2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 steering problems

Filed May 6, 2026 · Steering · AL

The electronic steering lock (ESL) system on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 failed without warning, leaving the vehicle completely unable to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, the key would insert but the vehicle would not crank or start, and the steering lock malfunction prevented normal operation of the vehicle. The vehicle became stranded and inoperable. This failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be moved and left me stranded unexpectedly. If this failure were to occur in an unsafe area or emergency situation, it could place the driver and passengers at risk. After researching the issue, I found numerous reports online from other owners of similar Mercedes-Benz C-Class models experiencing the same ESL/EIS failure. This appears to be a common issue affecting these vehicles. At this time, the problem has not yet been repaired. UNKNOWN if the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. No warning lights or prior symptoms appeared before the failure. The malfunction happened suddenly and without warning.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Steering · TX

The "ESL Module" in this model is designed to unlock the steering and ignition when the vehicle key's passcode matches, using a small, mechanical motor with significantly poor durability. The problem is that this motor's failure is unpredictable, and many users of this model have been stranded and unable to start their vehicles due to the motor's lifespan ending. Even when the car is painstakingly brought to a dealership, repairs cost approximately $1,800 to $2,000, or owners are resorting to unofficial bypasses using a device called an ESL Emulator from the aftermarket. I'd like to request the federal safety agency to start a thorough investigation into this issue and a RECALL order for the affected models to be issued to MBUSA. Thank you.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Steering · 70,664 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-250. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V252000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed in 2018. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The contact deactivated the push start button and attempted to start the vehicle with the key whoever, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had seized due to the steering coupling connecting bolt. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted prior to the dealer repairing the vehicle in 2018. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, where the repair was completed in 2018, to have the vehicle inspected, and if the part that failed was the part replaced under the recall, the manufacturer would pay for the additional repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and that the dealer was three hours away. The failure mileage was approximately 70,664.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Steering · AZ

The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · CA

A known issue by many mB owners related to Steering Wheel Lock or ESL system. Car will not start due to a known defect related to a part installed inside the steering wheel preventing owners from starting car safely and to get to destination safely.

Filed Sep 20, 2023 · Steering · GA

Mercedes has a convenience easy enter/exit feature that lifts the steering and slides the driver's seat back for easy exit and restores the seat and steering when the driver sits down and places the key in the ignition. The safety issue is the steering often gets locked in the up position and doesn't lower, making it unsafe to drive the car. This is happened 5 times since I bought the car. I had to drive home with the steering wheel locked above the dashboard. The car has been towed to the dealership 4 times under warranty and now I have to get it towed myself. There are approximately 54000 miles on the car.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Steering · CA

Steering lock mechanism fails without warning and leaves vehicle and occupants stranded in potentially dangerous location. No onsite repair possible. Vehicle must be towed to authorized dealer for repair. > Safety of car occupants was at risk. > No warning prior to failure. > Repair cost ~!500. Unsure of reliability of replacement unit > My dealer says this is a frequent occurrence. 6+ repairs / month for this model car at this dealer, Expects same frequency at others > Dealer service agent stated he personally believes it should be covered by a recall or free repair. > Filed formal complaint with Company (Mercedes-Benz) but reimbursement was refused. > Similar stranding incident on same car occurred in 05/2021 and car require tow to same dealer who suspected same problem but was unable to duplicate and/or repair the failing component at that time

Filed Jun 20, 2019 · Airbags, Driver assistance · CA

The airbag light came on. Dash board displays left airbag malfunction, horn no longer works, display can not be cleared. Steering make lots of of clicking sound when turned on either direction. Took the car to the mercedes dealership for diagnosis. The initial response was that the steering module failed and my assessment was it is probably due to recall no ground wire recall number 17v627000.. Upon further inquiry the dealer told me that the steering module broke and came apart. I suspect this either due to defective steering module or recall # 17v252000 steering bolt. I had communicated this issue to mbusa via emails and several phone calls. They still haven't agreed to cover the cost of the repair. After several calls to the dealer, they finally shared the picture of the steering module as you can see it attached. Other owners have reported the same problem. Please see picture of installed and new module

Filed Dec 20, 2018 · Steering · 5 miles · CA

Steering while conducting

Filed May 25, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · 60,000 miles · CA

My steering wheel started to click when I turned it, didn't think anything of it. I was recently pulling into a parking spot and my steering wheel made a loud pop and got stuck, then a loud crack again and started to work. It still clicks and now my passenger airbag light is on permanently. I went to the dealership in oxnard and they said it would be 175 to check about the airbags even though there is a recall. They also said they don't have the parts needed to my steering wheel. I do not feel safe at all driving this car. The horn doesn't work and neither do any of the buttons on my steering wheel.