2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 476 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 23 C-Class model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 20 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
476 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Jan 4, 2023
The Rear Subframe of the car rotted out, making the car dangerous to drive. This problem has been identified by Mercedes and IS considered a safety hazard in Canada and Europe. This problem should also be covered here in the USA. Unfortunately Mercedes Benz USA will not offer any help here, instead trying to charge customers more than $7,000.00 for the repair. A frame should last the lifetime of a car, especially when the rest of the car has no to little rust on it. The Subframe is available for inspection, broken suspension puts everyone in and around the car at risk while it is on the road. This issue was inspected and confirmed by a local Mercedes dealer and a local mechanic. There were absolutely no warnings of the issue before it happened.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2022
During service B maintenance, a technician found rear subframe rusted through. Reportedly, there has been a large number of Mercedes C300’s with this very same problem, and Mercedes has a widely acknowledged the issue with rotted sub-frames. It’s a serious safety issue which led to recalls in other countries.
Suspension, Oct 27, 2022
The rear subframe of this vehicle is made of faulty materials and has completely rusted out leaving the suspension components which connect to it in danger of failing. The left rear wheel connecting trailing arm has already detached from the subframe. There have been numerous complaints about the 2010-2013 Mercedes C300 W204 rear subframe, many of which share exactly the same failure as my own. It is a known problem with this generation of Mercedes.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 11, 2022
I purchased the vehicle in 2010 & immediately had to have the electrical system for all lights replaced. The lights on the vehicle goes out every 2 mos as if theres an electrical issue. Air bags had a recall & have been replaced now the system states there is a malfunction. This started 09/08/22.
Electrical system, Seats, Oct 11, 2022
Power Seat Button Failed.
Suspension, Oct 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that their wife was driving approximately 60 mph when there was a strange noise coming from the vehicle as well as a shaking sensation. The driver pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed to their place of work. The vehicle was inspected by the tow truck mechanic who stated that the rear-sub frame had severe rust and was the cause of the failure. The contact had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Suspension, Oct 5, 2022
The rear subframe rusted and broke
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 1, 2022
Rear sub frame is corroded as shown to me by the Mercedes mechanic in a video he sent me.The car is available for inspection. I am nervous to drive now after hearing about the related problems others are having such as braking issues and swaying when the brakes are applied. The way I found out about the rear sub frame corrosion was when I needed work done at the dealer. This problem should not be happening to all of these vehicles. In other countries, Germany and Canada, to name a couple, Mercedes dealers are fixing this through a recall. Why not the US? The date below is when the mechanic told me about the problem and that it would cost $8000. to $10,000 to repair
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Aug 25, 2022
Rear subframe completely rusted through resulting in multiple attached systems to break off. When applying the brakes the rear end of the vehicle swings and can force the car into random directions. Upon any basic research this issue can be seen in similar Mercedes models across the globe consistently. If the issue was not diagnosed sooner the likelihood of a fatal crash would have been extremely high due to critical components like braking and suspension systems being nonfunctional. Many vehicles that experience this design flaw are well maintained and kept in good conditions. I urge the NHTSA to release some kind of warning to owners of these vehicles because this issue can blindside even the most vigilant owners. Many posts regarding this issue describe nearly avoiding severe accidents. Please do not let this go unheard because it can be fatal if not addressed.
Structure, Aug 24, 2022
I need to have my rear brake lines replaced they are blown out but they need to remove the subframe in order to complete the job. They discovered that the subframe is completely rotted and has a hole in it and they believe if they remove it the subframe will break and need to be replaced. They indicated this was a big safety issue and is a known issue on the Mercedes. I was lucky I did not kill myself driving this vehicle. It did come up with warning lamps for the brakes and I contacted the dealership and had it towed there, that's when they discovered the rotted subframe.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2022
Fuel smell when gas tank is full. Engine code P0456
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2022
Cracks have formed in the plastic cover over the fuel pump in the fuel tank under the back seat. Gas is seeping out when the tank is full.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 1, 2022
The dealer noticed that the rear suspension subframe had rusted and corroded with a hole. They rejected the passage of the state safety check. A review of online forums shows this is a common problem in these years and Canadian and German counterparts of MBUSA have issued recalls because a third party supplier provided the parts without sufficient corrosion protection. See eg. https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/805501-rotted-rear-subframe.html
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2022
The rear subframe rusted out. This seems to be common for this vehicle. Mercedes should replace for free. It’s recalled in other countries.
Suspension, Jun 27, 2022
The rear suspension cross member has rusted out on both sides. The rear wheels turn during braking, causing the vehicle to swerve. This is a original materials defect or design flaw.
Structure, Jun 21, 2022
Rear subframe corrosion hast rusted through and the subframe is no longer attached to the lower control arm car has only 56k miles this has been recalled in Canada and the issue needs to be addressed in the us it is a safety issue
Structure, Jun 15, 2022
Corrosion of sub frame. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. June 7, 2022 Viti service advisor reports rust hole in sub frame. Putting the safety of myself and family members at risk. Due to corrosion deteriorating the structural integrity of the sub frame. Sub frame could break causing catastrophic accident. Loss of control, rollover, fire, puncture fuel tank, etc. This appears to be a well known defect and is recalled in Canada. Vehicle was purchased and serviced at Viti from 2010 to present. Garaged. Vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance presentative or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2022
Filled up gas and strong gas smell can be smelt throughout the car and Check engine light came on, took car to auto zone for report. Stated emissions code was listed. Was told to replace gas cap and code should clear. Replaced gas cap, still had code. Took car to shop and was told this model has this issue with this specific year and newer, and the problem could be one of 3 things. Replace gas cap, did that, replace fuel pump closing cover, did that, replace purge valve canister, did that. Check engine light still comes on and strong gas smell still exist after each fill up. Mechanic told me reach out because there was a recall on this same model a few years back...
Suspension, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 29, 2022
My husband drove my car home from work on April 18th 2022 and it was a bad rain storm that everyone. He had to drive through a couple of big rain storms. Soon afterwards he got around the corner from the house and the electric system failed lights started going off everywhere in the car, he lost steering and couldn’t see and almost crashed and got the car home safely but it wouldn’t shut off so he had to disconnect the battery for the car to shut off. On April 22 nd the car was towed to the dealership because it wasn’t driveable and they check out the car and discovered water under the carpeting of the drivers seat near the wiring of the car. I submitted an insurance claim and an adjuster went out to see the damage and his thought is that it’s due to a known problem for this car that’s been reported by many people with this same vehicle. The Mercedes Benz c300- 2010-2014 years. I checked online and apparently many people have reported this same issue water underneath the car due to bad firewall manufacturered not sealed correctly which could be a manufacturers/ safety issue. My husband was almost killed thank goodness he made it home safe that night. I believe there are many people that have had this issue and someone needs to be done for safety purposes, and I believe the insurance doesn’t want to cover the repairs because they are blaming Mercedes’ Benz. My cars been in the shop a month and I still have no answer from State Farm or the shop Mercedes Benz.
Structure, May 20, 2022
I brought my car into the dealer to have my annual state required inspection, and was told by the dealer that the rear subframe had severe rot and corrosion, to an extent that they would not allow the car to pass inspection as it was hazardous to drive, and if the subframe cracked, for instance, by driving over a bump or pothole, I would endanger myself, passengers, and other cars on the road. I was stunned to find out that my Mercedes, a premium automobile, by a marquee manufacturer, which has a reputation for engineering/manufacturing excellence and had such significant corrosion. I was equally stunned because I have consistently maintained my car and done all the recommended maintenance. I asked the dealer service manager to hoist the car on a lift so I could inspect and verify the corrosion on the subframe. While I saw the significant corrosion on the subframe, all other parts of the underside of the car were in excellent shape and drive-able condition. This leads me to believe that there is a design/manufacturing flaw in the subframe. I researched this issue online and discovered that this exact Mercedes subframe has been recalled in other countries, but not in the U.S. It is a known and dangerous defect, Mercedes clearly knows it's a dangerous defect, and yet they have not recalled it. This has put me, my family, passengers and potentially other drivers at risk of serious harm and injury had the subframe broke while being driven. Additionally, it unfairly shifts the burden of repair onto the consumer rather than Mercedes for fixing a known and dangerous defect. Does a tragedy need to occur before this defective part is recalled? I hope not.
Structure, May 10, 2022
The rear sub-frame of my car has almost rusted in half. While driving on 95 I had to brake rather quickly and it felt as if the whole car was twisting. I called my mechanic the next day, drove in and put it on the lift only to find out that the sub-frame was almost detached from the car. Had this happened at 70 MPH it could have been disastrous. Mercedes knows about the design flaw but refuses to take any action.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2022
Gas smell inside the car. Fuel leak when gas tank us full.
Structure, Feb 9, 2022
rear sub frame rotted out and I nearly had an accident from this poor design and lack of notice from Mercedes. This should be a recall!
Suspension, Jan 24, 2022
Driver side subframe broke in half due to rust. However, vehicle has low mileage and was very well maintained and is in mint condition throughout with no signs of rust anywhere underneath on any parts. This subframe rusted through from the inside and with no way of being able to see or catch any warning signs for owners.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2021
After parking my car , turned ignition off, did some work for 45 minutes I came back attempting to start the car. The car won’t start, I am not hearing any of the normal sound that usually takes place when I place the key in ignition. Message on dashboard telling me to remove the key. Car will not start. After checking battery and calling mechanic they tell me the my steering wheel lock is bad. The ESL went bad out of nowhere. Car won’t start, steering wheel is locked and the only way to fix it is to take it Mercedes’ dealer and pay over $2000. I search on google and found out that this is a common issue with my 2010 C300. This is a manufacturing defect and Mercedes should recall it and pay for repair. In my case I parked my car in my garage, imagine if I was traveling on highway way and the steering wheel locks or failed on the side of busy interstate hwy. the worst part is that Mercedes dealer did nothing t warn me when I bought the car about this issue especially since it is know since 2008, and they will not allow after market parts to be installed by other mechanics. So this is defective and Mercedes should be forced to recall and replace for free. We should not wait for someone to die before this is fixed. This happened without any warning PLEASE FORCE MERCEDES TO RECALL AND FIX THE ESL NOW.