2011 Mercedes-Benz C300: won't start

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Steering · FL

I drove vehicle to Publix with no problems. When i tried to start vehicle, key turns but car does not start. There is no cranking sound. I called a mechanic friend and after extensive diagnosis he determined it was the ESL Module which controls the steering. Fortunately i was not driving the vehicle when the ESL Module failed. There is a recall on Mercedes Benz c300 from 2012-2017 for the ESL Module problems but the 2011 is not included. It should be recalled since it is a safety hazard and it appears others have had similar problems according to comments on Google. I have a handicapped wife i take care of and having issues with the steering can cause accidents and injuries. There were no messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. There needs to be a recall or further inspection done on the 2011 Mercedes Benz c300. Car will be towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership for Diagnostics.

Filed Sep 21, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · CA

For the 2011 Mercedes Benz C300, the following is a general description of the issue: The component that failed is the "internally faulty" electronic steering column lock control unit which doesn't allow the car to start its ignition. The technician at the Mercedes Benz car dealership noted on the invoice "found the electronic steering lock is internally faulty." Technician provided two specific codes and recommended to replace the steering lock control unit. Yes, this car is available for inspection upon request. Car is not reliable. After running errands, car did not start. I was stranded and could not get back home. Car had to be towed to the Mercedes Benz dealer service center. Yes, problem was reproduced in another Mercedes-Benz C300 car that I own. This other vehicle is a 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300. The failure of the "internally faulty steering lock control unit resulting in a no crank/no start condition" was confirmed on the invoice from the Mercedes Benz dealer service center. The car was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. The car was inspected by the Mercedes Benz dealer service center. Prior to complete failure, car would occasionally not start. This issue first appeared on or around August 2024. This steering lock failure is a critical issue as I had the same problem with another Mercedes Benz C300 that I own. Both steering lock failures for both cars occurred around the same time period and were separately diagnosed and fixed at different Mercedes Benz dealer service centers.

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Engine, Steering · IL

Electronic steering locks are failing in these cars at an alarming rate. When it fails, the car will be stranded or if driving the car will completely lock the steering and take away control from the driver. This is a safety issue that Mercedes should be recalling and fixing because it will take people's lives away. Mercedes is aware of this issue but is failing to recall it and considering it as non-safety. When manufacturing the Electronic Steering lock, Mercedes used cheap parts that are prone to failure. This issue affected many years and models of their cars but only recalled a few cars. Once failure occurs, the car will not start and it will be required to tow it to a dealership where repairs over $2000 will be needed to fix this SAFETY issue.

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · FL

I own a 2011 C300. Recently, my car suddenly stopped working while I was attempting to leave somewhere away from my home. It would not crank or turn over/start. So I was completely stranded, and in the extreme Florida heat. There has been no damage or wreck to cause this. There were also no warning lights or symptoms in my car beforehand. My car was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership in the nearest city. They diagnosed the problem as an electronic steering lock failure. I asked how this happened. I was told that they do not know how it happened. I was also quoted a very expensive repair bill. Upon researching this problem further, I found out that steering lock failure and ignition switch failure is a recurring and common problem that Mercedes Benz already knows about, and many people with my car and similar models have had the same problem over the years. Age of the car at time of failure did not matter, either- it has happened to many cars at different ages and mileage.This is not a normal problem for any car to have, nor is it caused by normal wear and tear. Some people have even had their cars suddenly stop working while they are driving. Many people have also asked why these faulty parts have not been recalled yet. I contacted the company multiple times and did not receive any resolution to the problem. They said that this is my responsibility to repair, and they would not pay to repair this, nor reimburse me. The company's agent did not care at all about the issues, nor take any accountability for them as the manufacturer. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere at any time is dangerous for anyone, especially in certain areas or during intense weather. This entire issue has caused extreme stress for me- interruption in my schedule, lack of transportation, and financial loss. Please hold the Mercedes Benz company accountable for their lack of proper manufacturing and lack of proper repair to their parts that they know are faulty. Thank you.

Filed Jan 23, 2020 · Steering · 71,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes benz c300. The contact stated after her vehicle was serviced at (mercedes-benz of shrewsbury 760 boston turnpike, shrewsbury, ma 01545) for air bag replacement. While attempting to start the vehicle the engine would not start and the power steering ceased. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with a replacement battery and after the replacement the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a second diagnosis which was that the steering lock module was needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of this failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2019 · Steering · 103,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c300. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the steering lock module failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repiared. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 53,000 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz c300. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine would not start and the power steering ability seized. The vehicle was towed to mercedes benz of honolulu (818 okapi omani ave, honolulu, hi) where it was diagnosed that the steering lock module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The module was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Electrical · 91,000 miles · MD

I am writing to file a complaint. The vehicle did not start after the key was put into the ignition. There were no warning lights. In addition, the vehicle did not start at all. The tow service was called. The tow repair representative indicated the problem may be the "ignition switch," as the battery was fine. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The entire ignition switch had to be replaced. The cost was $1214. This is unacceptable. Fortunately, the vehicle was in a secure place -- the home garage. However, had it been in another location, a serious safety hazard could have occurred. The vehicle only has approximately 91,000 miles, so it is inconceivable as to why an ignition switch would need to be replaced. There was no warning. This is an item that is clearly a manufacturer's defect and should be under warranty.

Filed Jan 8, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The car will not start, no power, no lights, no radio, no response after inserting the key. I tried both keys and same issue exists with both keys. The electrical ignition switch needs to be replaced.

Filed Nov 27, 2017 · Steering · 60,000 miles · VA

On 11/25/2017 at 1550 hours, I made multiple attempts to start my vehicle. The key would turn but the vehicle would not start. The switch lights were operating. However, the wheel would not turn and the gear was stuck. The battery was checked and it was fully operational. The tow truck company made multiple attempts to recharge the car with no success. My car was towed from dc to dumfries, va (home). On 11/27/2017 at approximately 0721 hours. My vehicle was towed from my house to the alexandria mercedes-benz service center. Mercedes gave me a loaner car. At 0945 hours, I received a call from the mercedes-benz specialist and he said the issue is the steering lock. Which is a normal problem with these vehicles. I was told the price would be $1,628. My vehicle has never had any issues and I keep my maintenance and everything else up to date. Mercedes-benz should recall all vehicles that have this issue.

Filed Nov 14, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 90,000 miles · OK

We are a small family owned car lot that has been in business since 2005. We sold a 2011 mercedes c300 to a nice young couple last week. After only having it less than 24 hours, the customer called stating the vehicle will not start. Said went to start the vehicle in the morning and the steering wheel was locked and car would not start. The lights & radio turned on but it had a message on dash to remove key from ignition. We had to call a tow company to tow it to the mechanic and put them in a loaner car. Later that day I started doing some research and realized many many others are having this same exact issue and it is costing them $1600-$1800 to have the esl & eis replaced. It is insane how many of the same issue have been recognized and reported yet there is no active recall on this very dangerous, expensive issue with on a car that many people can only dream about having! I will attach the link also that I found the others having the same issue. Http://www.carproblemzoo.com/mercedesbenz/c300/steering-column-problems.php

Filed Oct 24, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 53,000 miles · TX

Steering wheel lock up or eis issue. Car not stopped working all of a sudden. Lucky it was in safe place. Car interior light comes up but does not crank. It needs to be recalled. Look how many people are having the same issue https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t32359_ds565938