What 284 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-benz C-class Hybrid

The electronic steering lock (ESL) system on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 failed without warning, leaving the vehicle completely unable to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, the key would insert but the vehicle would not crank or start, and the steering lock malfunction prevented normal operation of the vehicle. The vehicle became stranded and inoperable. This failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be moved and left me stranded unexpectedly. If this failure were to occur in an unsafe area or emergency situation, it could place the driver and passengers at risk. After researching the issue, I found numerous reports online from other owners of similar Mercedes-Benz C-Class models experiencing the same ESL/EIS failure. This appears to be a common issue affecting these vehicles. At this time, the problem has not yet been repaired. UNKNOWN if the manufacturer has inspected the vehicle. No warning lights or prior symptoms appeared before the failure. The malfunction happened suddenly and without warning.

NHTSA ODI 11736140

Experiencing a failed Electronic Steering Lock (ESL). Car won’t crank or start even after verifying battery health and key fob. Symptoms point to a failed ESL, left stranded

NHTSA ODI 11719778

The "ESL Module" in this model is designed to unlock the steering and ignition when the vehicle key's passcode matches, using a small, mechanical motor with significantly poor durability. The problem is that this motor's failure is unpredictable, and many users of this model have been stranded and unable to start their vehicles due to the motor's lifespan ending. Even when the car is painstakingly brought to a dealership, repairs cost approximately $1,800 to $2,000, or owners are resorting to unofficial bypasses using a device called an ESL Emulator from the aftermarket. I'd like to request NHTSA to start a thorough investigation into this issue and a RECALL order for the affected models to be issued to MBUSA. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11688424

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V252000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed in 2018. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The contact deactivated the push start button and attempted to start the vehicle with the key whoever, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had seized due to the steering coupling connecting bolt. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted prior to the dealer repairing the vehicle in 2018. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, where the repair was completed in 2018, to have the vehicle inspected, and if the part that failed was the part replaced under the recall, the manufacturer would pay for the additional repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and that the dealer was three hours away. The failure mileage was approximately 70,664.

NHTSA ODI 11681703

The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11671505

To Whom It May Concern, I am seeking assistance regarding my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-300, VIN [XXX] . I repurchased this vehicle from the London Nissan Dealership on [XXX]. It currently has about 120,000 miles, and I have driven an additional 15,000 miles in the past two years. Less than three months after purchase, I took the car to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Knoxville, TN, for repairs on May 16th. Now, my vehicle is at James Motor Company in Lexington, KY, where they diagnosed a faulty steering column that needs replacement at a cost of $1,630.00. I have already taken this car to the dealership twice for issues in under two years. The problems began when the vehicle wouldn’t start one morning; the steering column was locked despite a fully charged battery. This failure could have led to a serious accident, especially since I drive frequently for work and school. There were no warning signs prior to this incident. The dealership has confirmed the steering column issue and can provide inspection upon request. I also have a list of parts needed for the repair available. Given the nature of this malfunction, I believe it warrants a recall. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11637174

A known issue by many mB owners related to Steering Wheel Lock or ESL system. Car will not start due to a known defect related to a part installed inside the steering wheel preventing owners from starting car safely and to get to destination safely.

NHTSA ODI 11626338

It's the ESL ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK THIS PART IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IS POSTED ONLINE TO FIX AND ALSO BYPASS IT. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO I AM TOLD PART ALONE IS $570 AT MERCEDES THEY HAVE TO PROGRAM IT. THIS PART IS KNOW TO BREAK AND ONLY THEY CAN REPROGRAM IT. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFTY ISSUE. THE CAR RTDOES NOT START BECAUSE OF IT AND IT LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE. THE CODE FOR IT ON CAR IS A25464 code on car. This is a known problem and it makes the car undrivable. I don't have files but had car toed 2 times. I will have recept after it's fixed

NHTSA ODI 11624057

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that an unidentified recall was previously completed on the vehicle; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel locked. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering lock and the TRP needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA ODI 11623763

I purchased my vehicle from the Mercedes Benz Dealership and received a recall letter in the mail stating that driver side deployment may occur. After receiving notice I brought the car to the dealership to get the recall repaired. I've been driving around with a false sense of security believing that this issue was repaired. However, recently, while I was driving the driver side airbag unexpectedly and abruptly deployed and injured me. This is a major safety concern and car owners should be notified and made aware that the issue can still occur after the recall was repaired. I contacted Mercedes Benz and they did not issue any additional notices to inform customers of possible recall issue reoccurring due to manufacturer defects even after the repair was made. Additionally, I believe the driver side Takata airbag/inflators may have also been defective because of the injuries I incurred from the forceful explosive eruption of the airbag. MBUSA Campaign Number 2017120024 NHTSA Recall Number 17V627 Recall Start Date January 18, 2018 Recall Reported Date October 16, 2017 Component(s) 1709P46C62 Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that certain MY12-17 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe vehicles (204, 207, 212 platform) have insufficient electrical grounding in the steering column components. In rare instances, if the steering column module is exposed to an electrostatic discharge, and if the steering column module clock spring is broken (due to wear), this could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. An inadvertent driver airbag deployment may cause a risk of injury to the driver and might increase the risk of a potential crash. A broken clock spring will illuminate the SRS warning light as well as display a warning message in the instrument cluster. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer will install a sufficient ground to the steering column, and a protective ring to the steering column module.

NHTSA ODI 11609790

While I was driving my car the driver side airbag abruptly deployed. The airbag inadvertently deployed; the car did not crash into anything to cause the airbag to deploy. When the airbag erupted it caused injury to my head, face, hand, arm and wrist. I believe the airbag is defective because I have lacerations on my face possibly due to sharp objects ejecting from the airbag and the impact as well as excessive smoke and fumes emitted after the fact. I believe there might be a manufacturing defect in the airbag because it seemed as if it exploded with excessive force causing harm to myself as well as inadvertent eruption. There have been some recalls issued on the motor vehicle and I did take the vehicle to the Mercedes car dealership to get all of the recalls repaired, however this incident occurred after the repairs were made at the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11598400

Mercedes has a convenience easy enter/exit feature that lifts the steering and slides the driver's seat back for easy exit and restores the seat and steering when the driver sits down and places the key in the ignition. The safety issue is the steering often gets locked in the up position and doesn't lower, making it unsafe to drive the car. This is happened 5 times since I bought the car. I had to drive home with the steering wheel locked above the dashboard. The car has been towed to the dealership 4 times under warranty and now I have to get it towed myself. There are approximately 54000 miles on the car.

NHTSA ODI 11545542

Car would just shut down intermittently, sometimes sudden death. No crank no start. Been stranded at night alone with my child in the car and at times, unsafe areas. Electronic Ignition Switch is faulty and MB has had my car for 1 month to date. Quoted me a repair cost of $2,787. Said the EIS is on back order with no ETA, and they currently have 5 others with exact problem, ignition switch. So many people have reported this problem for years with the C300. I'm a single mom, it's been a nightmare.

NHTSA ODI 11506479

Steering lock mechanism fails without warning and leaves vehicle and occupants stranded in potentially dangerous location. No onsite repair possible. Vehicle must be towed to authorized dealer for repair. > Safety of car occupants was at risk. > No warning prior to failure. > Repair cost ~!500. Unsure of reliability of replacement unit > My dealer says this is a frequent occurrence. 6+ repairs / month for this model car at this dealer, Expects same frequency at others > Dealer service agent stated he personally believes it should be covered by a recall or free repair. > Filed formal complaint with Company (Mercedes-Benz) but reimbursement was refused. > Similar stranding incident on same car occurred in 05/2021 and car require tow to same dealer who suspected same problem but was unable to duplicate and/or repair the failing component at that time

NHTSA ODI 11486036

Parked the car, did something, came back and car did not start. Key in, no crank, no start, no steering. No lights on the dash, no gear shifting, can’t roll the windows up. All out of nowhere. Think it’s a problem with the Electronic Steering Lock.

NHTSA ODI 11466656

WHILE DRIVING ON 95 HIGHWAY TAKING AN EXIT ( MAKING A RIGHT TURN ROUNDABOUT) THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME PREVENTING ME FROM CONTINUING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE EXIT CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE METAL RAILINGS; BECAUSE MY WHEELS NOW WHERE LOCKED IN A POSITION THAT WOULD FORCE ME TO CRASH INTO THE RAILINGS HAD I NOT STOPPED. I STOPPED AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART FOR THE STEERING WHEEL AND SYSTEM TO RESET AND UNLOCK. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 2018 OR 2019. I NOTIFIED MERCEDES OF WHAT HAPPENED AND I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL ON THE STEERING. I HAD THE RECALL CHECKED ON MY VEHICLE AND THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, TWICE IN NOVEMBER 2020 MY CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND THE IGNITION WOULD NOT START. THEN AFTER MAKING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS CAR EVENTUALLY STARTED. I CALLED MERCEDES AND I WAS TOLD OVER THE PHONE BY MERCEDES IT COULD BE MY KEY FAUB. HOWEVER, THIS HAPPENED A 4TH TIME ON DEC 24, 2020, NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START CAR AND CAR WOULD NOT START, STEERING WAS LOCKED. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD BY MERCEDES THERES A FAULT IN THE STEERING LOCK MODULAR. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IS FAULTY AND THE ENTIRE STEERING MODULAR HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS WHILE DRIVING. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS ON THE STEERING AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL ADDRESSED A DIFFERENT ISSUE WITH THE STEERING.

NHTSA ODI 11386738

STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN

NHTSA ODI 11363363

I CAN'T BELIEVE I EXPERIENCED THAT .. MY CAR ALL OF THE SUDDEN JERKED ON THE FREEWAY AND STARTED SHAKING . I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT WE HAD AN EARTHQUAKE .. THEN IT ACCELERATED AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW I'M GOING 25 MILES AND HOUR .. SO GLAD I WAS NEAR AN EXIT I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL ROLLED DOWN THE HILL , MADE A TURN AND SHUT IT OFF .TOOK ME A MINUTE TO GATHER MYSELF .. WHAT IF I WAS IN A MIDDLE LANE ? WHAT IF SOMEONE COULDN'T PRESS THE BREAKS IN TIME🤦🏻‍♀️🤯😡...

NHTSA ODI 11344258

ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK SYSTEM FAILS IN EVERY MERCEDES BENZ ITS A DEFECTIVE PART.

NHTSA ODI 11322976

THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND WHEN TRYING TO START THE STEERING WAS LOCKED AND IGNITION WOULD NOT START. THE CAR HAD THE STEERING LOCKED AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION SWITCH SPONTANEOUSLY CORRUPTED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI 11287670

THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. DASH BOARD DISPLAYS LEFT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION, HORN NO LONGER WORKS, DISPLAY CAN NOT BE CLEARED. STEERING MAKE LOTS OF OF CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNED ON EITHER DIRECTION. TOOK THE CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE INITIAL RESPONSE WAS THAT THE STEERING MODULE FAILED AND MY ASSESSMENT WAS IT IS PROBABLY DUE TO RECALL NO GROUND WIRE RECALL NUMBER 17V627000.. UPON FURTHER INQUIRY THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING MODULE BROKE AND CAME APART. I SUSPECT THIS EITHER DUE TO DEFECTIVE STEERING MODULE OR RECALL # 17V252000 STEERING BOLT. I HAD COMMUNICATED THIS ISSUE TO MBUSA VIA EMAILS AND SEVERAL PHONE CALLS. THEY STILL HAVEN'T AGREED TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO THE DEALER, THEY FINALLY SHARED THE PICTURE OF THE STEERING MODULE AS YOU CAN SEE IT ATTACHED. OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE SEE PICTURE OF INSTALLED AND NEW MODULE

NHTSA ODI 11221523

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V10000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF GOLDEN BRIDGE (321 NY-22, GOLDEN BRIDGE, NY 10526, (914) 232-8122) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND ONE OF THE RIMS FRACTURED. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF. CONSUMER STATED 2-3 TIRE AND RIM REPLACEMENTS FIRST 4 MONTH OF PURCHASING IT. CONSUMER PURCHASED A SECOND CAR. AGAIN SECOND HAD HAD CREAKED RIM ON THE WHEEL, WHICH CONSUMER REPLACED. CONSUMER HAD CRACKED WHEEL, LANE ASSIST HAD ELECTRICAL FAULT, REPLACED ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REPLACED HORN PLATE, STEERING WHEEL AGAIN VIBRATION MOTOT MALFUNCTION, REMOVE BATTERY, REPLACED 12/18. CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED 4 SAFETY RECALL LETTERS ON THIS CAR AND OUT OF 4 LETTERSM, 2 CAME IN 2/19, 3/19. CAR'S WARRANTY IS UNTIL 4/2019.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11190343

STEERING WHILE CONDUCTING

NHTSA ODI 11162861

MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO CLICK WHEN I TURNED IT, DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. I WAS RECENTLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND MY STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD POP AND GOT STUCK, THEN A LOUD CRACK AGAIN AND STARTED TO WORK. IT STILL CLICKS AND NOW MY PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON PERMANENTLY. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN OXNARD AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE 175 TO CHECK ABOUT THE AIRBAGS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL. THEY ALSO SAID THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS NEEDED TO MY STEERING WHEEL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE AT ALL DRIVING THIS CAR. THE HORN DOESN'T WORK AND NEITHER DO ANY OF THE BUTTONS ON MY STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI 11098013

I WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY GARAGE (WAITING FOR THE DOOR TO GO UP). WHEN I LIGHTLY PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO PULL IN, THE ENGINE ROARED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY LEAPED FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED, GOING THRU MY DETACHED GARAGE WALL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK AND I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO STOP. I HAVE PULLED INTO THIS GARAGE THOUSANDS OF TIMES AND KNEW THIS WAS THE CAR. SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ACCELERATING TOO QUICKLY. HITTING THE BRICK FACADE OF THE CONDOMINIUM, BEYOND THE DETACHED GARAGE WAS THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED THE CAR. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, WHICH I THOUGHT THEY SHOULD HAVE BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. EVEN THOUGH I ONLY TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET, THE CAR ACCELERATED SO QUICKLY, IT TOTALED THE CAR. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL AS OF NOVEMBER 2017, FOR A STEERING COLUMN ISSUE, WHICH INCLUDES IMPROPERLY GROUNDED COMPONENTS AND THE STEERING COLUMN CLOCK SPRING BEING BROKEN ISSUE RELATED TO THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYING WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE TIRED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. PER THE DEALERSHIP AND MERCEDES, I WAS ADVICED I WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER WHEN IT WAS AVAILABLE. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED AND HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT SINCE THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE IT HAD TO BE SOMETHING WITH EITHER THE ACCELERATOR AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGING. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL QUICKED IN. SINCE IT IS UNDER RECALL FOR THE STEERING WHEEL RELATED ISSUE, I DON'T KNOW IF IT AFFECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ODI 11091327