25 of the
1,046 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLK350
are about the suspension —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated that after reversing out of the garage, there was a large rust puddle near the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The driver returned to the residence, and the contact also noticed the clunking sound as the driver was pulling into the driveway. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear coil spring had fractured in half. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the fractured rear coil spring had damaged the shock absorbers and other components. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to schedule an appointment. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11755258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a safety issue involving my Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 following repairs performed by an authorized dealership, Critz Mercedes-Benz in Savannah, Georgia. I brought the vehicle in due to persistent noise when shifting gears and steering-related symptoms. I asked the dealership to fully investigate the cause of the issue and not limit the diagnosis or repair to any single system, as I am not a mechanic and relied on their expertise. I paid $5,674.90 for the repair. During the process, a service advisor contacted me regarding an additional charge of approximately $800, which I approved to ensure the vehicle was repaired correctly and to avoid any claim that I declined recommended work. After the first repair, the noise was still present. I contacted the service advisor and returned the vehicle. After the vehicle had already been released to me, the dealership’s own technician recorded a diagnostic video stating that a suspension arm was “about to break.” I have the video and the email containing the link. This confirms the vehicle was returned to me with a serious unresolved safety defect, and I returned it after learning of this issue. The dealership performed additional work and released the vehicle again, but the noise remained. I asked the service advisor to hear the noise in person, after which he verbally stated that “all GLK 350s do that.” I later sent a text expressing my concern, and he replied in writing stating the same. I also have a saved and transcribed voicemail repeating this statement. Since the repair, the condition has worsened. Steering noise continues and braking effectiveness has degraded, requiring longer stopping distance. Because steering and suspension directly affect braking and vehicle control, this presents a safety risk. Due to the expense of the failed repair, I have no immediate alternative transportation and have been forced to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11705730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I brought my car in to my local mechanic and was told my rear suspension was corroded. He said it would cost around five thousand dollars to repair. I researched online and found mercedes did not have a recall but has extended the warranty and will cover the repair to the rear suspension. The mercedes dealer called me and told me my brake lines were rusted out and needed replacement and that it was not covered by the extended warranty and would cost thirty five hundred dollars. In all my years of driving, I have never had the brake lines rust out on a vehicle and can't imagine that this is not related to the suspension issue. I have done some research and seen many mercedes owners have had the same complaint. I believe mercedes benz should be responsible for this repair just like they are responsible for the corrosion with the rear suspension.
NHTSA complaint #11701710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My rear subframe is rotted out but won't be replaced under warranty because there are no rust holes in the metal. The rust is very extensive, and the car isn't safe to drive. The rear metal brake lines are also rotten and need to be replaced. I've owned many cars older than this one with more miles, and I've never had rusted-out brake lines. This is a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11607686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The following are malfunctions that are a high risk when driving: •airbags •ball joints •coolant •control arms •electrical power system It is a risk when driving due to the ball joints and control arms not properly secured. Engine warning light
NHTSA complaint #11563424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just had my vehicle in the shop for starting problem and oil leak. The former mercedes mechanic told me about my subframe having holes in it and the rear wheel moving forward and back during braking. I'm taking it to the dealership for replacement, but I'm upset knowing that I just took a 1400 mile trip with this problem on my vehicle with family in the vehicle and it could have been catastrophic for us all. I've received no notice of the 20 year extended warranty on this vehicle, but a notice of the Takata airbag issue was received recently by me. Not notifying me is irresponsible. I hope everyone gets this repaired before a life is lost.
NHTSA complaint #11555455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corrosión en toda la parte trasera (subframe) que sujeta la suspensión haciendo el carro inestable a la hora de detener el automóvil, y apaga los sistemas ABS,ESP. lo cual lo hace mas peligrosa la conducción. Si Toyota hizo el cambio en sus vehículos con por que mercedes benz deberia comprometerse a repara esta parte. Ya que es un riesgo a la seguridad.
NHTSA complaint #11554522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subframe is completely rotted. Taken to several mechanics who were unable to diagnose handling problems and severe tire wear. After research this is a common problem, we were never notified this could be an extremely dangerous and hidden issue. Car is unsafe to operate without expensive repairs. Unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11541939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subframe of the car rusted and rotted from inside out. to the point of rear suspension completely detached from subframe. it caused my car to fish tail and lose control under even slow breaking conditions. once we discovered the problem we were told the car was a death trap and was absolutely unsafe to operate. we found out this is a common problem for this MB model type. the problem was already under recall in Europe. there are thousands of existing owner complains about the exact same issue. MB USA initially refused to acknowledge the problem, but on 2/14/2023 they sent a memo to all US dealers to repair rotted subframe for free under "extended warrantee". however, they refused to pay for the full repair even after dealership specifically informed them that it was not possible to complete the repair without replacing thrust arm and rod, which were damaged due to the Subframe failure. this incident endangered me and my family, cost $2000+ out of pocket for repairs in addition to the loss of access to my vehicle for at least 3 weeks.
NHTSA complaint #11507640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After breaking hard the vehicle started to pull left and the rear felt like it had locked up. I took it immediately to my local mechanic who diagnosed a prematurely rotted out subframe. I am in the process of having MB review and quote for the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11506087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of a 2010 Mercedes GLK 350 with 102,531 miles. The problem I have is the rear subframe rusted with a crack on the rear subframe making it very dangerous if the rear subframe fails while driving. This issue has become very popular with the c class Mercedes Benz.
NHTSA complaint #11496509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 10/5/22, my wife was driving her 2010 GLK 350 to work, suddenly she felt the break pedal was going deep inside easily and noticed break fluid light warning sign in dashboard. She was scared to drive and slowly drove car to Mercedes authorized technician. After diagnosis, MB technician said the issue in not just on break fluid leaks but the entire breaking system is failing due to rear subframe rust which holds the entire suspension and body. He said car is not safe to drive will cost $4K to $10k to repair. Called another dealer near by said the same as this is common issue with Mercedes due to snow the subframe rust during winter. It is ironic that even with frequent servicing with dealer they never found these rust issue early because rusting process started early on any metals. Went online to dig deeper on this issue and surprised this issue is widespread check https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/805501-rotted-rear-subframe-2.html#post8650716 Apparently Mercedes recalled all C class cars to replace subframe as they realized it is their design issue in Europe, UK and Canada. Here in USA dealers give excuses saying it due to winter snow it rust even though they did not catch such dangerous safety issue in the car. Imagine if how severe this break safety issue. Please take action on Mercedes Benz to address this safety issue US, specially it has been addressed in UK, EU, and Canada.
NHTSA complaint #11489463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The cross beam-in the rear are completely rusted out as are the brake lines. I had this vehicle from brand new and there isn’t any rust except for there.This problem has happened in Canada and other countries. Mercedes’ Benz has recalled it there and not in the United States. I stope to a representative at Mercedes Benz and she said they were aware of the problem and said it would be the next recall. I’m afraid to drive this vehicle it’s unsafe
NHTSA complaint #11488775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My mechanic reported that the subframe is corroded and that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. He told me that I cannot drive it at all. Apparently this is a very common problem in C class and Glk class Mercedes vehicles. I read that this problem is considered a recall issue in Germany and Canada, but not here in the US. My suv has 102,000 miles and is in good shape otherwise…. This is a very dangerous issue that Mercedes in not acknowledging as a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11483045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear sub frame corrosion which caused the back tire of the driver side to fail off and lose control of the vehicle, which put myself and other drivers in harm because of lost of vehicle. The rear sub frame has corroded sooner than it's lifecycle. The dealership has confirmed the issue, inspected the part and has replaced. There were no warning lights that have gone off on the vehicle to notify of the issues. Driver hit a pot hole and the frame cracked due to premature corrosion.
NHTSA complaint #11478831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR SHUTTERED WHEN ACCELERATING , VIBRATES WHEN AT STOP LIGHTS. GOT INSPECTION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SLIPPING DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BASED ON MILEAGE 150K. OIL COOLER LEAKING, CENTRIFUGE LEAKING, MOTOR MOUNTS COLLAPSED. MB IS AWARE OF ISSUE, BUT ONLY WANT TO ADDRESS CERTAIN VINS. MB CORP SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO GET CORRECTED ONLY ASSISTANCE THEY OFFERED INCENTIVE BUY A NEW CAR. SEEN MANY SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11374336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.