Hundreds of thousands of Mercedes Benz vehicles may be at risk of serious and dangerous rear subframe rust, according to a new Mercedes Benz Rust Lawsuit filed earlier in 2023.
The rear subframe corrosion warranty is purportedly being extended by the automaker, however the class action lawsuit claims this is too little, too late.
According to the Mercedes-Benz 2023 rust lawsuit, the Mercedes rear subframe corrosion extended warranty is inadequate since it fails to inform owners of the full risks associated with subframe rust. Drivers believe that Mercedes has known about the issue since at least 2009.
When contacted for comment, Mercedes did not answer by the deadline. The auto manufacturer reacted to the ongoing legal action, by disputing “the existence of the defect” and said it “plans to roll out an extension of its warranty program to cover perforation and corrosion in certain of its vehicles for a 20-year period.” Legal action against Mercedes-Benz remains ongoing.
Is there a Mercedes Rear Subframe Recall?
No, Mercedes-Benz has not announced a Mercedes subframe recall pertaining to the rust problem. Mercedes allegedly waited until February 10 of this year to warn owners of affected vehicles about the subframe issue, which is two months after the plaintiffs sent them a “notice of intent to sue” and two months after Mercedes received it.
The lawsuit states that the notice provided by the automobile manufacturer was insufficient to alert drivers to the major safety hazards that are posed by corrosion of the rear subframe.
Which vehicles experience Mercedes-Benz rust problems?
The lawsuit alleges that potentially hundreds of thousands of Mercedes-Benz vehicles may experience rusting issues, including the following models:
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2010-2022 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
Is there a Mercedes Rust Warranty?
Yes, however, according to the class action, thousands of Mercedes owners have spent thousands of dollars on the rusting subframe repairs. According to the lawsuit, the Mercedes Benz rust policy and rear subframe corrosion extended warranty are inadequate since they fail to inform owners of the full risks associated with subframe rust. The lawsuit claims that the normal cost for an owner to fix a rusted Mercedes rear subframe is between $3,500 and $7,000
Furthermore, the class action claims that despite the subframe extended warranty’s provision for reimbursements, it “does not appear to reimburse owners for all of the expenses they incurred due to the defect.”
How do I know if my car subframe is bad?
As your vehicle’s subframe wears out, you may notice a few adverse effects while you are behind the wheel such as:
- Sounds like clunking or rattling when traveling over bumps or on roads with rough patches
- Clicking sound that is exceedingly difficult to hear when traveling between 20 and 30 miles per hour
- Poor alignment that is strange and not natural
- Lack of vehicle control due to sloppy steering and/or poor handling
Is a rusted subframe dangerous?
Yes, it is dangerous to operate a vehicle with a rusted frame, subframe, or unibody that has metal that has been extensively damaged. The vehicle’s subframe typically acts as a force absorber during a collision and plays an important role in the process of keeping the suspension and engine in their proper positions.
Because it serves as the primary component of the skeleton of the vehicle, the subframe must be in good working order for the vehicle to be considered safe and roadworthy.
Check for excessive rusting and corrosion in these critical parts of your vehicle. You should consider fixing these areas right away if they have holes or any other evidence of excessive, strength-reducing rust:
- Subframe
- Rocker panels
- Windshield Frame
- Floorboard Springs
- Lower Control Arms
A defective Mercedes subframe can impair an affected vehicle model’s ability to drive and cause the brake lines, suspension springs, rear axle, and the exhaust system to corrode severely and prematurely, particularly close to the attachment points for suspension components like control arms, which are the primary stabilizing force of a vehicle’s suspension. The lawsuit claims that a rusted rear subframe is more prone to crack when a driver hits a pothole or wants to brake quickly, which can lead to instability in the vehicle’s rear suspension.
The lawsuit claims that if a Mercedes subframe, also known as a suspension cross-member or axle carrier, completely fails, it may cause a motorist to abruptly and quickly lose control while driving. According to the case, this can cause a vehicle’s rear to fishtail, especially when braking, cause the automobile to suddenly veer to one side and possibly cross into oncoming traffic, or cause the driver to lose whole control of the vehicle.
Connect with the Lemon Law Experts Today
Experiencing Mercedes-Benz rust problems? It is essential to get expert legal counsel if your Mercedes-Benz in California has early corrosion issues–as you may qualify for a refund, replacement vehicle or cash compensation under California’s lemon law.
A reputable lemon law firm, such as the Lemon Law Experts, can offer you assistance. Since 2009, our team has successfully helped thousands of California consumers with their lemon law claims via our extensive knowledge and experience managing lemon law matters. In working with Mercedes Benz and other automakers, our team of knowledgeable lemon law experts has a plethora of experience.
We understand the strategies used by producers and can successfully combat them to defend your rights as a customer. We will carefully review your case, compile pertinent information, and create a persuasive legal argument to help you secure the best case results possible.
If you have any questions about your situation, do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. The Lemon Law Experts are ready to offer both assistance and support as you work through the challenges of the lemon law to achieve the fair treatment and compensation to which you are entitled to. Contact our team at (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a consultation form on our website today.
