This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The rear subframe of this vehicle has rusted on a seam and is cracking. I do not know if the seam is a weld or a bend in the metal. There is no corrosion on rest of the underbody. I do not know when the condition started. I noticed it upon braking. It felt as though the rear end of the vehicle was going to swing out around me. It started about three months before this report and got progressively worse. It was only noticeable when braking firmly from moderate or higher speeds, I have taken the vehicle to the Mercedes dealership and they advise the fault is not covered by warranty. A Google search would indicate that this is a problem occurring worldwide with Mercedes vehicles that use the identical sub frame to that in my vehicle.
Recently, I took my 2012 Mercedes E350 4Matic for an oil change and after inspecting the vehicle, I was informed by my mechanic that the car had a rusted sub-frame, with visible holes near the right rear wheel. I was told this needed to be immediately addressed as it was a safety issue. He explained that if not fixed, the wheel could detach from the vehicle while driving and could result in a crash or serious injury/death. My mechanic indicated that Mercedes Benz of America is aware of this issue and they do not offer any assistance with the necessary repair. However, I did some research online and learned that if you own a Mercedes, have this same issue and also live in Germany, you can take it to a dealer for a free repair. I find it outrageous that this is not a valid safety recall and even more so, having to pay nearly 3K for the repair in order to make the car safe to drive.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- The Woodlands, TX, USA