2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Owner Complaints

The vehicle involved is a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that experienced severe corrosion and deterioration of the rear subframe component. The subframe is available for inspection upon request and has been identified as unsafe due to excessive rust and structural corrosion. The corrosion created a major safety risk because the subframe supports critical suspension and stability components. The condition could have caused loss of vehicle control, suspension failure, or an accident while driving, placing both myself and other drivers at risk. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership and/or independent repair facility. I was informed that Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged similar rear subframe corrosion issues and that this condition may fall under a manufacturer warranty or extended coverage program. The vehicle and damaged component have been inspected by service technicians, and repair estimates/documentation are available. The corrosion appears excessive for the age and normal use of the vehicle. Prior to discovering the failure, there were symptoms including unusual noises from the rear suspension area, instability while driving, and visible rust underneath the vehicle. The issue became more noticeable over time before the inspection confirmed severe subframe corrosion.

NHTSA ID

11740280

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

On [XXX], my mother was driving our 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 to work around 6:30 AM when the vehicle suddenly caught on fire without warning. The car was completely destroyed in the fire. Thankfully, she was able to exit safely. After doing research online, we found many reports of 2010 GLK 350 models catching fire due to fuel system issues and leaks, which appear to be common with this year and model. We were surprised to learn that our VIN currently shows no active recalls, even though the issue seems widespread. We can provide photos of the car before and after the fire, towing documentation, and the police/fire report. The cleanup and towing bills have been expensive, and we are filing this report so NHTSA can investigate whether this is a safety defect that should result in an official recall. Vehicle: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: Mountville, PA VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11692599

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

Extremely Urgent Safety Warning! Similar to the the passenger fuel filter extended warranty on the passenger side, the driver's side plastic fuel filter pump is obviously visably defective and forming a large crack, thereby leaking a significant amount gasoline into the back seat, with much also draining out the bottom of the vehicle. Additionally, the metal studs securing the filter are painted, making removal of the filter difficult without breaking the studs. No warning lamps or messages.

NHTSA ID

11616548

Incident

Jan 1, 2016

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the airbags warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V010000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11561371

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

Mileage

77,000 mi

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 ID

11555455

Incident

Nov 7, 2023

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 ID

11554522

Incident

Nov 10, 2023

corrosion on entire frame crossmember part

NHTSA ID

11554064

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

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 ID

11541939

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

While driving I was unable to come to a complete stop….while breaking the vehicle would pull to the side and keep moving into traffic 😞

NHTSA ID

11521679

Incident

Apr 27, 2023

Mileage

125,000 mi

RUSTED REAR SUBFRAME

NHTSA ID

11520159

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

The tires were purchased from NTB in August 2022. I noticed a bubble on the side of the tire 3 April. We contact NTB in Columbia,MD because we purchased them from the location and they were also put on at the location. They stated, we can purchase a new tire but there was nothing they could do. We purchased the tire from Walmart.com and took it into the Walmart Tire and Lube. The technician Kevin replaced the olde tire with the new and asked why didn’t we get a free replacement tire from wherever it was purchased from since it was a new tire and defective. We asked him to show us a defect and he showed a small slit inside the tire which caused the tire bubble. He then brought it back to us and placed it in our trunk to give back to NTB. NTB declined to replace the tire stating it was a Pirelli issue and we needed to contact them.

NHTSA ID

11518340

Incident

Apr 3, 2023

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 ID

11507640

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

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 ID

11506087

Incident

Jan 23, 2023

I had my 2010 Mercedes GLK in for B service today (Jan. 3, 2023), and the repair team inspected the vehicle and informed me that I have a RUST HOLE approximately 1" x 2" in size located adjacent to an attachment point for the wheels in the REAR SUBFRAME. If it breaks, it could cause the vehicle to become difficult to control. Additionally, they informed me that the BRAKE LINES are also RUSTING/WEAKENING. If the brakes fail while driving it could cause loss of control of the vehicle. Since these are hidden parts that I typically can't see, I had no warning that there was anything wrong until I had it in for routine maintenance. I have the invoice for the oil change, with a notation from the repair team regarding these parts. The vehicle is available for inspection should it be necessary.

NHTSA ID

11499957

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

Gas leak when filling tank with fuel. Last year I had fuel pump replacement Smells like gas in my garage and I noticed leak This is not good

NHTSA ID

11499861

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

Premature rear subframe corrosion due to design of component, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. If control arm detaches geometry of suspension will change and divert into another lane and cause a crash, the issue was confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle is due to be inspected by the manufacturer 12-30. No warning of issue as the majority is covered by body panel.

NHTSA ID

11499110

Incident

Dec 22, 2022

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 ID

11496509

Incident

Oct 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the rear end began to fishtail and shattered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving slowly to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic informed the contact that the rear subframe was corroded and had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear subframe to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ID

11495179

Incident

Nov 14, 2022

Mileage

149,000 mi

Mold in a/c

NHTSA ID

11494866

Incident

Nov 25, 2022

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 ID

11489463

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

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 ID

11488775

Incident

Oct 11, 2022

I took my MB in for service to have alternator replaced. After it was finished service did a multipoint inspection on vehicle and keep in mind I have had my car in for service before and if there had been a multi inspection wouldn't this have been seen before now? This report includes Rear sub Frame rusted & broke, rear brake lines rusted, fault code for intake manifold flap malfuntion, actuator arms broke, engine misfire on cylinders 3-5. Recommended Services is to replace transmission mounts, left engine mount, right engine mount, rear sub frame, rear brake llines, intake manifold. diagnose misfires. All of this and I was never notified of any issues before now and its only been a year since my car was in before. I was also told I didn't need an oil change and my brakes were only making noise because of wear!? And due to the issue I was also told to be very careful when I do drive! Total cost for this is $11,996.85 So I feel that MB is liable for this as there has not been any recommendation s before now. I had $2,081. worth of work done February 5th 2019 and the underbody of vehicle was inspected so why was this not caught then?

NHTSA ID

11488648

Incident

Jul 12, 2022

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 ID

11483045

Incident

Aug 29, 2022

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 ID

11478831

Incident

Jul 15, 2022

Due to the same defect Mercedes issued a recall for on the 2011 GLK, the fuel and sender pumps cracked due to a product defect causing gasoline to leak out of the vehicle as well as into the vehicle. The leak is near the exhaust causing a high degree of risk for car fire. Online research reveals numerous 2010 GLK owners with the same issue at various points in the life of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11474578

Incident

Jul 13, 2022