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2009 Mercedes Benz C300 steering problems

136 complaints (24% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 74,596.

owner complaints
136
of this car's complaints
24%
typical mileage
74,596
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    1
  • Column
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mercedes Benz C300 steering problems in other years

20082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering lock-up 92

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Steering · SC

The problem is that the steering wheel locking mechanism has failed. The vehicle could not be started or driven. It required a flatbed tow to an authorized Mercedes repair facility. It was diagnosed as the steering mechanism, requiring replacement. The cost for this repair is $1400.00. I researched this problem on the MB website and it stated that this issue was common. I feel that this is a safety issue and should be repaired free of charge or at a significant discount. The car is currently being repaired, and I can forward any relevant documentation to you once the repair is complete.

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · TX

I drove my car to get lunch. Came back out to go back to work and the car would not start. Would not even turn over. My Radio did not turn on and I couldn't even roll my windows back up. Luckily they were only cracked open a small amount. My steering wheel cannot be turned, it's locked in it's current position. I am told the ESL (Electronic Steering Lock) and possibly the EIS is the cause of this problem. The display on the dash says "Take your key from ignition" and that is all I get. Had to have my car towed and now I have a dead car with the windows partially open that I cannot close.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Body, Steering · NY

The entire rear subframe of any W205 body model including but not limited to the C class from 2009-2014, CL class, SL, class ETC. suffers admittedly from MB USA, premature rust, deterioration etc. there is an active recall for these same models in Canada and all of Europe but not the USA. My garage kept 2009 C300 has suffered extensive rear end damage from a factory defect that Mercedes refuses to recognize in the Continental U.S. but will admit the same issues occurred in the EU and Canada. Keeler Mercedes, USA, of Colonie New York, stated they completed my subframe repair under the MB rear subframe extended warranty. The vehicle was driven home and inspected only to find out Keeler Mercedes of NY did NOT replace this crucial safety component under MB-USA extended warranty issued for this defect. This is pure negligence. When asked why the subframe wasn’t replaced as the work order stated it did, they stated “a mix up in paper work” I believe Mercedes-Benz USA and Keeler Mercedes of New York conspired together to push this massive safety defect aside and lie about completing the work in fear of the payment from warranty not being worth the labor hours required by the technicians. This oversight COULD have been a multi million dollar lawsuit if any injury was sustained after said repairs were done in belief the vehicle was safe to drive. Keeler Mercedes’ has also had this vehicle in their possession from June 14th 2024, to todays date, July 5th 2024 with no word on when repairs to subframe will be completed. Subframe replacement stated on MB website states it is an 8 hour labor job. We’re on day 18 now. MAJOR safety issue and shady dealing by dealership

Filed Aug 16, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · IA

Suspension Cross-Member - Mercedes-Benz (204-350-01-41) Driving regularly suddenly fill like the rear passenger side tire moved unevenly, then went to the tire shop, and when they take out the tire see how the rear frame was rusted and broken in a straight line exactly in the middle of the tire hole area. Then start to check used cars to donate that part and All of them have the same trouble in that piece, so I decided to review the frame and discover that the rust begins to damage the opposite side too, so I'm pretty sure is a component failure in metal and materials more than simple rust.

Filed Aug 15, 2022 · Steering · CA

Steering Wheel locked due to ESL Module's motor failure making the car won't turn on, not drivable. Stuck, stranded.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Steering · NV

2009 C300 at 120k miles car won’t start. Dashboard indicates “remove key from ignition” key was not in ignition, had car towed to the dealership, they said car needs a new steering lock and ignition switch due to malfunction. Total cost $1923. Thankfully car was not in motion when this happened. Please do a recall on steering lock and ignition switch for the safety of everyone!!!!

Filed Nov 10, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · NV

Steering lock malfunction and unable to start car. Vehicle has completely shut down.

Filed Aug 8, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · CA

electrical ignition switch and electronic steering lock the component malfunctioned with no symptoms. i got stranded for 5 hours past midnight car has been inspected by a shop and Mb dealer no warning lights and no symptoms

Filed Jun 20, 2021 · Steering · NE

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? One day my car did not crank or start. Had it towed to dealer and they seemed to be familiar with everything they needed to order to fix it without blinking. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? As much as not being able to drive your car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, See attached invoice Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Filed May 2, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 115,000 miles · OH

Rear subframe assembly rusting, creating safety issue. Discovered 04-22=2021

Questions about the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 steering

Does the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 136 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300, 24% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 74,596 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Mercedes Benz C300 have bad steering?

The Mercedes Benz C300 model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (136 complaints) and 2009 (136 complaints).

Other 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 problems

Electrical 198Airbags 182Lights 118Suspension 36Body 27Engine 22Brakes 21Driver assistance 20Tires 9Acceleration 8Seat belts 8Fuel system 5Transmission 5Wheels 4Seats 3

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