2009 Mercedes Benz C300: steering wheel locks up

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 Aug 15, 2022 · Electrical · 175,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch and the steering lock had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

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 Apr 29, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 95,000 miles · CA

My vehicle continuously gives me warning/alert messages of headlight/signal/parking lamp issues. Upon inspection and taken to certified, reliable mercedes repair shops, lights are fully functioning, yet alerts continue on my display/dash. More importantly the electronic steering lock (esl) has failed on more than once costing very considrable amounts of repair bills, and it has happened without warning, I parked the car which has been perfectly maintained and with low mileage, and the steering wheel locks, making it almost impossible to even have it towed to be repaired.

Filed Jun 19, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NJ

Eis steering lock battery fail. $12 battery dies and eis stays in lock position key doesn't respond to ignition switch or car unlocking doors.

Filed May 8, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 82,000 miles · VT

Turned ignition key to start vehicle. Nothing happened. No cranking or clicking. Complete silence. Steering wheel and transmission shifter were both locked into position and could not be moved even though ignition was in the 'on' position. Apparently this is a common problem associated with a defect in the 'electrical ignition system/electronic steering lock (eis/esl)' and is the subject of a technical service bulletin from the manufacturer. This condition occurred on one previous occasion within the last 45 days. On both occasions vehicle was stationary however if it were occur while moving the steering wheel would lock and driver would be unable to avoid a collision. This is a well documented and widely known safety defect for which the manufacturer should bear the cost of correcting (at the current time vehicle owners are charged between $1200-$1700 to perform the defect correction outlined in the manufacturer's technical service bulletin).

Filed Apr 12, 2019 · Steering · 72,311 miles · FL

Pulled into parking space and locked car. 'the car was in a stationary position in a parking lot.' did shopping 1/2 hour. When I came back the car did unlock, but when I attempted to start it, the key wouldn't turn to start the car. I was unable to move the gear shift, unable to turn the steering wheel, no radio, the car was totally locked and shut down. I contacted my mercedes certified mechanic and he had a tow company come to retrieve my car. When the tow got there, the wheels were turned to the left as I had pulled into the parking space and they were still turned from pulling into the space to the left. It took them over an hour to load the car on their truck because the wheels were locked in a turn position. They took the car to my mechanic and he realized the car was in a steering lock. He "removed and replaced -all." the invoice states replaced "steering lock" [xxx] I will have a copy of the invoice faxed to you by ups. I don't know how to fax. There was virtually no reason for the car to lock as it did. There was no indication of an issue while driving the car until I attempted to start it and it was completely locked. Had this happened while I was driving, I am certain it would have been a disaster. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tt

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Steering · 84,500 miles · ID

Electronic steering lock failed to operate and unable to start vehicle. Common problem with w204 chassis and perhaps a safety issue if vehicle fails to operate as designed.stationary when failed, had to tow home to diagnose and repair. Theft sensitive device so parts can't be ordered from other than dealer.