Rear Subframe "Extended Warranty" Thread
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Rear Subframe "Extended Warranty" Thread
Just received a letter from MBUSA stating that the rear subframes of our cars are being given an "extended warranty" to 20 years/unlimited miles. Reading up on the issue, it seems that they are susceptible to corrosion, rust, and cracking and were built to low standards. Due to this, a lawsuit is brewing and MBUSA is trying to get ahead of it. Believe the law firm representing the claimants sent a "notice of intent to sue". Notice how they didn't use the term "recall", simply extended warranty.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
No such letter as of yet, but thanks for the heads-up. I'll be on the lookout.
#6
2011 E Wagon
Coming back from Easter at my niece's house on Rt 95, I noticed that on hard braking the car would pull to the right and the left front would "feel soft". I took it up to my Indie today and he tells me that the rear subframe is rusted on this Long Island, NY car, and that the rear axle is steering the car. I am really happy that Mercedes is doing this "extended warranty" or whatever they want to call it. I have not received any communications from MB. I am actually going to a dealer a little farther away as my guy has a friend there and has more confidence with them than with the local store. He did warn me to aviod the "upsell" that I am sure is coming. I am OK driving it gently around town, and the trip to the Up-Island dealer will be a long, slow trip.
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Yugo26 (12-28-2023)
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#10
It is my understanding that MB would flatbed it to the nearest dealer, the store where it is going to about 70 miles further away. At this point the axle is only moving about a half inch either way, if it gets any worse, I think I can have AAA flatbed it there. I assure all that I am not going to be stupid about it. I also have another car that I can drive now that the weather is getting nicer.
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Yugo26 (08-27-2023)
#12
Super Member
I agree with Mmr1... if the rear subframe is rusted enough to move, it could fail catastrophically and steer you into something large and unmovable. And that, of course, would void your warranty.
#13
Just received a letter from MBUSA stating that the rear subframes of our cars are being given an "extended warranty" to 20 years/unlimited miles. Reading up on the issue, it seems that they are susceptible to corrosion, rust, and cracking and were built to low standards. Due to this, a lawsuit is brewing and MBUSA is trying to get ahead of it. Believe the law firm representing the claimants sent a "notice of intent to sue". Notice how they didn't use the term "recall", simply extended warranty.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
Now, I live in SoCal, so my GLK is not susceptible to rust/corrosion, but the integrity of the piece is now put into question. It is also susceptible to cracking from what I've seen, and seeing how this is such a critical safety item, I'm going to attempt to get the dealer to replace (new subframe bushings sound nice too Do not want to wait for it to fail catastrophically to justify replacement. I read that there are pockets where water can get trapped and start rusting/corroding, even if you live in a desert climate like me.
Wanted to start this thread to see who else got the letter, what their thoughts are, and their experience with their local dealer.
#14
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Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: South Central Texas
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2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
I just did a search about this, but mistakenly typed "w204" instead of "x204".
Y'all might find this thread interesting - same problem, different model - pay attention to Post #5 :
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w2...ation.3048088/
... and here too :
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/805501-rotted-rear-subframe-2.html/
Y'all might find this thread interesting - same problem, different model - pay attention to Post #5 :
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/w2...ation.3048088/
... and here too :
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/805501-rotted-rear-subframe-2.html/
Last edited by calder-cay; 04-11-2023 at 06:42 PM.
#15
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Location: South Central Texas
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2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Okay, sorry for the new post ... so I found this for Post #75, here, and I'm posting an image of notification
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post8719264
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post8719264
Last edited by calder-cay; 04-11-2023 at 06:57 PM.
#18
Member
For Canada:
"MB has extended the warranty to all provinces in Canada a while back EXCEPT for in British Columbia from my latest info"
Edit: a reply from the dealership:
"At this time I don’t see any outstanding Recall on this vehicle. if there is something in the near future is possible but unless MB Canada release the information the dealer will not know."
"MB has extended the warranty to all provinces in Canada a while back EXCEPT for in British Columbia from my latest info"
Edit: a reply from the dealership:
"At this time I don’t see any outstanding Recall on this vehicle. if there is something in the near future is possible but unless MB Canada release the information the dealer will not know."
Last edited by MysticMan; 04-20-2023 at 06:38 PM.
#20
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Location: South Central Texas
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2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Well, my previous post (#15) showed the notice of the document to dealerships.
Today in the mail, I got the notice that's sent out to MB owners about the sub-frame warranty extension.
Scanned and attached as PDF.
Today in the mail, I got the notice that's sent out to MB owners about the sub-frame warranty extension.
Scanned and attached as PDF.
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John CC (04-26-2023)
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
I received the mailed notice as well. Between it and the AEM extended warranty, it looks like we're keeping Moose for at least another 5 years.
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RussBarnes (05-04-2023)
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
We just got the warranty letter for our 2013 GLK 350 4x4..
Does anyone know what MB-NA will and will not cover in order to effect the subframe replacement? Does anyone have the Shop Instructions from MB so we know what parts/labor are and are not covered?
Does anyone know what MB-NA will and will not cover in order to effect the subframe replacement? Does anyone have the Shop Instructions from MB so we know what parts/labor are and are not covered?
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
I believe it clearly says "perforation" in the letter, so if rust has caused a clear hole in the subframe, MB will pay for its replacement with a new part.
The issue itself is relatively newly acknowledged, so there may not yet be an official work description and parts list from MB. Stay tuned I guess...
The issue itself is relatively newly acknowledged, so there may not yet be an official work description and parts list from MB. Stay tuned I guess...
#25
Member
Doesn't perforation mean it's already too late? A swiss cheese metal held by nothing can fall apart while driving. They should rephrase it as preventative safety measure done before the signs of deterioration.