Authorized Mercedes Benz dealership in Ann Arbor, MI advised replacing tires, valve stems and other items. I dropped off the car at the dealership for the work. During Alignment they found right rear out of spec due to subframe rusted out. They said rear subframe replacement is needed. This is a very dangerous condition and Mercedes Benz does not cover rusted subframe replacement costs at all, neither do they advise routine checks for this problem which seems to be a very common issue for the C Class. In Europe and Canada, Mercedes replaces rusted subframes for free. Why is it not done for free in USA? This is a very serious issue and can cause serious and fatal accidents. The cost to replace rusted subframe is very high and car can break down while driving without any notice or warning. Additionally, there is no warning light or signal displayed to alert the driver of a potential problem. The car can have an accident without any warning light or alert.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

At a recent VA state inspection the mechanic noted that the "rear sub-frame rusted and rear coil springs bottoms are weak." This becomes a potential suspension issue and the sub-frame should not be rusting out so quickly. Additionally, when researching online it seems prohibitively expensive to replace the rear sub-frame but this is a safety concern and I have noted that a large number of these sub-frames are being replaced..

- Orlean, VA, USA

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.

- Clinton, MD, USA

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.

- West Deptford, NJ, USA

I think I-€™m a victim of odometer fraud

- Okc , OK, USA

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

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

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.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

My rear subframe is dropped my airbag lights keep coming on my suspension is terrible because of my suspension my rear subframe had dropped and my light warning for my lights keep coming

- Temple, PA, USA

My car every so often won"T start battery is good starter is good just does nothing happened over 10X had it towed to 5 mechanics shops and Mercedes can"T diagnose problem because after a day maybe two sometimes 4 or 5 the car will just start up on its own and then a few weeks or months we go through it all over again researched and other Mercedes C300 drivers have the same problem for months and its the steering lock module.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

Passenger seat air bag. The passenger seat air bag was replaced the end of October and now 4 months later it is doing the same thing over again. When someone sits in the seat the car states passenger seat air bag disabled. Also the passenger door lock does not work and will not allow me to unlock the door or even open

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

There is a smell of exaust fumes or perhaps burned oil in the cabin. After accelerating the smell is stronger. Opening roof or windows doesn't help.can only smell when driving.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

The plastic door handles which makes it possible for occupants to exit the car brakes, what happens in case of emergency for older, or disabled, children to exit" terrible can't get out of car in in an accident" look on the internet how many complaints, dealer said it is a bad engineering design

- Guthrie, OK, USA

Dear Mercedes Benz usa, first and foremost I would like to say I am a proud driver of a 2009 Mercedes Benz C300, I am emailing you regarding some concerns with Mercedes Benz vehicles and recalls. I have a recall on airbags for my Mercedes I've been patiently waiting (im sure like many others) to receive a letter to get my airbags installed into my vehicle.. a vehicle that currently do not have any airbags in it I am concerned with my safety at this point and would like to know if you can offer me an updated on the duration. Also, there is a common issue occurring with all class Mercedes that I feel should also have a recall I have read numerous of online posts regarding this same exact issue and that issue is the faulty steering lock/els/eis fault that does not allow Mercedes Benz holders to sometimes not be able to lock and unlocked their vehicles using Mercedes smart key fob and also not being able to start up vehicles it's literally a no response lose/lose situation causing the vehicle owner to get their vehicles towed to dealerships that charges $1000-$3000 to repair which is a bit pricey for a common issue with Mercedes vehicles I think I speak for majority of Mercedes owners on this matter. I ask for a recall or price reduction on this common issue. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lennox, CA, USA

Electronic ignition lock would not let me start the car. Car had been driving and starting fine. Went to work came out on lunch break, car would not start. Had to have car towed and Mercedes dealership said the electronic ignition had to be replaced for $1200. Looked up on line and discovered this is an ongoing problem with many owners. Called Mercedes corporate and they said they would only address the issue if there was a recall. So I am stuck paying for a faulty part that should be recalled.

- Nashville, TN, USA

In stationary position in a parking lot steer wheel locks up when parked with wheels forward / turning key to start engine does not work

- Riverside, CA, USA

My 2009 mb C300 is parked and will not start. I put the key in and turn it but nothing happens. The radio and internal lights do come on but not the car. The steering wheel is locked and I can't put it in neutral either (to push it out the garage). I have read many forums with many other owners having the same problem. This is unacceptable, if this is so commen in this car then it should have a longer warranty or recall. I have been very meticulous in the care of this car and this unfortunately will set me back financially and time. Please start an investigation!!!

- Carrollton, TX, USA

I experienced the infamous steering lock problem 5 days ago in my (now former) 2009 Mercedes C300. Prior to this problem occurring my car seemed to be working fine. I've always had all of the recommended services performed on time by the dealer. Then last Saturday I was running errands and after my third stop my car wouldn't start. I assumed it was the battery (even though it had been replaced less than 2 years ago) and I called Mercedes roadside assistance. The roadside technician tested the battery and said it was fine and he immediately suspected it was the steering lock problem. After a bit more testing he confirmed it was and he said the car would need to be towed to the dealer on a flatbed. It was Saturday and the dealer's service department was closing but I got there just in time to get a loaner car. Once I got home I started doing internet research on the problem and I found this website. I decided to go back to the dealer on Sunday when the service department was closed and ask if I could trade in the car. I printed out all of the reports on this site and took them with me. The salespeople claimed they had not heard of this problem but they were not interested in learning about it. I waiting until yesterday when I had the repair quote before I traded it in. The cost would have been $1,800 but they said I could use a 15% off service coupon. I also tried to show the reports from this site to the service advisor but he wasn't interested in seeing them either. I decided I really needed a car that was still under warranty so I traded it in last night. They subtracted $1,500 off the trade in value for this repair. I tried to get them to document it so I would have some evidence if there is repair refund offered in the future but they were not willing to do so.

- Los Altos, CA, USA

When I've got to the car, put the key in the ignition, and turn the key with no crank noise in the engine. After a lot of tries I had noticed that my steering was not unlocking, windows don't work no lights on like ABS, check engine or all the lights that come on with the key on the on position, and that the car would not shift in neutral. After trying to jump the car and rearming/disarming the alarm I checked on line and found out that a lot of people have the same problem with their Mercedes. Here is what I experienced 1.put key into ignition, steering wheel doesn't unlock. 2.instument cluster displays "remove key from ignition". 3.turn key to accessory, no lights on dashboard, only the radio works, windows don't work. 4.turn key all the way to start car, nothing happens.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

My 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 will no longer recognize my keys. I believe the problem lies within the computer system in the vehicle. Initially I was able to access my vehicle & was able to attempt to start the engine. However, the car would not turn over, but the dash would light up, instructing to take the key from the ignition. Thinking the problem was the battery, I waiting until the following day to have my vehicle looked at, hopefully by a professional. Currently, neither of my keys will even allow me to access the vehicle. The actual pop out key will allow me into the driver side, but there is not much else I can do from there. The trunk won't pop, the lights will not come on, and the ignition does not recognize that there is even a key in it. After doing some light research I've discovered that this is a common issue with this year/make/model. If the computer system has indeed malfunctioned, how many complaints for this problem does it take before the manufacturer considers this a recall issue? my vehicle is not under warranty, although from the similar complaints I have seen, the warranty would not cover this type of malfunction. My vehicle is safely parked in my driveway, however if the circumstances were different, and I was stuck in a not so safe part of town, this could be a major safety issue for young women like myself. I'm looking for a bit of insight on what steps need to be taken to avoid having to spend thousands of dollars out of pocket for an issue that ultimately could just be a glitch in the system that Mercedes Benz could handle accordingly.

- Savannah, GA, USA

I got off work last night drove my car home and parked it. This morning when I am about to head to work go into my car and it would not start all my lights came on in the car and even my headlight but it wouldn't start for nothing in the world. So I tryed to get a jump but that still wasn't the problem. Now I have to have it towed to a dealer.

- Lancaster, CA, USA