2009 Mercedes Benz C350: won't start

Filed Dec 6, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 150,000 miles · NC

When I put the key in the ignition it will not turn over no lights display on the dashboard. The radio cuts on and the only thing that displays on the dashboard is the mileage no other lights. When the key is turned to first or second position. The day before when my car would not start I was able to take the key out of the ignition and replace it in the car started right up this time it does nothing. I'm being told it's an esl steering wheel lock issue that is common to this car model.

Filed Jul 26, 2016 · Electrical · CA

Got home from work parked my car, I would say maybe about 3 hrs later I get on my car to go pick up my son and I wasn't able to turn my car on. My keyfob worked fine when I unlocked and locked the vehicle but when I would insert the keyfob in the ignition I was able to turn the key all the way to the on position. All though it turned in the ignition it wouldn't give the car a crank or any power at all, the radio, windows dashboard, headlights, nothing worked at all, it wouldn't even unlcock my steering coloumn either. Which made it even a bigger hastle to tow the car without being able to turn the steering wheel luckily ii left the wheels straight when I parked my vehicle. I've seen that this issue is common on this mercedes model. If its a common problem mercedes should be able to recall this ignition fault. Theres plenty of reasons why it can be a stressing situation if it happens to anybody, especially not being able to unlock thje steering column. There can be plenty of what if's (what if, u had ur wheels turned, what if your far from home, ur parked in a tight space how are you going to get the car towed, you have an emergency and your car suddenly wont start, at a gas station pumping gas and your car wont start, even after just having dinner at a restaurant) imagine having an issue like this and you are with ypur family its very stressful or everybody. I'm sure its happened to a lot of people but they dont file a complaint or maybe they dont know they can file one. I just hope mercedes can really do something about this issue since is very common on this model 2009 mercedes c350.

Filed May 28, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 37,110 miles · CA

Car was parked in a parking lot. I was 120 miles from home when the engine would not start -- even though the battery, lights, stereo, gauges, etc. All worked fine. Still, the engine wouldn't even crank, had car towed to an independent mercedes repair facility (it was a sunday and the local mercedes service department was not open). The electronic ignition switch (eis) and other parts needed to be replaced at a cost of $1526.94. Months later I visited the federal safety agency website and learned that this is a common problem with this model of mercedes and that the manufacturer is refusing to pay for the repair. With a problem this widespread -- which can occur multiple times during the life of the car -- mercedes should foot the bill. I would have complained earlier but only now learned that many other owners are experiencing the same defect. My car had only 37,110 miles at the time. I should be reimbursed my mercedes.

Filed Feb 24, 2016 · Steering · 82,000 miles · CA

Vehicle would not start. Key turns in ingnition but display indicates to remove key. Windows/sunroof did not work. Called aaa to check battery. Battery fully charged. Towed to mb authorized repair shop steering lock mechanism $980.00 to replace

Filed Dec 24, 2015 · Electrical · 683,000 miles · WA

I had to replace the steering lock module which cost nearly $1200. The car has approximately 110,000 km. The car started fine in the morning and was parked for about 20 minutes in the grocery store parking lot. When I returned to the car and tried to start it, it would not crank. The alarm turned off fine, radio and lights worked, instrument cluster read the key and good me to remove it before exiting the vehicle. The transmission and steering wheel were locked in park. The car had to be towed to a dealership where they diagnosed and replaced the steering lock module. I read online and found numerous complaints about the same issues.

Filed Jun 30, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · LA

I am attempting to leave office depot parking lot and my car will not start (no problem prior to going into the store!) I put the key in the ignition the lights, radio, dashboard all come on and I hear a clicking sound. However, the power windows don't work, nor the sunroof. After researching most of the night (couldn't rest) and most of the day, it appears to be the electronic ignition switch (eis) which is very costly! And there are tens of thousands of complaints over the span of years!!! The nightmare stories (I had deja vu...exactly the same issue!) defiantly enough complaints about this issue that your organization should open an investigation. A demand for a recall is needed asap!!! Price of replacement/repair could be from $1,100 to $2,200....ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 49,000 miles · CA

When to get my car waxed for the weekend. Got home parked the car and when my wife and I were ready to go out the car wouldn't start. Dash lights, radio, ect were working but the ignition wouldn't start. I can hear clicks from the engine n the steering was locked. Bag ignition steering lock. $1,900 to fix haven't been able to move the car until I come up with the money to fix it! Common issue from all 2008 & 2009 mercedes w204 c class! & no recall.