Over the past few weeks Ive had instances where the car has power but wont crank, Ive had the SRS light come on the dash but after it starting it goes away.
Mercedes-Benz C250 won't start problems
12 of the 727 owner complaints about the Mercedes-Benz C250 describe won't start, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical mileage
- 73,324
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
- 20144
- 20135
- 20123
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 6Check engine light 3Stalling 2Loss of power 1Fuel pump 1
What owners say
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.
-The steering wheel and brake locked up and became unusable while driving at approximately 75mph. Cruise control was enabled for a few miles (maybe 2) and disabled after. Around 5 minutes after disabling, the car began to surge between acceleration and deceleration drastically on its own. All of the dashboard lights that come on when the key is initially inserted came on at once while engine was on/running and the car was in drive. After finally being able to reach a safe enough spot, I put the car in park and turned the engine off. I sat for a few minutes to try and turn the engine/car back on and the car would not crank, but the overhead lights, radio, and dash lights were functioning. -This was an extremely dangerous experience. The car began to decelerate rapidly in heavy freeway traffic. At that speed, with many semi-trucks traveling nearby, this sudden loss of speed created an extremely dangerous situation. My vehicle instantly became a slow moving obstacle in the lane. Only by luck and quick reaction was a serious or fatal collision avoided. The car would not start back up so I was sitting at the edge of the highway as many cars flew by just inches away from my car. -I am away at college in a rural city. Accessibility is limited as well as support because of lack of resources. -The car was towed to a mechanic who does not specialize in German cars and stated they did not have the proper tools to "get into the car" because the motor is "locked up" and the car wouldn't crank. -The vehicle will be towed to the nearest dealership (50mi away) who stated they won't be able to look at it for a few weeks from date of arrival. Research indicates this may be linked to a known issue with Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) / Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) failure in Mercedes vehicles, which can electronically disable the engine and steering. This could've easily been fatal for me and still poses an alarming threat if not addressed.
My Mercedes Benz 2014 W204 C250 initially had a noise during startup. The startup noise became louder and now my car does not start. Also, the check engine light indicate a cam shaft position sensor error. Looking online it appears that my problem is exactly like the problem described in a the federal safety agency report on 2012-2015 W204 and W172 vehicles(C250 and SLK250) equipped with the M271 engine. I would like the federal safety agency assistant in getting my Mercedes Benz W024 C250, VIN [XXX] included as part of extended recall of the same car and engine and repaired. If more information is needed, please contact me. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical components and the mercedes dealer is the only one who solves this issue no other mechanic in general. My safety was at risk due to I lost power and lost of front brakes due to bad sway bar assembly or components could of caused and accident when this happened on November 12, 2024 the problem dealership found during vehicle inspection was code 25464 they told me recommend to replace electric lock module and repair estimate was $2,829.78 and before I approved the the amount I told Mr Ivan Velasco service advisor that after they replace the module that if my vehicle was going to be working again and that if I was just going to make 1 payment of $2,829.78 then I would approved it so I did. Weeks later I got an email asking for more money they wanted another payment for $600 saying it needed a sensor that has something to do with the transmission because after replacing the new module the vehicle did not start up there was no type of communications nothing at all and I responded that I was not going to pay $600 more just cause they don't know what their doing because they promise me the car was going to work after they replace the module now that it did not want to crank up they found another issue that's their fault on not doing there job the right way and for telling lies yes their was flashing blue or red icon on my dashboard that look like a car and a lock would go on and off and it displayed a message saying The theft protection is activated. I want to know if I can get this issue approved and to be considered a recall can you please help I'm so frustrating and mad that they want more money when it's already so expensive please help I would of appreciate it thank you.
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.
I got stranded in the middle of the street my vehicle does not crank steering lock so I had my vehicle towed into the Mercedes dealership the one in Figueroa st Monday November 18 2024 at around 03:24pm and this is what they told me. Needs immediate attention custom recommendation ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK During vehicle inspection found electric steering lock has malfunction code 25464 recommend to replace electric steering lock first and perform re-check. Repair total estimate: $2,829.78 I definitely can't afford to pay that amount please help with this issue
I was told by the Mercedes Benz service center I take my car to that the timing chain and cam adjusters failed. I have a Mercedes Benz 2013 C250, with only 58,000 miles on it. I have my car serviced on time. I was driving my car on the highway, thank God I stopped at a local drugstore and when I tried to turn my car back on, only the lights will come on. It would not start up, and I had to have my car towed to the MB Hunt Valley service center where I get my car serviced. The Service Rep told me I had to have the timing chain, camadjusters, and lower guide rails replaced costing $6000. There is a extended warranty on the camadjusters which took the price down to 3600 which is still pricey. Which makes me wonder shouldn't the timing chaing also be under extended waranty. This type of event should only happen at least after the car reaches 100,000 miles. I have called Mercedes Benz customer service and awaiting for someone to call me back to see if they can assist. Awaiting a response as of 8/2/2021. I called after getting diagnoses which was 7/30/21. I have read numerous other reports of this same exact issue happening to other people. This is a extreme risk and safety matter that needs to be addressed by Mercedes Benz as a recall. Being newer model cars, the timing chain and camshaft adjusters should not fail, and most definitely not fail at 58,000 miles. Please look into this before someone gets hurt.
Steering locks up/key fob in ignition says "remove key" with no start. Eis/esl failure
85000 miles, regular oil changes and maintenance, did not drive for 8 months, after 1 month of driving, engine would not start at times and sounded strange when cranking engine would eventually start and run o.k., took vehicle to dealership after 2nd occurence, acceleration has always lagged since purchased-turbo lag ??? Dealership said problem was internal with cam tensioner possibly
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Mercedes-Benz C250 won't start
Which Mercedes-Benz C250 years have won't start problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (5 complaints), 2014 (4 complaints) and 2012 (3 complaints).
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