2008 Mercedes Benz C350: steering wheel locks up

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · AZ

The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · VA

All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Steering · 78,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle Electronic Steering Lock failure. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 71,906 miles · MA

On sunday, june 27, upon returning to my car I discovered that the key would not disengage the steering column lock to allow me to turn the ignition switch to the on position or steer the vehicle. In addition, the gearshift could not be dislodged from the park position. I contacted aaa. A test of battery revealed that it was fully charged. I was able to manually disengage the gear shift and place the car in neutral, however, the car was unable to be loaded on to the flatbed tow-truck, as the front wheels were locked at an angle and I was parked in parking space, between the sidewalk to my front and right side and a car to my left. I was forced to leave the vehicle and find an alternative means of getting home. Five days and numerous attempts later, aaa was finally able to retrieve my vehicle. Conversation with mechanics at mb dealership as well as mb trained private mechanic identified problem as defective electronic ignition switch (eis/ ezs) and electronic steering lock (esl/ elv). Contacted mbusa corporate office and was informed that the financial responsibility for the repair (approximately $1,600) was mine, since, despite hundreds of complaints regarding similar mechanical issue, there is not a recall

Filed Feb 12, 2018 · Steering · 133,000 miles · VA

Steering wheel locks without warning, shutting off control to the vehicle instrument panel and the gear shift. Problem occurs without warning and can cause accidents as well as leave you stranded without away of starting your car or driving it safely.

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 28,000 miles · CA

Vehicle failed to start/crank after only 28,000 miles. Cause was a failed esl (electronic steering lock) part of the electronic theft system that ties with the electronic ignition switch. The failure of this part disables the car and is unusable. This issue with this model, w204 - c-class 300/350, has an abnormal amount of reports via mercedes benz internet forums about this very failure. 13 pages worth on one. Given the low amount of miles on my vehicle, the failure rate seems unreasonably high. The part failure has nothing to do with the use/abuse of the vehicle.

Filed May 27, 2017 · Electrical · 96,077 miles · NY

Electronic steering lock- car was running fine no issues parked the car went back out to start less than an hour after parking and got nothing dash came on no radio,no windows,no release from park, and steering wheel is locked and will not unlock. Left stranded have to have a tow to closest mercedes benz dealer 45 miles away....estimated cost after 310.80 tow 1200 to 2000

Filed May 25, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 82,500 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 12, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 77,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 9, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed May 17, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 36,617 miles · GA

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.