2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Structure

Rusted, corroded subframe. Diagnosed by dealer as unsafe to drive upon 70K service visit.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being State Inspected, the vehicle failed due to a rusted subframe. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was sway coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. There was also a slight vibration coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, after depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was jerking and steering to the left independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000. The contact stated that the rusty subframe was so bad that if a piece had broken off it could have punctured the gas tank. The contact paid for the repairs necessary to fix the issues.

Subframe is rusting and will cause structural failure. If failure happens car stability will be compromised and therefore cause an accident. Detected and confirmed by independent service center. Not inspected by dealer or ins. No warnings triggered since system not set up for that detection. Part in such high demand that there is a 10 mo wait via several dealer parts depts.

Upon routine maintenance visit to manufacturer dealer, was told that rear subframe assembly was corroded and could fail. Took vehicle to other local manufacturer dealer and they confirmed the same. Was able to catch the issue before incident, but was told subframe failure was imminent.

I PURCHASED THE CAR (CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED) ON DECEMBER 18, 2014. ON FEBRUARY 13, 2015 I WAS PARKING IN A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT THE CRASH. AT FIRST I THOUGHT A VEHICLE HAD RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR. HOWEVER, IT TURNED OUT MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER CAR. I HAD JUST PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPOT (WHICH WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE) AND WAS ABOUT TO PUT IT IN PARK WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE OTHER CAR INVOLVED AND FILED WITH MY INSURANCE. ONCE I HAD MY VEHICLE BACK, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WAS MOVING BACKWARDS. I THEN TESTED THE CAR ON A SLIGHT INCLINE (5-10 DEGREES) AND WHILE IN DRIVE. IT ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CONTINUED TO ROLL UNTIL I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE. THIS CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN AUTOMATIC ROLLING BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE DRIVE POSITION - ESPECIALLY ON A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS "NORMAL". *TR