2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 136about this part
- Share
- 20%of 672 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 136 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300, 20% of the 672 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering lock failed. 10 cent motor will not lock steering wheel. Causes car to think it is stolen, disables the entire car. Left me stranded in freezing temperature with no warning. I got gas, got in the car to leave to work, and nothing worked. This is very dangerous. Luckily I was able to get someone to pick me up, as my cell phone was about to die.”
NHTSA complaint #10809727, filed 2015-12, 93,000 miles“The electronic steering lock just shutoff. The car came out of comfort while I was driving, the c-in the box-just disappeared off the cluster and I knew this is what happened because it happened three times them started up two days later. This has been a common problem with mercedes C300 as I read so many complaints and posts.”
NHTSA complaint #10732007, filed 2015-07, 41,000 miles“Shame on you mercedes benz! It appears to be a known issue that the steering lock goes out leaving your loyal customers stranded with no ability to start the car. Ok! Now, I am told the cost to repair is $1450 for the part and the labor. Looks like my next car will be a bmw! (steering lock went out at 80k- leaving the car unable to start).”
NHTSA complaint #10597522, filed 2014-06, 80,000 miles“Parked by car as usual, came out an hour later and my car wouldn't start. The key fob locks and unlocks the door and the lights still come on but when I put the key in the ignition and turn the key the car won't start. The road side service technician stated the key fob is not being recognized and that is the reason the car won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #10629839, filed 2014-09, 112,324 miles“Electronic steering lock malfunctioned. I'm now out $1100.00 because of a problem so common, a guy who hadn't even seen my car was able to guess the make, model, and year of my car just by telling him the issue. How has a recall not been made on this problem? Car worked fine just two hours before it wouldn't start... Unbelievable.”
NHTSA complaint #10648275, filed 2014-10, 68,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10135638Oct 16, 2014Red display message in instrument cluster "Power Steering Malfunction - See Owner's Manual"
- 10135621Oct 10, 2014Red display message in instrument cluster "Power Steering Malfunction - See Owner's Manual"
- 10167002Feb 25, 2014Creaking noise when making vertical or longitudinal adjustment to electrical steering column
- 10167003Feb 18, 2014Fault code U41600 logged in 'ES' (electric steering) control unit after software update or steering gear replacement. Note: Fault code U41600 means: Implausible data were…
- 10167550Jul 18, 2013Single, throttle lift-off, clunking noise from the side shaft when starting off (audible at the wheel). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice…
- 10044181Mar 12, 2012Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10033073Dec 3, 2009Xentry: steering leaky at internal oil lines. Connector of internal oil line or sealing washers/o-rings damaged. Not necessary to replace the entire steering system. Remove…
- 10028606Jan 16, 2009Mercedes vehicle: vehicles fluid leaking from power steering system, may be due to damaged low pressure power steering hose installed. Leak might develop in area of connection…
- 10028647Dec 11, 2008Mercedes: esp indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster. This may be due to a malfunctioning steering column module (scm). Model 204. Model years 2008.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 12 | 12% |
| 2017 | 13 | 6% |
| 2016 | 13 | 4% |
| 2015 | 23 | 6% |
| 2014 | 13 | 14% |
| 2013 | 26 | 10% |
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 34 | 7% |
| 2010 | 71 | 16% |
| 2009 | 136 | 24% |
| 2008 | 136 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
270 complaintsElectrical system
228 complaintsExterior lighting
108 complaintsOther or unknown
38 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology