2009 Mercedes Benz C300: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Oct 24, 2017 · Steering · 105,400 miles · TX

The vehicle fails to start. When the key fob is placed in the ignition states to remove the key fob. Dealership stated that the car is having problems with the steering column lock which seems to be a very common issue with this vehicle as many others in the mbusa forum are having this problem without any assistance from mb. As I was on my way to work on august 25,2017 I stopped at walgreen's to make a purchase. When I got back to the vehicle and attempted to start the car it would not start. I then tried jumping the vehicle from another vehicle with no luck. The car was then towed to the dealership who initially stated that the car was not recognizing the key fob. They then in turn stated that no the car's steering column lock is not working properly. I then researched the web and noticed that this appears to be a very common issue in which there has been many numerous complaints. My car is covered under warranty but they will not cover this item as they are only covering the powertrain.

Filed Jul 5, 2017 · Airbags, Steering · 71,400 miles · CA

Dear mercedes benz USA, first and foremost I would like to say I am a proud driver of a 2009 mercedes benz c300, I am emailing you regarding some concerns with mercedes benz vehicles and recalls. I have a recall on airbags for my mercedes I've been patiently waiting (im sure like many others) to receive a letter to get my airbags installed into my vehicle.. A vehicle that currently do not have any airbags in it I am concerned with my safety at this point and would like to know if you can offer me an updated on the duration. Also, there is a common issue occurring with all class mercedes that I feel should also have a recall I have read numerous of online posts regarding this same exact issue and that issue is the faulty steering lock/els/eis fault that does not allow mercedes benz holders to sometimes not be able to lock and unlocked their vehicles using mercedes smart key fob and also not being able to start up vehicles it's literally a no response lose/lose situation causing the vehicle owner to get their vehicles towed to dealerships that charges $1000-$3000 to repair which is a bit pricey for a common issue with mercedes vehicles I think I speak for majority of mercedes owners on this matter. I ask for a recall or price reduction on this common issue. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 26, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 117,000 miles · NC

I parked the car, and turned it off completely. When I returned to the car, they key fob would only turn the dashboard lights on, but the car will not start. The steering wheel is locked, and I cannot change the gear from "p". A message would appear "remove key from ignition" whenever the door is open. I have searched and it appears to be a very common problem in these models, where the eis or esl fails for no reason. The qoutes for this repair range from $1000 to $3000. I had to tow the car to my apartment, and now I have to tow the car to the dealership because they are the only ones who can solve this issue and reprogram it after installing the new parts.

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · CA

So my 2009 c300 out of nowhere decides not to turn on when I put the key into the ignition. The key unlocks the doors and the instrument panel information comes on. However, the windows will not roll up or down. The glove compartment light will not turn on and the car will not start. Initially, I tried my spare key fob (that I never use) and it did turn the engine on and I drove the car around for about 45 minutes thinking it was a battery issue. However, the moment I parked my car and turned the engine off, same problem. It would not start now with either key in the ignition. Apparently this is happening to a lot of owners with this model and year, all within this past quarter of 2015. What's going on?

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 72,310 miles · FL

Went to store and when I returned to the car, the trunk released normally and doors unlocked normally with the key fob. Inserted the key into ignition switch. Able to turn key, but car would not start. Tried locking and unlocking door which worked again. Waited another minute and car still would not start. Tried moving steering wheel, but it was locked and could not take car out of park, but made sure it was all the way into park. Tried to start car again, this time I heard what sounded like a relay clicking from under the dash, but still no start. After another minute, I tried again and this time it started. I cautiously drove home and parked afraid to drive the car any longer as the ignition switch also controls the steering lock and there exist the possibility of the steering becoming locked while the car is in motion, as several others have posted as happening to them. A major safety issue exist since the steering could lock while the car is in motion and mercedes benz should be required to recall this vehicle to repair this before someone is seriously hurt or killed.