Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? One day my car did not crank or start. Had it towed to dealer and they seemed to be familiar with everything they needed to order to fix it without blinking. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? As much as not being able to drive your car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, See attached invoice Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
I drove my car to get lunch. Came back out to go back to work and the car would not start. Would not even turn over. My Radio did not turn on and I couldn't even roll my windows back up. Luckily they were only cracked open a small amount. My steering wheel cannot be turned, it's locked in it's current position. I am told the ESL (Electronic Steering Lock) and possibly the EIS is the cause of this problem. The display on the dash says "Take your key from ignition" and that is all I get. Had to have my car towed and now I have a dead car with the windows partially open that I cannot close.
The problem is that the steering wheel locking mechanism has failed. The vehicle could not be started or driven. It required a flatbed tow to an authorized Mercedes repair facility. It was diagnosed as the steering mechanism, requiring replacement. The cost for this repair is $1400.00. I researched this problem on the MB website and it stated that this issue was common. I feel that this is a safety issue and should be repaired free of charge or at a significant discount. The car is currently being repaired, and I can forward any relevant documentation to you once the repair is complete.
Suspension Cross-Member - Mercedes-Benz (204-350-01-41) Driving regularly suddenly fill like the rear passenger side tire moved unevenly, then went to the tire shop, and when they take out the tire see how the rear frame was rusted and broken in a straight line exactly in the middle of the tire hole area. Then start to check used cars to donate that part and All of them have the same trouble in that piece, so I decided to review the frame and discover that the rust begins to damage the opposite side too, so I'm pretty sure is a component failure in metal and materials more than simple rust.
2009 C300 at 120k miles car won't start. Dashboard indicates "remove key from ignition" key was not in ignition, had car towed to the dealership, they said car needs a new steering lock and ignition switch due to malfunction. Total cost $1923. Thankfully car was not in motion when this happened. Please do a recall on steering lock and ignition switch for the safety of everyone!!!!
electrical ignition switch and electronic steering lock the component malfunctioned with no symptoms. i got stranded for 5 hours past midnight car has been inspected by a shop and Mb dealer no warning lights and no symptoms
The entire rear subframe of any W205 body model including but not limited to the C class from 2009-2014, CL class, SL, class ETC. suffers admittedly from MB USA, premature rust, deterioration etc. there is an active recall for these same models in Canada and all of Europe but not the USA. My garage kept 2009 C300 has suffered extensive rear end damage from a factory defect that Mercedes refuses to recognize in the Continental U.S. but will admit the same issues occurred in the EU and Canada. Keeler Mercedes, USA, of Colonie New York, stated they completed my subframe repair under the MB rear subframe extended warranty. The vehicle was driven home and inspected only to find out Keeler Mercedes of NY did NOT replace this crucial safety component under MB-USA extended warranty issued for this defect. This is pure negligence. …
In the morning, try to start my 2009 C300 and the car did not start and the steering got locked off of the blue. The car had to be towed to a Mercedes dealership at delray beach, fl. The problem diagnosed to be related to: manufacturing defected steering/electrical system related to ignition switch. The following repair stated on my repair report: -steering lock complete replacement -additional time to drill out the old lock Mercedes Benz dealership service charged me $1464.00 for the defected steering lock assembly. I searched on internet and a lot of people experienced the same problem (please see the link provided). …
Dear Mercedes Benz USA, first and foremost I would like to say I am a proud driver of a 2009 Mercedes Benz C300, I am emailing you regarding some concerns with Mercedes Benz vehicles and recalls. I have a recall on airbags for my Mercedes I've been patiently waiting (im sure like many others) to receive a letter to get my airbags installed into my vehicle.. A vehicle that currently do not have any airbags in it I am concerned with my safety at this point and would like to know if you can offer me an updated on the duration. Also, there is a common issue occurring with all class Mercedes that I feel should also have a recall I have read numerous of online posts regarding this same exact issue and that issue is the faulty steering lock/els/eis fault that does not allow Mercedes Benz holders to sometimes not be able to lock and unlocked their vehicles using Mercedes Smart key fob and also …
Car was driving very well suddenly flashes on message center power steering malfunction SRS,ABS,ets,esb,ebr ESP in operative and it keeps flashing when car is in motion, then disappear when ignition is off, I have notice several complaints on your website with this same issues with this same year, model and other Mercedes,a week a go I also receive a message to check brake pad wear before this message came up. I replace brake pads and rotos, and I am also being told it could also be my brake light switch or speed sensors, all was replace still as message. There is so many complaints with these messages that this should be considered a recall and the customers are being stuck with the repairs. It is obvious that it is a defect with these vehicles it is just too many. And no onw seems to be standing behind the consumers.mbusa is a major company and they are getting away with murder. …
Steering complaints in other C300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300?
NHTSA has 136 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, 24% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.