Electronic steering lock (esl) goes out damaged without reason, happened all of a sudden to my parked car. Car simply won't attempt to start and steering his completely locked. Only option is to tow it to the shop and a very expensive repair fix. There are thousands of cases already registered on this and is a common issue with this part used in many mercedes cars.
2008 Mercedes Benz C350 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c350w. While the vehicle was at a traffic light, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was shifted into park, but was unable to restart. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,773.
Steering lock issue. Engine does not crank and car does not start. Upon inserting key, an message pops up asking to remove the key. Steering wheel is locked and car stuck in park. Due to the configuration of my parking garage and the fact that the steering wheel was locked, it took me several days and 4 different tow trucks to successfully tow the car 1.5 miles to my local mb dealership. The diagnosis and repair of the faulty steering lock, which the service advisor says happens all the time with my model, took an entire week. I was told mb does not offer a loaner car in this situation. All in all, it took my 2 weeks to finally get my car working again. The repair was $1,200. Add in the 4 tow trucks, and 2 weeks of rental car and this was easily a $2,000 issue. Mb should issue a recall given that this issue is so prevalent and clearly a fault with the steering lock part.
Front lamps and headlight keep randomly not functioning at start or when driving. Warning light that bulb is out comes on but then goes away and the lights come back on after a little of time and a restart of engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the ignition failed to turn over and start. A warning indicator to remove the key appeared. In addition, the steering wheel failed and would not turn. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but declined to file a complaint until the vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. Updated 10/04/16*lj the consumer stated the old parts and repair receipt are available. Updated 10/13/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c350. When the ignition key was inserted into the ignition switch, a clicking sound was heard and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric steering wheel lock failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Stationary vehicle no start, no crank without warning while parked on a city street. Failure within the electronic steering lock. Vehicle will not recognize the drivers key. Driver and passengers left dangerously stranded where ever the vehicle is parked when the failure occurs. This failure makes it unable to shift the vehicle into neutral position for towing.
Esl failure. Apparently this is a very common 1200$ issue with c-class. The key would turn but the car won't start. Had to be towed to the dealer who instantly knew it was the esl. There should be a recall on these issues. So many people are having the exact same problem!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz c350. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start as the SRS warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,050.
The vehicle left me stranded and locked out. I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral preventing a proper tow.
My 2008 c350 failed to start without warning, I called aaa to come check the battery and they said the battery was good. I also noticed that my steering wheel would not unlovk when the key was inserted. I called aaa again and requested to have my car towed to the dealership to investigate the issue. The dealership called to tell me that my steering column and eis both failed and it would cost around $1500 to replace. I went on the mbusa forum website and found hundreds of owners that have had the same problem, I even saw a campaign number listed for the eis. If these defects are known issues and since they fail without warning and could cause the eis to fail and along with the steering column to lock while the driver is driving causing an accident or leaving a family stranded, I'm not to sure why this safety issue has not been recalled and addressed yet. Do we need people to die in vehicle accidents from these parts failing before we do the right thing and recall these defective parts? I'm very thankful that my parts failed when I wasn't driving because I might not be the one writing this complaint, it would be my daughters and wife writing and crying because a known defect was not corrected in a timely manner and it took my life and possibly others. Let's be proactive and not reactive!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz c350. While driving 15 MPH, the front driver side SRS malfunction light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 70,000.
I had stopped to check the mailbox in the parking lot, turning the engine off. Upon return, engine wouldn't crank; windows wouldn't go down. Dashboard indicator & interior/exterior lights worked. Steering column locked; unable to shift gear from park. Towed car to dealer. I had only one key fob. They wanted to test a second one; since I didn't own one, they stated I should purchase one for $250 in case it was a fob problem. It wasn't. The eis--electronic ignition switch (they called it "steering lock" aka esl--electronic steering lock) is the cause, according to the dealership. They want $1100 for that issue, total of $1420 + tax.
I drove without problem to a local store, less than 4 miles away. I was in the store 5 minutes. When I came out and tried to start my car, the steering wheel was locked in place and the dash said "take key from ignition". The lights and radio worked, however the windows would not work and the car would not turn on. Also, the shift was stuck in "park" and could not be placed into neutral without an override.
Drove car to work without any problems. At the end of day, car would not start and engine would not crank or turn over. Dashboard indicator, radio, windows, interior/exterior lights worked. Got a jump from employee parking services, but car still would not start. Steering column locked and unable to shift gear to neutral. Towed car to auto repair shop and had service diagnostic performed. Error found to be related to service campaign 2008020003 issued march 2008 in which the electronic ignition switch required replacement. Per campaign, "daimler ag has determined that the eis may malfunction preventing the electric steering lock and the central lock from functioning. Dealers will replace the eis on the affected vehicles during the next workshop visit. Please note that recall and service campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator. Order no. P-sc-2008020003." parts--part name:eis part no: a204 545 14 08 estimated replacement rate 100%; part name:orange workshop key (must be ordered by VIN) part no: a000 766 96 06 9999 estimated replacement rate 100%. Warranty information: operation: replace eis control module (02-5644); connect/disconnect star diagnosis (02-4762); connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058). Damage code: 46 926 31 7. Do your research--this problem has affected thousands of mb owners and has occurred to some while driving. This is a serious safety hazard, more so than the back tail light issue which was recalled. Please investigate this dangerous issue and make this a required recall covered by mercedes. Don't buy another mercedes without checking the vmi, vehicle master inquiry first. Lives matter.
On tuesday, june 9, 2015, I drove my car to work and parked at approximately 7:45 am. I did not get back into the car until 4:30 pm on the same day. When I attempted to start up my vehicle, it would not start. I called a mechanic friend, and he determined that it is a faulty eis which is the same problem that other people are describing here. As it stands right now, I will never buy another mercedes benz!!!!
I parked the car,few hours later,I try to put it on,no starting occurred,no external light ,the battery was dead. I bought a new battery but it did not function.I consulted with several mechanics and one them talled me that place where I put the key that is called the panel switch was damage and suggested me to call mercedes benz dealer because it happens that there was recalls that several cars had the same problems for cars from 2008 -2014.this problem affected the original battery that I had.
My vehicle went completely out of service and was unable to start due to a faulty electronic steering lock (esl). My vehicle only has 69,000 miles on it and this seems to be an issue with plenty of other c-class mercedes benz owners who have encountered the same issue. Mercedes benz is failing to take responsibility while also my exteneded warranty that I paid $2000 for has also said they will not cover this. I highly recommend not ever buying an extended warranty from privilege protection care. They place generic terms in parts of what they cover and if the dealer or shop has a specific name for your part, although it is the product or part of the same part that needs to be replaced, they will honor the warranty. Also their customer service was rude and not very helpful at all.
I had just stopped to put gas in the vehicle and upon completion I got back in the car to start it. When I turned the key, the car wouldn't start. I had headlights and my dashboard was partially lit up, but nothing else would work. I then called the mb road side assistance and a technician came out and determined it was not a battery or starter problem. The technician said that it was probably the eis since he had seen the same situation before. An hour later the car was towed to the dealership, and dropped off with much trouble since the steering column didn't function. Several days later I got a call from my service consultant, informing me that the car needed the ignition starter switch as well as the eis unit and two new keys needed to be programmed. The total was $2500. In the meantime, I found a tsb number 2008020003, dated march 1, 2008, documenting the exact problem I was having. It appears that it was a know problem even back in 2008. My car is in excellent condition and it has only 32,260 miles. Why didn't this become a recall? I also feel like I was robbed on the cost of the repairs. I'll never trust this car again and I'm not buying another mercedes.
I have a c350 sport, I went to start the car and the car didn't start. The lights came on, navigation came up, but it would not start. It seemed as if the car did not recognize the key; as the displayed message was "take key from ignition". The following day I paid someone to come out and look at the car, and it started right up. Battery tested normal and I thought it was a close call. Then I left to run errands and it wouldn't start and never started again. After paying $160 for the tow to the dealership; I was told if I did not have 2 keys then they can't test it. So after ordering a second key at $375; I found out it wasn't the key! If this car has so much technology in it, why can't you test the eis with a diagnostic computer, without blowing money on a $375 dollar key? After that failure I was told it was the electronic ignition switch. I have a 15 year old toyota camry and the [xxx] thing has never had 1 issue. I buy this car and at 89,000 miles the eis goes out. Poorly made and highly disappointed. The total cost for this joke was $1,780 and I didn't even get the oil changed! I think they do this to get more money, they should recall the eis and els in all mercedes that are having similar issues and not make the customer pay. It makes me not want to be a customer anymore because of this and their lack of wanting to take responsibility for their failure. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I went to go turn on my car and it failed. No sound or anything. I called aaa they came and said the battery is good they just don't know what's wrong. I had to get my car tow without knowing what was wrong with it. I took it to the shop and it took them about a week to realize what was wrong with it. I called mercedes benz and they had no explanation to what was wrong with it or why it happen. They finally figured it out and they said it was an electric steering lock problem and that its for security reasons and that it can happen anytime. I also had to get a programming key. This cost was very expensive to not have an explanation. I also noted that a lot of c class users had this very same issue and we are not understanding why there isn't a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes benz c350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering lock system and the electronic ignition system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
11/28 : I drive my 08c350 to 7/11 store close to my house to pick up some for the trip the next day. The car would not start (radio, power window...are working). I call fletcher jones mercedes benz, they advise me to use the spare key, I walk home to get the spare key, same thing. The car was towed to fetcher jones for repair, the repair cost me $1064.78. One month earlier, it cost me almost $1800,00 to fix the camshaft sensors and the intake manifold sensor. All of theses 3 problems are well known for the c class w204 (from 2008 to 2011), but mercedes benz never accept the bad design or fault. Whether the federal safety agency can do something to force the company accept the faulty design to help out the car's owner ?. Thanks.
I went to start up my car, but when I inserted the key and turned it, the car did not start. Typically when I insert the key, there is a fast and strong sound that makes it seem like the car is locking in the key. This time, the sound was incredibly slow and weak, a sound that caused me to immediately know it was broken. Power was running through the car just fine though, but I was still stranded. I had the car towed to the dealer, and they said the electronic ignition switch (eis) and electronic steering lock (esl) had to be replaced.
I have a 2008 c350 with 81,300 miles. I drove the car home from school thursday parked it in my parking garage went out this morning and it wouldn't start. The key locks and unlocks the doors the lights come on and the dash lights up. You can insert and turn the key but the car will not start. The steering wheel is locked and the drive is locked in park. I tried jumping and it did nothing I didn't think the battery was bad but went and had it checked anyways. The battery being changed. I check the fuses that are associated with the starter and they seem to be ok. I'm not sure what to do next and not excited about having it towed to the dealership. Any information would be helpful.
I was driving down the road and turning into king soopers shopping mart when my car just died. I thought it was the battery and coasted into a parking spot. I then checked my stereo and interior and exterior lights to see if it was the battery. It wasn't, they all worked fine. But turning the ignition to start the car did nothing. It seemed the steering wheel was locked. After playing with the steering wheel for a few minutes it unlocked itself and I was able to drive again. I continued to the grocery store but before I got there it did the same thing again. I drifted into a parking spot again and this time it was dead for good. I had to get my car towed to a mercedes repair shop (salims silver star). My mechanic said it was the ignition switch and a known issue with mercedes. After $1700 on a car with less than 50,000 it is finally fixed. My life was in danger driving a car known to have ignition switch issues. This is criminal and I'm lucky the problem occurred while in a parking lot and not on the highway doing 65. Please recall this issue as mercedes is making a fortune off of it's customers charging $1700 for an issue they caused !!!
Enter the car and put the key in. All I can hear was little ticking sound came from the steering wheel after putting the fob key in. The batter has been checked and is ok. Shifter won't move, the steering wheel doesn't come out of its lock and the car won't start. Console and radio turns on and car locks/unlocks.there are many others with these complaints for the same year car in the same class but no recall has been issued. Mercedes benz needs to cover these parts and repair because it is such a catastrophic failure that has nothing to do with the use or abuse of the vehicle.
About 3 moths ago my car was unable to start, mercedes benz (mb) technician came and diagnose it that there is an issue with the electronic ignition switch(eis) - that it was not recognizing my key. The tech. Wiggle around the key and was able to crank and start my car. It never happen again until last week (august 16,2014), the car won't start again. I called mb and they send me a technician at my house, his diagnosis was the eis issue again and this time he was not able to start my car. He suggested that it should be towed to the nearest dealership. This morning (aug. 18, 2014), I tried to start my car and wiggle the key on the ignition and I was able to start the car again. Unfortunately when I turned off the ignition, I was not able to start it again. A friend of my told me that there was a recall regarding the eis of mercedes benz c 350 in 2008. The mb campaign no. Is 2008020003, march 2008. I called mercedes benz and asked them if they will cover the cost for replacing the eis. Their response was, they will not because my car VIN was not one of the cars that is being recalled about this eis problem. Why is mb is not covering the cost, this is the same issue on the recall regarding the eis malfunction that was sent in march 2008.
I have a 2008 mercedes benz c350. The rear passenger taillight malfunctioned causing me to be pulled over by the police. Mercedes benz has since recalled the faulty tail lights and is scheduled to release replacement parts to mb dealers next month. However, it seems the entire electrical system is defective. Sometimes the radio station changes when I adjust the cabin air temperature (air conditioner). The dashboard control panel constantly displays warning messages about failing headlights and side markers. Aside from the recalled passenger taillight which is visibly dimmer than the driver side taillight, the other lights appeared to be working fine. Yesterday the fuel gauge indicator and the coolant indicator on the dash came on - the antifreeze and fuel tanks are both full. I had a mechanic look at the lights, only to discover the plastic housing is completely singed and melted in the headlights and side markers, just like it is in the defective recalled taillight. The car is one over-priced fire trap - at this point I don't feel safe driving it. What is even more disturbing to me, is that mercedes benz is well aware of electrical problems with the c class. There are thousands of complaints about this issue online - posted to blogs and the federal safety agency website. Mercedes is trying to piece-meal out a remedy. Meanwhile, this is a big safety issue! When will the federal safety agency recall the entire mercedes c class line due to defective electrical issues?
The rear passenger tail lamps are dimming to about half the normal strength. The bulbs are all fine, but I am getting notices on the dash that the lights need to get checked. I checked the rear light harness and it appears the electrical connector has melted so that it can't be removed from the component that actually holds the bulbs. I am concerned that this might be a fire hazard. The electrical failure also seems to be affecting the horn. There are two horns on this car. One is on the drivers side and one on the passenger side. The passenger side horn is not functioning. It appears like there is weak to no electrical power on that side of the car. This is extremely dangerous too as I can't warn other cars on the road if needed.
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