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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle Electronic Steering Lock failure. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.
The ESL system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz W204 C-Class models.
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 have a C350 sport, I went to start the car and the car didn't start. The lights came on, navigation came up, but it would not start. It seemed as if the car did not recognize the key; as the displayed message was "take key from ignition". The following day I paid someone to come out and look at the car, and it started right up. Battery tested normal and I thought it was a close call. Then I left to run errands and it wouldn't start and never started again. After paying $160 for the tow to the dealership; I was told if I did not have 2 keys then they can't test it. So after ordering a second key at $375; I found out it wasn't the key! If this car has so much technology in it, why can't you test the eis with a diagnostic computer, without blowing money on a $375 dollar key? After that failure I was told it was the electronic ignition switch. …
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 was able to manually disengage the gear shift and place the car in neutral, however, the car was unable to be loaded on to the flatbed tow-truck, as the front wheels were locked at an angle and I was parked in parking space, between the sidewalk to my front and right side and a car to my left. I was forced to leave the vehicle and find an alternative means of getting home. Five days and numerous attempts later, aaa was finally able to retrieve my vehicle. …
I had just stopped to put gas in the vehicle and upon completion I got back in the car to start it. When I turned the key, the car wouldn't start. I had headlights and my dashboard was partially lit up, but nothing else would work. I then called the mb road side assistance and a technician came out and determined it was not a battery or starter problem. The technician said that it was probably the eis since he had seen the same situation before. An hour later the car was towed to the dealership, and dropped off with much trouble since the steering column didn't function. Several days later I got a call from my service consultant, informing me that the car needed the ignition starter switch as well as the eis unit and two new keys needed to be programmed. The total was $2500. …
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. All in all, it took my 2 weeks to finally get my car working again. The repair was $1,200. Add in the 4 tow trucks, and 2 weeks of rental car and this was easily a $2,000 issue. Mb should issue a recall given that this issue is so prevalent and clearly a fault with the steering lock part.
2008 Mercedes Benz C350 - 70,677 after driving the car in the morning, I went to crank the car later in the day and it would not start. Ignition would turn, but nothing happened - only a clicking sound when I removed the key. Locks, alarm, lights (interior and exterior), radio and air conditioner worked fine, but the car would not shift out of park and the brake was locked in place. Battery tested normal at 12.4 volts. I tried the second key, but the car would not start. Took it to Mercedes Benz dealership, and they told me that it was a steering lock / ignition switch problem and it was a common issue they see in this year and model. They wanted $1,200 to replace the steering lock. I have seen numerous complaints about the same problem in Mercedes Benz 2008 c class, but there has been no recall and Mercedes will not address the issue.
This is the 2nd time it has happened to me same issue with the eis steering mechanism. First time I paid over $800 to have the part replaced then second time I am being charged over $900 & that's with a discount! I complained & Mercedes does not care! Very frustrating when you think you purchased a car for reliability & quality but it is always breaking down. Mercedes knows the problem & is well aware of it but will not fix it because they are making a lot of money from it! I was at the gas station ready to leave & car would not start. The lights were on & radio but no luck getting the key to turn at all. Had to get a tow truck & pay more because car would not go into neutral. I was told they could not guarantee that it wouldn't happen again & they could not help with any discounts either! Just not right! Someone please help!!!
Steering complaints in other C350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, 22% of the model year's 144 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, though it has 6 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.