Rusted Steering Rack - 2019 C300
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Bergen County NJ
2019 C300 Mercedes
Rusted Steering Rack - 2019 C300
With only 12400 miles on my 2019 C300, the steering started getting loose and needed correction to stay in lane. Dealer found a very rusted steering rack assembly costing $4896 to replace. No other rust or water damage found. Although car under warranty, Mercedes refuses to pay for the repair siting "outside influence" as cause for damage. I suspect a manufacturing defect, perhaps in the rubber boot over the rack assembly that allowed water in but not out. Dealer also suspects there was a manufacturing problem. Anyone have a similar experience?
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From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
That is terrible. A 2019 with that few miles should not have that happen. Someone here might know what legal action you can take against MB.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Bergen County NJ
2019 C300 Mercedes
If anyone has an email address for Mr. Markus Schäfer, COO of Mercedes-Benz Cars at Daimler AG in Stutgart, that would be great as I want to bring this matter to executive level attention. Mr. Schäfer's bio is at: https://www.daimler.com/company/corp...ment/schaefer/
MBWorld God!
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Sorry to hear that, you may also post in the W205 forum incase more people comes across your post there. Good luck getting it sorted.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205-186/
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205-186/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Bergen County NJ
2019 C300 Mercedes
2019 C300 With Rusted Steering Rack Assembly
I have a 2019 C300 with under 12400 miles on it. The steering started getting loose and needed correction to stay in lane. Dealer found a very rusted steering rack assembly and quoted $4896 to replace. See image below. No other rust or water damage found. Although car under warranty, Mercedes refuses to pay for the repair siting "outside influence" as cause for damage. I suspect a manufacturing defect, perhaps in the rubber boot over the rack assembly that allowed water in but not out. Dealer also suspects there was a manufacturing or storage problem before the car was shipped. Anyone have a similar experience?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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2018 C43
That should be cover under warranty! That looks so nasty, even more nasty is how the dealer is treating you. If it was my dealer, they wouldn't bat an eye and just call me up and say it's done! Last week, they replaced door trim piece because it had a petty chip. Not worth a visit but another warranty claim, more money to be made.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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1991 190E 2.3
So sorry for your difficulty. This should not be happening on a 2019 model. You might also want to try www.mbusa.com. Your owner's manual should also have contact information for the regional MB rep for your area. You might also contact your local Better Business Bureau for help as well and start researching the Lemon Law for your state.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2021
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2017 C300
I think this should be covered under warranty due to common sense. You have 12,000 miles on the damn car, what outside influences could you have subjected it to that gave it accelerated corrosion like that? That whole area should be sealed up to make sure this doesn't happen.
If you're in the USA, call up Mercedes Benz USA or your regional corporate office. Explain to them your situation and hopefully they will work with you to resolve the issue.
If you're in the USA, call up Mercedes Benz USA or your regional corporate office. Explain to them your situation and hopefully they will work with you to resolve the issue.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Sorry to hear. Please post a photo of the C-Class.
This is an example of how Mercedes produces cars, stands behind them and treats its customers. It's appalling and unfortunate. And yet another demonstration that MB is a low quality business.
This is an example of how Mercedes produces cars, stands behind them and treats its customers. It's appalling and unfortunate. And yet another demonstration that MB is a low quality business.
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1991 190E 2.3
How can you call yourself an MB World ambassador when you routinely attack MB? Not my idea of an ambassador.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
My understanding is Ambassadors assist members with their vehicles and welcome new members. You can do the research. MBUSA sells shoddy product through shoddy dealers, and Mercedes-Benz AG doesn't stand behind the products. The cars look nice and are exciting when they work. If they work.
Last edited by chassis; Oct 3, 2021 at 08:43 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2020
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1991 190E 2.3
My understanding is Ambassadors assist members with their vehicles and welcome new members. You can do the research. MBUSA sells shoddy product through shoddy dealers, and Mercedes-Benz AG doesn't stand behind the products. The cars look nice and are exciting when they work. If they work.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
Wait.. I think there is a recall for this. Mine car are brought in for this recall and was covered under the recall and does not matter if you have a warranty or not. I think there is a site that you can use that will tell you if your car has this recall.
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Newbie
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From: Bergen County NJ
2019 C300 Mercedes
Thanks. I'll look but the dealer and the Mercedes warranty person said there was not recall on this particular car for this problem.
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W205 2015
Junior Member
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From: Toronto
2019 C300 Cab
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
With only 12400 miles on my 2019 C300, the steering started getting loose and needed correction to stay in lane. Dealer found a very rusted steering rack assembly costing $4896 to replace. No other rust or water damage found. Although car under warranty, Mercedes refuses to pay for the repair siting "outside influence" as cause for damage. I suspect a manufacturing defect, perhaps in the rubber boot over the rack assembly that allowed water in but not out. Dealer also suspects there was a manufacturing problem. Anyone have a similar experience?
This is a situation where the dealer service manager contacts the Mercedes field rep and gets this sorted out. Unless the car was involved in a storm/flood situation, this should absolutely be covered. If flood, there would have to be other indicators on the chassis. Should be easy to work out but the dealer needs to do this for you.
If the car was in a flood, then your car insurance will have to get involved. Just don't pay for it. This is an insured car under factory warranty...
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
My understanding is Ambassadors assist members with their vehicles and welcome new members. You can do the research. MBUSA sells shoddy product through shoddy dealers, and Mercedes-Benz AG doesn't stand behind the products. The cars look nice and are exciting when they work. If they work.
As for dealers, I have seen dealerships of any brand rise and fall with the quality of their leadership & staff...
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: USA
W205 C300, W212 E350, Q50
I thought it would be a cosmetic surface rust, but after seeing the photo... wow... it looks terrible. Unless it's flooded, it must be covered by warranty. If MB USA refuse the warranty repair, you may contact BBB Auto Line (https://bbbprograms.org/programs/all...-laws-by-state), or find an attorney. BBB Auto Line don't always work for consumers' best interest but filing itself will be a burden to the MB. It doesn't need to be a lemon. Then, you will have a chance to choose either arbitration or your own attorney.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: Bergen County NJ
2019 C300 Mercedes
I thought it would be a cosmetic surface rust, but after seeing the photo... wow... it looks terrible. Unless it's flooded, it must be covered by warranty. If MB USA refuse the warranty repair, you may contact BBB Auto Line (https://bbbprograms.org/programs/all...-laws-by-state), or find an attorney. BBB Auto Line don't always work for consumers' best interest but filing itself will be a burden to the MB. It doesn't need to be a lemon. Then, you will have a chance to choose either arbitration or your own attorney.
I just received a call from MB in reply to my registered letter to the COO of MB at Daimler in Stuttgart. The caller just parroted the warranty refusal due to outside influences, presumably, floor damage. Rather than repeat why this is completely wrong, please see my first entry in this string.
Latest is that my insurance covered the repair (Selective Insurance in NJ is great) less a $500 deducatable that I paid, plus by insurance rates going up.
I've been driving for over 50 years and have owned, leased or driven many cars, as well as motorcycles and trucks. In the 70s, 80s and 90s I only bought US cars. They leaked, rusted and broke down as any driver my age will recall. I switched to Toyota and was never disappointed. My last one was a 2002 4Runner that I bought new, sold with 175,000 miles on it, and that never needed repair beyond usual wear and tear like brakes, tires and the like.
I have also been very happy with Lexus and Subaru cars I have leased and owned.
About 10 years ago I decided I wanted to trade up to Mercedes and lease rather than buy so I would always have a new car and no maintenance issues. This 2019 C300 was my fourth Mercedes and my theory had worked up until now.
For Mercedes to refuse warranty coverage on a low mileage (under 12,400) leased car that is still under warranty, for a bogus reason and to a long standing customer, shows me that this is a company in decline. In view of their replies and actions from bottom to top, MB is tone-deaf to their customers.
