2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,042miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320, 6% of the 63 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,042 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.
“I just bought the car and two days later the smart key won't turn, can't unlock the steering wheel and the shiffter the good think the car was parked on my drive way call tow truck take to the shop and they say I need a new key and ignition control module but only dealer can do that, $1,400.00 dollars job”
NHTSA complaint #10861059, filed 2016-04, 109,042 miles“Power control seat & steering column module/regulator went out & before it did it use to drain the battery where car wouldn't start if sat for less than 24hrs, so had to unplug but now the entire system doesn't work plugged in. I can barely reach the pedals to drive properly, this is a safety hazard & needs to be a recall. It also needs to be a way to manually adjust. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10543177, filed 2013-09, 53,000 miles“The contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz C320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes failed to respond without warning. Also, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 185,277.”
NHTSA complaint #10577314, filed 2014-04, 185,277 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020460Dec 4, 2008Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. *kb updated 5/13/09.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
26 complaintsSeats
19 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C320
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