If you owned a Mercedes-Benz vehicle from 2010 to 2022, you may have heard of the rear subframe recall that affects several models.
This recall is due to a defect that causes the rear subframe, a critical component that supports the suspension and driveline, to rust and corrode from the inside out.
This can lead to serious safety issues, such as loss of control, brake failure, or suspension collapse.
In this article, we will explain what the rear subframe recall is, how it affects your vehicle, and what you can do to secure your warranty coverage and protect your rights.
Read on to get the facts and stay informed.
What Is The Mercedes-Benz Rear Subframe Recall And How Does It Affect Your Vehicle?
The Mercedes-Benz Rear Subframe Recall is a safety issue that affects several models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles from 2010 to 2022. The recall is due to a defect that causes the rear subframe, a critical component that supports the suspension and driveline, to rust and corrode from the inside out. This can lead to serious safety issues, such as loss of control, brake failure, or suspension collapse.
The rear subframe is a metal structure that attaches to the vehicle’s frame or chassis on the back undercarriage. It provides stiff mounting points for the vehicle’s suspension and driveline components, such as the rear axle, the control arms, the springs, the shocks, and the brake lines. The rear subframe must be stiff and resilient, as it is crucial to securing the vehicle’s rear suspension and rear wheels to the car. The rear subframe also affects the vehicle’s handling, stability, and ride quality.
The defect in the rear subframe allows water and salt to collect on the interior of the subframe and corrode the metal from the inside out. This makes the damage difficult to detect during a routine inspection, as the exterior of the subframe may appear normal. The defect may also be caused by an inadequate type or amount of rust coating applied to the subframe during the manufacturing process.
The corrosion of the rear subframe can weaken the metal and cause it to crack or break under stress. This can happen when the vehicle hits a pothole, bumps, or needs to brake suddenly. When the rear subframe cracks or breaks, it can compromise the integrity of the suspension and driveline components attached to it. This can result in the following risks:
- The rear suspension can become destabilized, causing the vehicle to sway, bounce, or fishtail, especially while braking or turning.
- The rear axle can detach from the vehicle, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and alignment.
- The brake lines can rupture or leak, causing the brake fluid to drain and the brake system to fail.
- The exhaust system can sag or break, causing noise, emissions, or fire hazards.
- The control arms can snap or bend, causing the vehicle to veer to one side or lose steering control.
The recall affects the following models of Mercedes-Benz vehicles from 2010 to 2022:
- C-Class
- E-Class
- CLS-Class
- S-Class
- SL-Class
- SLC-Class
- SLK-Class
- GLK-Class
The recall was announced in February 2023, after a class action lawsuit was filed against Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-Benz Group AG in Georgia. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants knew or should have known about the defect, but failed to disclose it to the consumers or offer a remedy. The lawsuit seeks to represent all owners and lessees of the affected vehicles in the US and claims damages for breach of warranty, fraud, and consumer protection violations.
Mercedes-Benz has not admitted any liability or wrongdoing but has extended the warranty coverage for the rear subframe from four years or 50,000 miles to 20 years or unlimited mileage. The warranty extension applies to all owners and lessees of the affected vehicles in the US, regardless of whether they are part of the lawsuit or not. The warranty extension covers the repair or replacement of the rear subframe and any related parts or labor costs if the defect is found during an inspection by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
If you own or lease one of the affected vehicles, you should contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair of the rear subframe. You should also check the recall status of your vehicle by entering your VIN number on the Mercedes-Benz website or the NHTSA website. You should also keep all receipts and records of any repairs or maintenance related to the rear subframe, as they may be useful for future claims or reimbursements.
How To Check If Your Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Is Part Of The Rear Subframe Recall?
To check if your Mercedes-Benz vehicle is part of the rear subframe recall, you need to know your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a unique code that identifies your specific vehicle. You can find your VIN on your vehicle registration document, insurance card, or on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb.
Once you have your VIN, you can enter it on the recall information page on the Mercedes-Benz website or on the NHTSA website. This will provide the most complete and up-to-date information on current or previous recalls that may affect your vehicle. You can also sign up for email alerts to receive notifications of any future recalls.
If your vehicle is involved in the rear subframe recall, you should contact your nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair of the rear subframe. You should also keep all receipts and records of any repairs or maintenance related to the rear subframe, as they may be useful for future claims or reimbursements.
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What Are The Risks Of Driving A Mercedes-Benz Vehicle With A Defective Rear Subframe?
The defect in the rear subframe causes it to rust and corrode from the inside out, making it weak and prone to cracking or breaking under stress. This can happen when you hit a bump, or pothole, or need to brake suddenly. When the rear subframe fails, it can compromise the integrity of the components attached to it, such as the rear axle, the control arms, the springs, the shocks, and the brake lines. This can result in the following risks:
- The rear suspension can become destabilized, causing your vehicle to sway, bounce, or fishtail, especially while braking or turning. This can affect your steering control and increase the risk of a collision or a rollover.
- The rear axle can detach from your vehicle, causing your rear wheels to lose traction and alignment. This can affect your braking and acceleration and increase the risk of a skid or a spin.
- The brake lines can rupture or leak, causing your brake fluid to drain and your brake system to fail. This can affect your stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
- The exhaust system can sag or break, causing noise, emissions, or fire hazards. This can affect your engine performance and increase the risk of a breakdown or a fire.
- The control arms can snap or bend, causing your vehicle to veer to one side or lose steering control. This can affect your handling and increase the risk of a collision or a rollover.
How To Claim Your Warranty Coverage And Protect Your Rights If Your Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Has A Corroded Rear Subframe?
To claim your warranty coverage and protect your rights if your Mercedes-Benz vehicle has a corroded rear subframe, you need to follow these steps:
- Contact your nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair of the rear subframe. You can find your dealer’s contact information on the Mercedes-Benz website or on your service and warranty booklet.
- Present your vehicle and your proof of ownership (such as your registration document or insurance card) to the dealer. The dealer will perform a diagnosis to determine whether your vehicle is affected by the defect and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
- If your vehicle is eligible for warranty coverage, the dealer will repair or replace the rear subframe and any related parts or labor costs for free. The warranty coverage is extended from four years or 50,000 miles to 20 years or unlimited mileage, regardless of whether you are part of the class action lawsuit or not.
- Keep all receipts and records of any repairs or maintenance related to the rear subframe, as they may be useful for future claims or reimbursements. You may also be entitled to compensation for any damages or losses caused by the defect, such as reduced value, performance, or safety of your vehicle.
What Are The Latest Updates On The Class Action Lawsuit Against Mercedes-Benz For The Rear Subframe Defect?
The latest updates on the class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz for the rear subframe defect are as follows:
- The lawsuit was filed on February 10, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, by Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP and Corpus Law Patel LLC, on behalf of all owners and lessees of the affected vehicles in the U.S.
- The lawsuit alleges that Mercedes-Benz knew or should have known about the defect, but failed to disclose it to the consumers or offer a remedy. The lawsuit claims damages for breach of warranty, fraud, and consumer protection violations.
- The lawsuit seeks an order that Mercedes-Benz fully acknowledge the defect, warn all owners affected by the defect, void any limitations in its warranties that would let it avoid responsibility for the defect, and pay for inspection and all repair and related costs owners incurred as a result of the defect. The lawsuit also seeks to join the class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz for the rear subframe defect, which seeks to represent all owners and lessees of the affected vehicles in the U.S.
- On April 10, 2023, the court-appointed Lieff Cabraser and Corpus Law Patel as interim co-lead class counsel for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The court also consolidated the lawsuit with two other similar lawsuits filed in Georgia and New Jersey.
- The court has not yet certified the class or set a trial date. The parties are currently engaged in discovery and pre-trial motions.
How To Prevent Or Delay The Rear Subframe Rust In Your Mercedes-Benz Vehicle?
There is no definitive way to prevent or delay the rear subframe rust in your Mercedes-Benz vehicle, as it is caused by a manufacturing defect that allows water and salt to collect inside the subframe and corrode the metal. However, some possible steps that you can take to reduce the risk or extent of rust are:
- Wash your vehicle regularly, especially during winter or after driving on salted roads. Use a high-pressure hose to spray the undercarriage and remove any dirt or debris that may trap moisture and salt. Pay special attention to the rear wheel wells and the area around the subframe.
- Apply a rust-proofing or anti-corrosion coating to the subframe and the surrounding parts. You can do this yourself or have it done by a professional. There are various products available on the market, such as wax, oil, or paint, that can form a protective layer over the metal and prevent or slow down rust. You may need to reapply the coating periodically, depending on the product and the driving conditions.
- Inspect your subframe regularly for any signs of rust or damage. You can do this by lifting your vehicle and looking underneath, or by taking it to a mechanic. If you notice any rust, cracks, or holes in the subframe, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Do not ignore or delay the problem, as it can worsen over time and compromise your safety and performance.
- Contact your nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and check if your vehicle is part of the rear subframe recall.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Corroded Rear Subframe In Your Mercedes-Benz Vehicle?
The symptoms of a corroded rear subframe in your Mercedes-Benz vehicle are:
- Unusual noises coming from underneath the car when driving or turning corners, such as thumping, rattling, or clicking
- Abnormal vibrations coming from the suspension system
- Uneven tire wear
- Weird, unnatural alignment
- Loose steering and/or poor handling
- Sudden pull to the side when braking
- Brake system failure
- Exhaust system sagging or breaking
- Steering control loss
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz Rear Subframe Recall is a serious safety issue that affects millions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles from 2010 to 2022.
The defect causes the rear subframe, a metal structure that supports the suspension and driveline, to rust and corrode from the inside out.
This can lead to catastrophic failures of the rear suspension, rear axle, brake system, exhaust system, and steering control, resulting in loss of control, collision, or rollover.
If you own or lease one of the affected vehicles, you need to act fast and secure your warranty coverage, and protect your rights.
