2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 136about this part
- Share
- 24%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,200miles
- 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, 24% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,200 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car was parked by side walk next to my house. Inserted the key in the ignition and turned it. The car did not start, and the steering wheel was locked. No lights flashed on the dashboard. Car had to be towed on truck bed since it's rear-wheel drive. Dealer told me it's the ignition switch lock cylinder. Cost $1500 to fix. This is a manufacturer's defect. Not fair.”
NHTSA complaint #11372335, filed 2020-10, 55,000 miles“My car every so often won?t start battery is good starter is good just does nothing happened over 10x had it towed to 5 mechanics shops and mercedes can?t diagnose problem because after a day maybe two sometimes 4 or 5 the car will just start up on its own and then a few weeks or months we go through it all over again researched and other mercedes C300 drivers have the same problem for months and its the steering lock module.”
NHTSA complaint #11326438, filed 2020-05, 85,000 miles“My C300 was functioning perfectly with no issues. When I came out to start the car, it would not recognize the key. I had it towed to a dealer and they informed me that it's the electronic steering lock fail. I looked this up and it is something very common with the 2009 model. There are several post on the internet asking for this to be a recall item.”
NHTSA complaint #10807137, filed 2015-11, 140,000 miles“Car was working fine. Came out of a restaurant, and the car wouldn't start. Received error message on console to remove key from ignition . Car was towed to local dealership, where they told me it was a faulty ignition steering lock, it would cost $1300 to repair and I would be out of a car for at least 1 week while they ordered the part.”
NHTSA complaint #10785672, filed 2015-10, 93,000 miles“Car was off and parked in the giant (limerick, pa) parking lot. I put the key in the ignition, turned it, and nothing happened. Dash read remove key. I had the vehicle towed to dealer. Steering lock mechanism went bad. Fuse 22 blew every time we put the key in the ignition. Had to replace part.”
NHTSA complaint #11024038, filed 2017-09, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038188Sep 26, 2026Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the…
- 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…
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300
198 complaintsAir bags
182 complaintsExterior lighting
118 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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