2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 267 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300, 3% of the 267 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear subframe has corroded around the areas where the trailing arm and control arm meet the subframe on both sides of the vehicle, and has disintegrated around the drivers side rear trailing arm causing it to have detached, along with a piece of the subframe. The metal of the subframe is distorted around the area of the break. The detached trailing arm and piece of subframe are now making contact with the fuel tank as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11352792, filed 2020-09, 92,000 miles“Steering wheel lock after vehicle is shut down. When you return to the vehicle insert the key the instrument cluster, speedo, steering wheel is unresponsive which will not allow you to turn the engine. This should be a recall it's a electronic steering lock that fails on several mercedes benz causing the owner to tow the vehicle to the dealership for a 2,000 dollar repair. It happens several times before it completely fails.”
NHTSA complaint #11124614, filed 2018-09, 90,000 miles“I drove over an object on the highway and noticed my car veering left and wobbly when turning. A week after, it is squealing like a load of piglets in my trunk whenever I go over a bump, then my battery light came on and I took it to the shop and contacted my insurance, who denied my claim saying it was 'wear and tear'.”
NHTSA complaint #11459967, filed 2022-04“My 2012 c300 has a rotted rear subframe making the car not able to be driven. It has major ,life threatening, costly damage and this issue already has a recall all over the world but not in the United States. If I can get the assistance to pay this repair, it will be gladly appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #11602805, filed 2024-07“The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start-up as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty steering column sensor that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,692.”
NHTSA complaint #11482411, filed 2022-09, 104,692 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"
- 10056472Jun 20, 2014Xentry (mercedes): after engine has started, several issues occurs, an acoustic warning sounds is heard, the instrument cluster displays warning message power steering…
- 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…
- 10048239Sep 24, 2012Xentry (mercedes): an internal issue with electronic steering lock is causing a failure of no cranking, intermittent no crank or no start and warning icons will not illuminate in…
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
114 complaintsSuspension
69 complaintsBody and structure
55 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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