner notification compliance. The identical steering column system has now failed again, resulting in a complete steering column lock and vehicle immobilization. The repair estimate exceeds $2,500. A total steering lock is a critical safety failure with clear risk implications. If the recall repair was completed, recurrence of the exact same safety-critical component failure within only a few years strongly indicates that the original recall remedy was either improperly performed, defective in itself, or fundamentally inadequate to eliminate the defect. Steering column assemblies are not routine wear items. Mercedes-trained master technicians have confirmed that such failures are rare over a vehicle’s lifetime and highly unusual shortly after replacement. Federal safety recall law requires manufacturers to fully and permanently remedy safety defects at no cost to the consumer. A failed recall remedy that results in repeat failure of the same component shifts the burden improperly onto the owner and undermines the purpose of the recall system. I respectfully request that NHTSA formally investigate whether recall 2017120022 has resulted in recurring steering column failures following recall repairs, evaluate the sufficiency of the remedy, review mercedes-benz USA’s recall tracking and notification procedures, and require reimbursement if the defect represents a failed recall correction. This matter shows a serious vehicle safety concern.
2013 C300 subframe rusted and cracking.
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.
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 with that low mileage, and these cars, mercedes C300s, are known to have this defect.
Rear subframe rusted out and failed. This caused vehicle to suddenly veer to left upon braking. Was fortunate to avoid hitting something. Dealer says common problem but mercedes isn’t recalling/replacing defective subframes.
Went to brake, heard a thump, car proceeded to loose control bearing to the left. Then went into other lane! could not regain control of the car until it came to a complete stop. No warning light came on,. Took to mechanic, put it on the lift found rear right side of the frame rotted. This car is garage kept, nothing else is rusted on the vehicle. The vehicle is not near any water. This a known problem with this model mercedes. Spoke with Mercedes Benz USA, was advised not to drive the car, the frame could detach and puncture gas tank!! I have seen the recall for the problem in canada and europe and the repairs were covered by mercedes. Now I have my only mode of transpiration, undriveable and sitting waiting on help!!.
The subframe of my car is completed rotted out. I've been reading mb forums and threads and this seems to be a universal issue. There needs to be a recall. My car started to giveway while driving down the highway. It took it to a mechanic and that's when the subframe rot was discovered. This is a major issue and needs to be made right with merecedes!.
Brought my car to the dealership because I was hearing a noise when going over bumps. Also noticed some instability when braking and driving at highway speeds. Dealer informed my my subframe had rusted and told me the car was unsafe to drive.
Driving my 300 down the highway at around 70mph and after lightly pressing the break, the car surved into right and left lane. I could have gotten into an accident, but luckily no other car was on the road. Taking my car to the mechanic it was discovered that my 2013 C300 has a rotted subframe, this was not caused by any damage but due to the part not being protected from rust. Rust caused the subframe to rot from the inside out. Many C300 have reported this issue, and the large number of failures on this subframe across my C300 and multiple models is concerning. This is a gross failure of a major safety component that can cause serious injury or death. My research showed this part has been recalled in canada; mbusa feels the need to wait to do so until a serious injury or death has occurred. The defective subframe is known and the new part’s design has been amended to take into account this rust issue. Mbusa’s decision exhibits a lack of accountability for a defective part and this issue needs to be promptly addressed for the safety of its customers.
Recall.
The rear subframe has failed. I have felt some swaying and decreased control when driving the car at higher speeds especially when braking and taking curves. My safety has been put at risk as the wheel could go out and cause an accident. I brought the car to the mechanics at goodyear as I thought it was the brakes. They informed me that the rear subframe was rusted from the inside out and was loose at the left rear toe arm. I am setting up an appointment to get this taken care of. As I am calling, mechanics are letting me know that the subframes are on backorder in the range of months. They say they are seeing this more often. I contacted the dealer and they said they can get a used one and replace it for $5200. I believe that if this is becoming more common where new ones are on backorder and this is obviously a safety issue then a recall should be issued. The car is only 9 years old and is garage-kept. I think that this idea of that type of rust at this point is absurd.
Vehicle was taken in for standard maintenance and I was informed that the rear sub-frame had a rusted through hole on one side and was rusting on the other. This vehicle is well maintained, garaged, and has normal annual maintenance with the dealership. There was no prior warning that this was an issue or "normal wear and tear" was causing this problem. The repair is quoted to be over 5k and I was told it is/will be essential because of a safety issue. Through some brief internet research, it appears like this is a larger problem and could have catastrophic problems if it is not caught before it fails.
I noticed that my car was pulling heavy to the left when I stop and strange noise in the rear of the car, after taking the car to the mechanic he told me that the car rear subframe on my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 was rotted, the control arm bracket completely broke off on the left side and the right side is also cracked. It appears that this is a common issue in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, the dealer told me that the car has a rotted rear subframe problem and the subframe could break out in months.
Mercedes C300 sedan sub frame has a hole and is breaking apart. It was taken in for service when the problem was found. I see multiple complaints for this occurring with other owners but there hasn't been a recall. . Read more...
Rear sub frame rust diagnosed at the dealer.
There are 3 recalls regarding my vehicle per Mercedes Benz and their database on their website. I took my vehicle for steering column to get repaired and the dealer did nothing about it. They are refusing to fix the recalls and told me that my vehicle is not under the manufacturer warranty. The dashboard is completely disabled with a warning messages and airbag light on. It disabled my honk, volume buttons, I cannot see tire pressure on my dashboard or how much miles there is left for gas and other features. Service manager told me he is unable to fix the recall and for me to contact Mercedes Benz customer service. They let me leave the dealership with my new born baby and two toddlers. I begged them to fix it and cried so much since I was scared to death to drive away with the problem like that and they still refused to do so. After I contacted mb customer service they looked into it and also stated that my vehicle is not going to be fixed for the recall due to non manufacturer warranty. Please help me out.
Car accelerated after taking a right turn into parking space and the brakes did not respond. Car went over a bank and finally stopped.
I had just entered the highway and less than a half a mile from entering the highway my sunroof exploded. There were no cars near me and no debris near my car. I contacted Mercedes Benz and they seem very unconcerned. When this occurred glass went everywhere, all over me and both the front and back sets. I was driving at a speed of 60 miles and hour. After gaining control of the car I got out and called the police and my insurance company. This was a terrifying experience.
The welds of the exhaust pipes to the muffler broke causing the muffler to slip of the pipes. This vehicle has been taken care of all schedule maintenance perform and driven only under normal driving conditions.