[fullpass]

Brand new member here: After ten years pretty much on your own, c300 relatively inexpensive car, used sub frames cheap on eBay…a loaded sub frame, differential, shocks, axes around 1300…used of course, but less labor…2500 dollar job local, but what doesn't cost 2500 on a Mercedes, they tell ya…if you buy a Mercedes expect to pay for maintenance, even though kind of a none typical issue…same thing with the steering lock problems, you pay for style, and if you can't work on your own, gets pricey…so what's the tipping point "10/10" Ten Years or 100,000 miles sell…just think when all cars are electric, less parts, but still rust issues and Fire!

 

[bbunny63]

I have a 2010 C300 and found out about the subframe corrosion when I took my car for brake work. I was lied to as well and told that there were no subframe inventory from Germany which is the only place they could get it. So I went on ebay and with my vin number was able to find a new subframe to fit my car at a better price than what they were quoting. Within a week, ebay shipped it with free shipping directly to my local repair shop which is ironically across the street from the MB dealership. They fixed it in a day for less than $1,000. I am disappointed in Mercedes-Benz dealership but am happy to be driving my car again. I just need to figure out what treatment is needed to prevent this corrosion/rust issue from happening again? If anyone knows, please share. Thanks.

How and where? Less than $1000 . Huge steal. Can you share your dealer address. Thanks.

 

[bbunny63]

How and where? Less than $1000 . Huge steal. Can you share your dealer address. Thanks.

Filed complaint on NHTSA. Rear left rusted sub frame. same issue. $4000 repair cost.

 

[Sandra13]

That is exactly what I am dealing with here in Missouri. My 2014 MB C300 4Matic came from Pennsylvania but I bought it less than 2 years ago. Almost had a wreck on rain-slick roads on 8/08. Crippled it over to the dealership & one side of my subframe was totally broken and the other almost all the way broken. Part is supposed to be here September 17 & will take 2 days to fix. It chewed up my back tires so I have to get new tires and an alignment. Total cost is over $4,400! Yes! We need a class action law suit & MB need to recall. My teenage son & I could have been killed on the freeway that day!

I have a 2012 C300 sport. I have had all maintenance and repairs done by the same dealer who sold me the car. During inspection last month I was told about sub frame rust , front axle damage , and something with the belt. I had a large maintenance done in the summer. I was quoted 7 grand for frame, axle, etc. The car won’t pass inspection without it. I didn’t want to pay so I took the car home to check on other options. On the way home the power steering went. So I got a tow and asked the dealer about a trade in. They said the rust is from road salt and they would give me 300 dollars for the car as a trade in. Needless to say I’m now searching for a new car. Not MB!

 

[Parknest]

I'm in the same situation myself. I've already posted on THIS thread.

Car is currently at a local dealer and I've also been in touch with @dave evans UK and he knows the full story with my C200.

 

[Parknest]

I've since spoken to the dealer and it is currenty with the warranty department. I shouldn't be charged for the subframe but the flexdisc between the propshaft and diff flange will need to be pleaced so I will have to pay for that.

 

[pcutler]

I'm considering purchasing a 2012 with 48k miles. It has spent its life in CT and serviced regularly. It looks pretty clean to me, does anyone see anything to be concerned about? Thanks!

 

[johnny3487]

From what I heard we all need to call National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -NHTSA 1-888-327423 and file a complaint about the rust issue and the unsafe driving conditions as a result of the issues. I called already and they were able to provide information on what could potentially be the next step towards an investigation in the event that they receive a lot of customers complaints a recall may happen to cover the expenses.

I filed a complaint with NHTSA for my car online. It was easy to do.

 

[fairchris2003]

Here is my update in case anyone is curious: I took my car to a dealer, they did a great diagnostic, confirmed I need a new sub frame, also noticed that because of the loose subframe, my brake liners are damaged and have to be replaces. They also showed me how some metal parts were hitting my gas tank and it is now damaged, but luckily no holes, so it will stay as is. My estimate was $12k, but that also includes front brakes which is unrelated. Subframe replacement itself is 1800 parts + 3800 labor. Brake liners another 3.5k. I called MB USA, they were very friendly and apologetic, but after investigation told me that since there are no recalls, they can only offer me 15% discount though the dealership. I ended up taking my car back to the local shop (dealer made me sign the paper that the car is not safe to drive and I accept it LOL) that I trust and they will do everything from the dealer's 12k estimate for 6k using oem parts (sub frame, brake liners, front brakes). And I have a feeling that the recall can still happen in few years, so I will definitely be keeping my receipts.

There is now (as of 2/14/23) an extended warranty coverage for the rear subframe. It covers retroactively the cost you incurred!!

 

[johnny3487]

There is now (as of 2/14/23) an extended warranty coverage for the rear subframe. It covers retroactively the cost you incurred!!

It also says they will cover retroactively costs incurred. Do you know if I previously paid $800 to have the subframe welded (as I was worried based on the sounds that it was ready to snap) if they will reimburse me for that cost?

 

[yugo26]

HERE ARE THE MODELS COVERED BY THE 20 YEAR WARRANTY.
Contact dealer for specific sub-model & Year.

• W/C 204
• R171
• R172
• C218
• R231
• X204
• W/S 212
• C/A 207

Warm Wishes.

 

[sophiam]

Hi Dave, I hope you are fine. I would love a copy of your Information sheet for the W204. My 2011 C200 failed MOT and I was told the subframe is completely rotten and needs replacing or I consider scrapping the car. Your help is much appreciated

 

[Coctailer]

I just made an appopintment for Friday at my local MB dealer. They confirmed there is a chance my subframe will be covered. They need to take pics, send them off, and get approval.
There will probably be SOME costs I will need to cover, but I'll be happy if they can fix it.
Love my 2012 C300 4Matic Sport!!

I was heartbroken when my local tire shop told me the bad news.Went to Google, and found this thread. Now I have hope!!

 

[johnny3487]

They covered mine. Just had it done.

 

[Coctailer]

I have my fingers crossed!

 

[lynsbentley]

They covered mine. Just had it done.

Hi! Dealing with the same issue, where is your dealer located? Trying to get to the bottom of this!

 

[lynsbentley]

I just made an appopintment for Friday at my local MB dealer. They confirmed there is a chance my subframe will be covered. They need to take pics, send them off, and get approval.
There will probably be SOME costs I will need to cover, but I'll be happy if they can fix it.
Love my 2012 C300 4Matic Sport!!

I was heartbroken when my local tire shop told me the bad news.Went to Google, and found this thread. Now I have hope!!

hi I would love toknow the outcome and where you’re located, dealing with the same issue and getting the runaround from the dealer!

 

[Coctailer]

Grand Rapids, MI
There was a Letter that was sent out to the owners of the vehicles letting them know that the warranty is extended to 20 years.

What is your year, and model Benz?

 

[johnny3487]

I just made an appopintment for Friday at my local MB dealer. They confirmed there is a chance my subframe will be covered. They need to take pics, send them off, and get approval.
There will probably be SOME costs I will need to cover, but I'll be happy if they can fix it.
Love my 2012 C300 4Matic Sport!!

I was heartbroken when my local tire shop told me the bad news.Went to Google, and found this thread. Now I have hope!!

They are in Ohio. But I emailed MBUSA first and they referred me to a dealer.

 

[lynsbentley]

Grand Rapids, MI There was a Letter that was sent out to the owners of the vehicles letting them know that the warranty is extended to 20 years. What is your year, and model Benz?

it’s a 2013 c300 - would you be willing to share that letter with me so I could share with my dealer? I’m located in Philadelphia