2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 25, 2025TNElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   The electronic steering wheel lock went out causing the car to not start. Upon checking the Internet to see if anyone else was having this problem I found that it was a problem many Mercedes Benz owners have had and it's an expensive one. It's not just with my particular model and it's not limited to older models of the brand either.

   NHTSA complaint #11682861 · source
2. Filed Jun 12, 2025FLOther / UnknownSteering

   I drove vehicle to Publix with no problems. When i tried to start vehicle, key turns but car does not start. There is no cranking sound. I called a mechanic friend and after extensive diagnosis he determined it was the ESL Module which controls the steering. Fortunately i was not driving the vehicle when the ESL Module failed. There is a recall on Mercedes Benz c300 from 2012-2017 for the ESL Module problems but the 2011 is not included. It should be recalled since it is a…

   NHTSA complaint #11666460 · source
3. Filed May 2, 2025AKElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   The ESL or electronic steering lock is a very common issue with this year and model at around the 70k mile mark. You cannot start the car once this goes out and it’s over $2k to fix

   NHTSA complaint #11658412 · source
4. Filed Sep 21, 2024CAElectrical SystemSteering

   For the 2011 Mercedes Benz C300, the following is a general description of the issue: The component that failed is the "internally faulty" electronic steering column lock control unit which doesn't allow the car to start its ignition. The technician at the Mercedes Benz car dealership noted on the invoice "found the electronic steering lock is internally faulty." Technician provided two specific codes and recommended to replace the steering lock control unit. Yes, this car…

   NHTSA complaint #11615780 · source
5. Filed Jun 10, 2024TXEngineOther / UnknownSteering

   The car is not starting. no dashboard no lights no window function no seat function no radio. nothing. Ignition lights are not turning on and the car is dead. Car batteries were newly replaced but understand this could be EIS and Steering lock issues which is common in Mercedes Benz models. Why is Manufacturer not compensating / correcting for common errors on his Models?

   NHTSA complaint #11593432 · source
6. Filed Feb 17, 2023NJAirbagsSteering

   Hi, I dropped off my car with Mercedes-Benz Dealership in Egg Harbor Twp, NJ back on Dec 21, 2022 and still waiting on recall to be fixed and while I'm without ever since that. Please look into this recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11507821 · source
7. Filed Feb 1, 2023ILEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Electronic steering locks are failing in these cars at an alarming rate. When it fails, the car will be stranded or if driving the car will completely lock the steering and take away control from the driver. This is a safety issue that Mercedes should be recalling and fixing because it will take people's lives away. Mercedes is aware of this issue but is failing to recall it and considering it as non-safety. When manufacturing the Electronic Steering lock, Mercedes used…

   NHTSA complaint #11505048 · source
8. Filed Jan 20, 2023VABody & StructureSteeringSuspension

   Rear sub frame and suspension welds have cracks and are broken a loose which when having to put on brakes suddenly cause car to servely pull and twist which can cause a bad accident or worse.

   NHTSA complaint #11502894 · source
9. Filed Aug 15, 2022MDBody & StructureBrakesSteering

   08/15/2022 (date statement was wrote not date of incident) While driving into work at 50 miles an hour, traffic started to slow. While applying brake heard loud pop and vehicle rear end lounged right making steering difficult, I immediately released the brake and control came back I then gently applied the brake again to slow vehicle and felt slight clump from rear. This was very disconcerting my vehicle never had performed in that manner which made me feel very…

   NHTSA complaint #11479472 · source
10. Filed Jul 7, 2022KYBrakesSteeringWheels & Tires

    The rear subframe is rusted and broken, alignment is out, and steering wheel is off centered. Given the history of this model car, it has been under recall in multiple countries outside the United States. This is a common and very dangerous issue that needs to be addressed in the United States because if you call any auto shop or Mercedes they all say it is a common problem with 2008-2014 C-class models. When you look up this issue with this car it has multiple threads…

    NHTSA complaint #11472694 · source
11. Filed Jun 13, 2022FLElectrical SystemSteering

    I own a 2011 C300. Recently, my car suddenly stopped working while I was attempting to leave somewhere away from my home. It would not crank or turn over/start. So I was completely stranded, and in the extreme Florida heat. There has been no damage or wreck to cause this. There were also no warning lights or symptoms in my car beforehand. My car was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership in the nearest city. They diagnosed the problem as an electronic steering lock failure. I…

    NHTSA complaint #11469029 · source
12. Filed Jun 6, 2022NJBrakesSteering

    My 2011, 300C has 116,000 miles. Driving the car I notices that when I applied brakes car swayed to the left. Concerned I brought vehicle to MB in Paramus, NJ. Was told that rear sub-frame was rusted and dislodged along with the brake lines, also rusted. Car was serviced every 10k miles as recommended by dealer and just now these issues were identified. I recently also was told that the fuel tank was also rusted out and needed to be replaced. These issued were a danger to me…

    NHTSA complaint #11467798 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology