2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Complaint Log

2013 MB C300 4matic with 63K miles. It was taken to an MB dealership for yearly maintenance (Service A). A certified maint. tech provided me with an inspection video of the underneath of the car outlining an issue with the rear subframe. The right side has a hole rusted through it and the left side is rusted, but not rusted through...yet. Replacement is recommended, as it will not pass state inspection in it's current condition because it's a safety issue. They also advised that they have seen a few instances of this problem and have contacted Corporate. This is a 8-9 yr. old vehicle with low mileage and has had consistent maintenance at an MB dealership. The car was inspected in May 2021. There was no indication given at that time, that the subframe was rusting, could be a safety issue, and result in a replacement totaling over $5K. Once the information was provided during the recent service, I did research and found that this is an issue going back a few years. Some owner's have had this part break while driving causing a dangerous and potential life threatening situation. I then contacted MB customer advocacy to go over the issue and cost involved. I was advised that MB does not assist in repairing the vehicle. However, they would investigate and get back to me. I supplied information to them on 2/9/22 and am waiting for a response. I purchased this vehicle because of the quality of the brand, MB's reputation and longevity. I will not drive the car due to its diagnosis and other owner evidence that the subframe could potentially break while I am driving. It is unacceptable that a major structural component could fail on a vehicle of this age. This requires a recall of the subframe and MB's responsibility for the cost of the repairs.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,775.

I’ve had 2 c300 Mercedes models in the past 8 months both used and were driving fine until rain water and car washes caused electrical damage there is a water leaking issue that goes into the floorbeds of the vehicle that causes the car to malfunction

Rear Cross Member Sub frame rusted through and broke in half causing lack of control of the car when braking. It is very difficult to control the car at low speed (25mph or less) and would be virtually impossible at highway speed. Had this component failed under a highway speed situation, the loss of control could have resulted in loss of life and property. Component has been removed from vehicle and is available for inspection. Video of the removal available for review as well. Mercedes dealership was contacted. They were unwilling to discuss the failure and referred us to the corporate office who have not responded to calls. There were no indications that the part was in danger of failing. Car had passed inspection in November. After the failure we conducted research online and found that this is a common and known problem on this model car. It is time for it to be addresses. Under no circumstance should a car that is 8 years old have a structural component of that nature fail.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine service, he was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact also stated that while driving at highway speeds, the rear of the vehicle was shaking while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

COMPONENT FAILURE - Broken rear cross member driver side. Total and Complete failure and separation of rear mount from cross member due to corrosion of components. Passenger side rear cross member at same location found to be "near-failure" state at same location during replacement. (Rear cross member is physically available for inspection and photos are also available). Overall condition of the cross member is excellent other than at the TWO locations where the mounts connect to the cross member which have extensive corrosion, rust thru and failure at driver's side. SAFETY - Safety was put at risk as the car would pull to left when brakes were applied and it continued to get worse, fortunately we limped the car to a repair location before a fatal accident occurred. The worse part of this whole situation is that Mercedes has encountered this issue before (per research on web sites) and has chosen to not address in the United States. Per research, they have recalled this issue in both the UK and Canada as well as specific dealers in Germany have reimbursed owners for repairs of this issue. This vehicle had recently been to the dealer for services and Firestone for tires and alignment and nobody had noticed the severity of rust. WARNING - No warning lamps, the only advance notice was the vehicle starting to pull toward the left which is what prompted us to seek out repair service. Once, the repair service (Firestone) immediately saw the total failure of the mount disconnected from the subframe they immediately diagnosed the problem with the car pulling to the left.

While driving at low speed, there was a sudden imbalance in the steering wheel and the car started to pull to the right. The problem was more exaggerated while breaking with significant fishtailing. I immediately took the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz dealership who diagnosed the problem as severely rusted subframe with corrosion and structural instability especially near the rear passenger side wheel. The car is Mercedes C300 4Matic 2013. The incident happened on November 24, 2021. Mileage is 77,000 miles. Should I have waited longer, there was a very high probability of complete breakdown of the subframe which would result in rollover posing high risk of injury and death to the driver and other people on the road.

Vehicle subframe has rusted through and parts of left rear suspension components are free, and one is about to poke a hole in the fuel tank. The right side is about to do the same. Everyone’s safety is at high risk with this problem. The car abruptly pulls to the left when applying the brakes as well as causing the car to shimmy on the interstate. I took it to my mechanic who to.d me what has happened, and I had it towed to the Mercedes dealership who confirmed the problem. When you search the internet you find a highly alarming number of people who have this same problem on 2009-2014 C300 models please do something before someone gets killed.

Mercedes C300 2013, bought used in 2014 at approximately 7300 miles on the odometer, have always done the repairs and maintenances at Mercedes dealerships. In either late 2019 or early 2020 at around $50,000 miles on the odometer, the dealer informed me that the "rear sub frame is rusted and has hole in it" and recommend for the replacement of the rear sub frame, they even refused to pass my state safety inspection because of it. In October 2021 at approximately 67,000 miles on the odometer, it was determined that it was the time for the sub frame to get replaced at a price tag of more than $8000. Upon calling Mercedes corporate customer service and complaining to the dealership, Mercedes is willing to offer so called "Good Will Assistance" but I am still responsible for more than 50% of the cost. Mercedes dealership advised me this is a common issue for this type of vehicle and my case is not a single case. This is a great safety concern and driving this vehicle has been a uncomfortable experience. I strongly believe the sub frame issue is a manufacturer defect and there should be recall issued on it. Thanks.

over the last week I noticed a strong gas smell outside the car as I walk around in the back I check the gas cap and it seals normally and stronger than the smell that comes out of the gas cap

The subframe rotted out causing the lower control arm bracket to detach from the frame. This has caused loss of control of the back left wheel and causes the car to shake and swerve when braking. This exact issue has led to recall in Canada. First noticed due to a squeaking and clunking sound. Later on the same day, I pressed the brakes on the highway and felt the described shaking/swerving. My mechanic has let me know that the car is now un-drivable due to the safety issue this causes. One of the rear subframe’s main purposes is to absorb and disperse impact. Not only have I entirely lost control of the rear left, but any crash that this could have led to could have been significantly more dangerous due to the failed subframe. As stated prior, this exact issue has led to recall in Canada and I believe that it should lead to recall in the USA as well.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the rear of the vehicle started fishtailing with extreme vibration making the vehicle very unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered the rear passenger’s side subframe was severely rusted causing a section near the rear passenger’s side wheel detaches. The cause of the corrosion was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,500.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, she started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence however while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle was pulling to the left. The contact continued driving to her residence. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s side rear axle and brake line was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.

MB have 51 000 miles at 1300 rpm acceleration getting rattling noise, just started two week.

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his daughter lost control of the vehicle upon the depression of the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle would veer off the road without warning. His daughter had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the subframe had severe corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed his daughter that they could not offer any assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

During a routine maintenance inspection at the Mercedes dealer, the mechanic found the rear subframe on the left and right sides of the car is rusting. Eventually it will rust through and possibly causing the loss of the control arms and wheels. At that point the car could become uncontrollable. The issue was discussed with Mercedes Benz USA Customer Advocacy. They informed me the once a vehicle falls outside warranty repairs are at the owners expense. Although the car is 8 years old it has only 51,000 miles. This is a known issue with my model year and in fact there is a recall in Canada for this issue.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph when they attempted to apply the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to stop and emitted a rumbling noise. The contact stated the vehicle's rear end had swerved causing them to use excessive force in order to avoid a crash. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road where they waited before continuing driving. There were no warning lights. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear subframe on the driver's side had severe rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

As I sat in my vehicle waiting for the traffic light. I felt a sudden hit on my head. At that moment I was confused, and thought someone had rear ended me. So like anybody would, I pulled over only to find out that the headrest on my 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 had came apart. It seems like the plastic inside tore apart from the springs causing pressure for it to deploy.

High pressure fuel pump failure causes unsafe driving conditions

Rusting subframe to point of hole thru rust be leaf rear wheel/tire area. Garaged daily since purchased 2013. Reside in Ohio. Approx 80k miles.

Vehicle completely shut down while traveling on interstate. Ignition switch malfunction and went dead, also steering column locked causing me to lose control of steering functions.

I was told by the Mercedes Benz service center I take my car to that the timing chain and cam adjusters failed. I have a Mercedes Benz 2013 C250, with only 58,000 miles on it. I have my car serviced on time. I was driving my car on the highway, thank God I stopped at a local drugstore and when I tried to turn my car back on, only the lights will come on. It would not start up, and I had to have my car towed to the MB Hunt Valley service center where I get my car serviced. The Service Rep told me I had to have the timing chain, camadjusters, and lower guide rails replaced costing $6000. There is a extended warranty on the camadjusters which took the price down to 3600 which is still pricey. Which makes me wonder shouldn't the timing chaing also be under extended waranty. This type of event should only happen at least after the car reaches 100,000 miles. I have called Mercedes Benz customer service and awaiting for someone to call me back to see if they can assist. Awaiting a response as of 8/2/2021. I called after getting diagnoses which was 7/30/21. I have read numerous other reports of this same exact issue happening to other people. This is a extreme risk and safety matter that needs to be addressed by Mercedes Benz as a recall. Being newer model cars, the timing chain and camshaft adjusters should not fail, and most definitely not fail at 58,000 miles. Please look into this before someone gets hurt.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt would not retract and was unable to lock and secure the driver. Also, the rear driver’s side seat belt ceased and was unable to pull out and lock to secure the driver’s side rear seat passenger. The rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to retract and would not secure the passenger side rear seat passenger. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

AFTER OWNING A CPO,FOR ABOUT5 YEARS. RECENTLY THE TILT/ MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WITHOUT ANY TOOLS IN HIS HANDS HE FIXED IT.ABOUT 6MONTHS IT WORKED FINE,THEN IT STOPPED.I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THE ADVISOR THAT FIXED IT IS NO LONGER WORKING THERE,NOBODY ELSE HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS METHOD?I'M NOT DREAMING HE GAVE ME HIS CARD AFTERWARDS,SO HE DOES EXIST..

The Contact owns a 2013 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a knocking sound and an abnormal vibration when driving. The Contact took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection and the Dealer found the Sub Frame was corroded and had a hole. The dealer advised that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,0000.

Mercedes dealership mechanic found rear subframe rusted through on 5/20/21 during oil change. Mechanic advised car is unsafe to drive, subframe can break apart while driving and cause accident. Dealership also advised this is a known issue with my model/year vehicle but currently no recall for it in the US, but there is a recall for this issue in Canada. I called Mercedes Benz USA customer care and spoke to a supervisor Benjamin who said they will not cover any repair expense for this issue.

DRIVING VEHICLE NORMALLY AND TURN THE WHEEL AND HEAR CLICKING SOUND FROM AROUND STEERING WHEEL. FRONT, DRIVERS AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND HORN NOR ANY CONTROLS ON STEERING WHEEL WORK AT ALL. ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED "FRONT LEFT MALFUNCTION, SERVICE REQUIRED" SYMBOL FOR AIRBAG DISPLAYED. TOOK VEHICLE TO MERCEDES OF PALM BEACH DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEIR WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THIS MODEL. I MENTIONED CAMPAIGN 2017120024 (ELEC) CAMPAIGN DESC. 1709P46C62 (ELEC) AND THEY STATE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPUTABLE ESTABLISHED MERCEDES REPAIR SHOP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS "NO COMMUNICATION WITH STEERING CONTROL MODULE" REPAIRMAN STATES THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AS THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND THE HORNS INABILITY TO FUNCTION PREVENTS THE DRIVER FROM ALERTING ANY OTHER DRIVERS IF THEY STRAY FROM LANE, ARE BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE, OR DISTRACTED AT A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

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. HTTPS://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/MERCEDESBENZ/C300/SUSPENSION-PROBLEMS.PHP

THE REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH RISKING THE CONTROL ARMS FROM DETACHING FROM THE FRAME. THIS COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE WITH THE RIGHT, REAR WHEEL AND CONTROL ARM FROM DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE.

REAR SUB FRAME RUST DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER

I HAVE SEVERAL SAFTEY RECALLS AND PERFORMANCE RECALLS. RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS NOT OPERABLE DUE TO THESE RECALLS. THERE IS NO DEALER ON MY ISLAND. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM HAWAII AND SHIPPED TO GUAM. THE DEALER IS REQUESTING US TO SHIP BACK THE VEHICLE TO FIX THESE RECALLS. WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT 10,000.00 FOR SHIPPING. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I10 I WAS DOING 65 MPH I TRY TO PASS A CAR SO I ACCELERATED THE CAR BUT THE CAR WAS NOT GETTING THE POWER AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I SAFELY PULL OUT OF THE FREEWAY AND INSPECTED THE CAR WITH A SCANNER AND IT SHOWED A CODE SO I SEARCH IN GOOGLE AND IT APPEARS A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, I MANAGED TO TAKE THE CAR TO MY HOUSE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISAPPEARED BUT THE RPM'S WHERE IRREGULAR AND THE ACCELERATION WAS FAILING MORE OFTEN. IT APPEARS THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WHILE I WAS LOOKING IN GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE.

ELV LOCK FAILURE ON THE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, VEHICLE DISABLED

II WAS DRIVING AND CAR STEERING WHEEL GET STUCK DID NOT MOVE UP AND DOWN AND ALSO FRONT RIGHT SEAT DID NOT MOVE.

I WAS ON THE 99 FREEWAY DRIVING NORMAL SPEED AND HIT BRAKES TO TAKE THE DENAIR EXIT. THE CAR SPED UP! LIKE TURBO POWER! THE SPEEDOMETER WAS AT 90 MPH AS I FLEW THROUGH A RED LIGHT AT TOP OF THE RAMP! I HAD TO CONTINUE DOWN RAMP BACK ON FREEWAY. PUSHING AND PUSHING ON BRAKES BUT NOTHING HAPPENED! NEXT RAMP WAS A BIT STEEPER , SO TRIED AGAIN TO SLOW CAR DOWN! IT STARTED TO SLOW AND I WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AS IT CAME TO STOP AND I POWERED THE CAR OFF. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES FROM HOME AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO MERCEDES OF STOCKTON. AFTER THEIR REPAIR DEPARTMENT CHECKED MY CAR, THEY FOUND THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS BAD AND THE TURBO PIPE HOSE WAS TORN( DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR). I HAD PREVIOUSLY (2 MONTHS EARLIER)HAD MY CAR IN FOR COMPLETE CHECK UP BY THE STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA DEALERSHIP AND NOTHING WAS DETECTED. I FEEL THIS A SAFETY ISSUE! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! ALSO I BELIEVE THIS TO BE MANUFACTURE DEFAULT, THE COST TO FIX IS $2,400, AND I ALWAYS BRING MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR SERVING. THANK YOU

AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED ONCE THEY CAR WAS TURN ON, AS I SHIFTED TO REVERSE TO BACK AWAY FROM A PARKING SPOT, AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO IMPACT, NO COLLISION, NO POT HOLES. VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TONREVERSE. AIRBAG STRUCK PRIMARILY IN THE CHEST, NECK, AND THROAT. WHIPLASH EFFECT HAS ALSO CAUSE LOWER BACK PAIN.

I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS & THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AT REFUSES TO LOOK AT IT UNLESS I PAY THEM FIRST.

CAR LOST POWER, DIDN'T OVERHEAT. FOUND OUT THE TENSION AND TIMING AND HEADS NEED REPLACING AFTER 89,000 MILES

ENGINE START NOCKING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN STOPPED ,TOOK IT TO MERCEDES DEALER , OVER 10000.00 TO FIX IT , CAM SHAFT ADJUSTER FAILED AND DAMAGED CYLINDER HEAD.

THE RECALL WAS FROM JAN 2019, BUT THE AIRBAG PART\ AVAILABILITY IS STILL PENDING AFTER 1.5 YEARS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MERCEDES BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF WEST CHESTER DEALER (1260 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382) TO BE SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). DUE TO THE PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE AT THAT TIME, BOTH HER DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WERE TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED AT THE TIME THAT THE DEALER'S POLICY WAS TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS TURNED OFF UNTIL THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. ON JULY 19,2020, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A SEIZURE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. DUE TO THE SEIZURE, THE CONTACT SIDE SWIPED A TELEPHONE POLE AND DROVE INTO A FLOWER BED. ONCE SHE RAN OVER THE FLOWER BED, THE VEHICLE CATAPULTED INTO THE AIR AND THE VEHICLE LANDED ON HER DRIVER SIDE. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, WHICH WERE STILL ACTIVATED, DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED AND THE PARAMEDIC WERE FORCED TO BREAK THROUGH HER WINDSHIELD AND SUNROOF TO REMOVE HER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS IMMEDIATELY TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS TREATED FOR A CONCUSSION AND A MISSING TOOTH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PLACED INTO THE POSSESSION OF HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,815. *DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB

SLICING MY HAND OPEN ON MY STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED. I WAS AT THE CAR WASH THE CAR WAS SITTING STILL, THE KEYS WERE NOT IN I THE IGNITION AND DRIVER DOOR WAS OPEN. I REACHED MY ARM THROUGH THE TOP OPENING OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO INSERT MY KEY FOB AND START MY CAR. WHEN I STARTED PULLING MY ARM BACK THROUGH, THE METALLIC TRIM ON TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL FRAYED AND SLICED OPEN MY MIDDLE FINGER ON MY RIGHT HAND. I CAN BARELY DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT WHERE MY HAND IS GOING TO GO THE WRONG WAY AND BE SLICED BY PART OF MY STEERING WHEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS IT'S VERY DANGEROUS.

THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK FAILED WHILE IN THE PARKED POSITION. A TINY MOTOR INSIDE HAS BURNED UP AND IT NOW PREVENTS YOU FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT SELL ME A REPLACEMENT TO REPAIR ON MY OWN AND I MUST TAKE IT IN TO THEM FOR REPAIR AT A COST OF OVER $1800.00. THIS IS A VERY COMMON DEFECT FAILURE IN THIS SERIES OF 2008 TO 2014 MERCEDES BENZ. I HAVE A 2005 MERCEDES WHICH DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE UNIT AND IS OPERATING CORRECTLY AFTER 15 YEARS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C250. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES BENZ OF OKLAHOMA CITY (14240 BROADWAY EXT, EDMOND, OK 73013) TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS). UPON RETURN OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S AIR BAG WAS DISABLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO BUCKLE AND OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE LEFT IN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR LIGHT FAILURE AND SHE WAS ALSO GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR OF THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AROUND 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST POWER AND START SHAKING ACTING LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO FORWARD, I WAS AFRAID THAT IT WAS GOING SHUT DOWN ON ME AND A LOT OF CARS WAS COMING BEHIND ME I WAS SO AFRAID I WAS GOING TO BE IN A BAD ACCIDENT, I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT I WAS AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF ON ME AND NOT START BACK UP BUT I MANAGE TO MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSE BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WENT TO THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSE AND THE CODE CAME UP FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS I HAD THEM REPLACED, THEN MY CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I WOULD DRIVE IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AGAIN STAY ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND GO BACK OFF AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND I WAS INFORM THAT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN BUT I DIDN'T BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I HAD JUST REPLACED THE SENSORS AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND I DIDN'T HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON IT AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 1/2 YEARS, I STILL DIDN'T BELIEVE IT THEN MY CAR STARTED TO HESITATE ON STARTING UP AND LOOSING POWER WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT AGAIN, SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZE IN FIXING MERCEDES BENZ AND IT CAME BACK WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS DUE TO TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN NEED REPLACING. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE 2 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS ON THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST ME AROUND 5000.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON TIME, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.

UNDER HEAVY BRAKING FOR A VEHICLE THAT INADVERTENTLY PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME MY DRIVERS SEAT APPEARED TO TORQUE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT ONE SIDE OF THE POWER SEAT IS SEEMINGLY OFF TRACK AND WILL NOT MOVE. THE SEAT IS STUCK. *TR

Per the attached Repair Order 948486 dated May 13, 2020, when I brought in the car to Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach for the airbag recall, I thought both of the Takata airbags were replaced and not just the passenger airbag. In fact, Repair Bill Job A states: “Replace Driver and Front Passenger Airbag”. “No Charge” I did not notice that they only replaced the passenger airbag. I would not have known the driver’s side was not replaced if the airbag warning light did not come on. Please direct Fletcher Jones to finish this repair properly. Per the enclosed photos, my dash display now has an image of the airbag and it says “Front Left Malfunction Service Required”. I am very worried what will happen if we get into an accident. Per the highlighted text attached, on April 14, 2021, a driver reported: “Front drivers air bag malfunction light is illuminated and horn nor any controls on steering wheel work at all.” I checked the horn and the steering wheel controls on our C250 when I read this. I discovered they do not work on our car as well. This drivers report goes on to say: “…repairman states this is a common issue with this car. I believe this is a serious safety issue with this vehicle as the airbag malfunction can possibly cause serious injury to the driver and the horns inability to function prevents the driver from alerting any other drivers if they stray from lane, are backing out of parking space, or distracted at a red traffic signal.” On Repair Order 948486 Fletcher Jones tried to reset the headrest which popped open when I sat in the car and put my head against it to rest. It was not due to any accident, the car was stationary. Fletcher Jones could not reset the headrest and asked for $1200 for a new one. Clearly this is also a defect because it did not occur during an accident and the headrest should not have separated. An attached article shows the Takata airbag problems still exist as ticking time bombs. MB CEO did not reply to my letter.

THE TIMING MECHANISM COMMONLY FAILS IN 2012-2013-2014 CARS AND THE ENGINE MAY STUTTER OR TOTALLY FAIL. THE LOCAL DEALER WANTS $7820 TO REPAIR THE CONDITION IN A CAR WHICH HAD LESS THAN 58000 MILES. THE WARRANTY IS OVER AT 50000 MILES. THE FAILURE IS COMMON AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND.MANY OF THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I CAN FAX MORE DETAILS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V010000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

WHILE PULLING INTO GARAGE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN PLACE AND WOULD NOT TURN. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A FAULTY ESL (ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK), THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED AT A COST TO ME OF $1,140.70. MERCEDES BENZ USA REFUSED TO REIMBURSE.