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.
2014 Mercedes-Benz C250: steering wheel locks up
5 of the 164 complaints about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Steering wheel locks up by model year
- 20145
- 20133
- 20124
What owners say
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.
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.
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
Steering locks up/key fob in ignition says "remove key" with no start. Eis/esl failure
Service bulletins that may apply
- Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- Fault code U41600 logged in 'ES' (electric steering) control unit after software update or steering gear...
- Single, throttle lift-off, clunking noise from the side shaft when starting off (audible at the wheel)
Related recalls
Steering
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
- Risk
- A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 17V252000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250?
5 of 164 owner complaints about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 (3%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250
Airbag light 13Check engine light 12No deployment 5Door locks 5
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