2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 21%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 21% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“the Rear Subrame CRACKED while Driving, Almost causing a Major accident with my son in the car as well. This seems to be a MAJOR problem being overlooked and ignored by Mercedes Benz . This repair is going to Cost me $ 3000-$ 5000 Dollars. and the Replacement Subframe is Impossible to find and on Back order ! so Now I'm without a Vehicle for God knows How long ?? I Feel there is No Doubt this is a Defect and Should be Covered by Mercedes Benz and a Recall ! How is this not being investigated is Really Scary. How can a Frame or a Car just Crack ? That's Not safe for ANYBODY !”
NHTSA complaint #11483036, filed 2022-09, 135,000 miles“Rear subframe (as recalled in previous years) was completed corroded - failed virginia inspection - in such poor shape that entire subframe had to be replaced - corrosion riddled the piece so that huge holes resulted in no possibility of welding to fix/supplement weakness - auto repair place had not seen such a weak frame in such a relatively new car. Luckily - no accident occured but could easily have occurred due to corrosion. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389862, filed 2021-01, 149,212 miles“Rear subframe rotted out and broke due to corrosion. Rear crossmember is broken and needs replaced. My safety as well as the safely of other was put at risk. Loss of control at high speed could have been deadly. Luckily, I wasn’t going very fast at the time of incident or else who knows what would have happened to me or bystanders. Independent service center inspected and confirmed that incident was due to corrosion in the rear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11682005, filed 2025-08“During a routine oil change Mercedes mechanic discovered our rear subframe is rusted on both sides and needs to be replaced. This is apparently a well known problem, and Mercedes will replace this for free in Germany, but has not recalled the subframes in the US. Mercedes created a new OEM part as the replacement part, proving the original part is faulty. However Mercedes does not have enough parts ane every mechanic we have spoken with has several subframes on order for months at a time. We have waited 9 weeks at this point. …”
NHTSA complaint #11482722, filed 2022-09“Rare Subframe breaking off parts are not available for at least 6 months. I have kids and mechanics advise me to keep it off the road. My only means of transportation”
NHTSA complaint #11488700, filed 2022-10Related service bulletins
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise…
- 11036101Aug 6, 2026Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise…
- 11009122Oct 23, 2024Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump…
- 10252770Mar 12, 2024As previously reported, to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, avoid further costs of litigation and return focus to its core businesses, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA)…
- 10233780Mar 10, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000…
- 10232321Feb 10, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has extended the warranty for the rear subframe on the vehicles listed below, from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000…
- 10167038Feb 1, 2014This Service Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (DAG), manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that the seam seal at the spare tire well may not be to…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 12% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 14 | 14% |
| 2017 | 24 | 11% |
| 2016 | 28 | 10% |
| 2015 | 60 | 16% |
| 2014 | 9 | 10% |
| 2013 | 58 | 22% |
| 2012 | 55 | 21% |
| 2011 | 49 | 10% |
| 2010 | 34 | 8% |
| 2009 | 27 | 5% |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
114 complaintsSuspension
69 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology