2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 26%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,609miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 26% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,609 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I ran off the road and my rear suspension sub frame literally broke in half. Upon further research I’ve learned that these parts are faulty and several people have had theirs rust completely in two. Mine had lots of rust damage and that is likely what caused the damage to mine when I ran off the road (MINOR impact that should have never caused that much damage). Mercedes has recalled this part in several countries including Germany and Canada. When I drove home after running off the road my car was nearly impossible to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11483577, filed 2022-09, 110,000 miles“Driving low speed in town in fair weather and hit brakes, noise and strange looseness in back end. Had nearby service station inspect and rear sub frame had rusted out, searched and found multiple reports of exact issue. Confirmed w/ local mb dealer known issue and they are seeing about 1 month now.”
NHTSA complaint #11363637, filed 2020-10, 140,000 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“The rear subframe has corroded around the areas where the trailing arm and control arm meet the subframe on both sides of the vehicle, and has disintegrated around the drivers side rear trailing arm causing it to have detached, along with a piece of the subframe. The metal of the subframe is distorted around the area of the break. The detached trailing arm and piece of subframe are now making contact with the fuel tank as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11352792, filed 2020-09, 92,000 miles“the rear subframe broke while in motion and caused the car to drift and bounce while i was cornering the traction control and stability control intervened and i also counter steered once back in straight line i braked and the car tilted on the side, we lifted the car in a mechanic shop and found a rotten subframe one side broke the other was almost giving up.”
NHTSA complaint #11569388, filed 2024-02Related service bulletins
- 11034932Jul 7, 2026Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel…
- 11032684May 13, 2026Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can…
- 11032599May 12, 2026Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel…
- 11017211Apr 21, 2025Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt, and environmental influences, corrosion may be…
- 11013183Jan 28, 2025Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering…
- 10164810Aug 5, 2019Throttle lift-off clunking noises at drive shafts of front axle
- 10135599Mar 24, 2015Clunking noise from front axle suspension strut or rear axle shock absorber on short strokes of the damper
- 10051975Dec 4, 2013Xentry (mercedes): with steering at full lock, noise can be heard, like knocking and/or creaking, coming from area of front axle when maneuvering. Models 203 (c240, 320, 32…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 22 | 6% |
| 2014 | 11 | 12% |
| 2013 | 67 | 26% |
| 2012 | 69 | 26% |
| 2011 | 60 | 13% |
| 2010 | 26 | 6% |
| 2009 | 36 | 6% |
| 2008 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
114 complaintsBody and structure
55 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 31, 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