2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Steering Problems

“On sunday, june 27, upon returning to my car I discovered that the key would not disengage the steering column lock to allow me to turn the ignition switch to the on position or steer the vehicle. In addition, the gearshift could not be dislodged from the park position. I contacted aaa. A test of battery revealed that it was fully charged. …”

“I drove without problem to a local store, less than 4 miles away. I was in the store 5 minutes. When I came out and tried to start my car, the steering wheel was locked in place and the dash said take key from ignition . The lights and radio worked, however the windows would not work and the car would not turn on. Also, the shift was stuck in park and could not be placed into neutral without an override.”

“I was driving and all of a sudden I heard a snap , as soon I try to pull over my steering wheel becomes very stiff, very hard to turn. Had to turn the car off and call for a tow truck. When I open the hood it smell like something burnt and I saw the belt in pieces. I spoke to my mechanic and he confirmed it was the belt and the idle pulley. Very dangerous situation and alot of c class cars are having this same issue. Hopefully mercedes benz can fix this before a tragedy happens.”

“I went to start up my car, but when I inserted the key and turned it, the car did not start. Typically when I insert the key, there is a fast and strong sound that makes it seem like the car is locking in the key. This time, the sound was incredibly slow and weak, a sound that caused me to immediately know it was broken. Power was running through the car just fine though, but I was still stranded. I had the car towed to the dealer, and they said the electronic ignition switch (eis) and electronic steering lock (esl) had to be replaced.”

“Steering lock issue. Engine does not crank and car does not start. Upon inserting key, an message pops up asking to remove the key. Steering wheel is locked and car stuck in park. Due to the configuration of my parking garage and the fact that the steering wheel was locked, it took me several days and 4 different tow trucks to successfully tow the car 1.5 miles to my local mb dealership. The diagnosis and repair of the faulty steering lock, which the service advisor says happens all the time with my model, took an entire week. I was told mb does not offer a loaner car in this situation. …”