Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle has lost its ability to be driven. Car alarm has gone of a multitude of times at different hours of day and night. Finally we were told that the steering column needs to be replaced. According to tow truck driver, Auto lock person, this is common from the 300 series of Mercedes Benz. Obviously very costly. My car is worthless at this point. I believe that the Mercedes Benz should have a recall on the steering column lock. Obviously, this is not only a defect but, also causing safety issues with it just turning off and not able to restart.
Total shutdown of complete system...brakes, steering and engine at around 25-to 30 MPH. No warning. Happened two times...once before M-B service and once after service for problem. It checked out OK from dealership months before only to have it happen again. Was lucky to avoid a crash both times. Sold to dealership. Wrote my safety concerns for a new owner to local dealership and corporate.
Car was parked in a parking lot. I was 120 miles from home when the engine would not start -- even though the battery, lights, stereo, gauges, etc. All worked fine. Still, the engine wouldn't even crank, had car towed to an independent Mercedes repair facility (it was a Sunday and the local Mercedes service department was not open). The electronic ignition switch (eis) and other parts needed to be replaced at a cost of $1526.94. Months later I visited the NHTSA website and learned that this is a common problem with this model of Mercedes and that the manufacturer is refusing to pay for the repair. With a problem this widespread -- which can occur multiple times during the life of the car -- Mercedes should foot the bill. I would have complained earlier but only now learned that many other owners are experiencing the same defect. My car had only 37,110 miles at the time. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz C350. The contact stated that the key failed to start the vehicle after numerous attempts and the steering column did not lock. In addition, certain electrical components, such as the radio, door locks, interior lights, and exterior lights did not function. The take key out of the ignition indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that electronic steering control module malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. Updated 04/07/16
When I put the key in the ignition it will not turn over no lights display on the dashboard. The radio cuts on and the only thing that displays on the dashboard is the mileage no other lights. When the key is turned to first or second position. The day before when my car would not start I was able to take the key out of the ignition and replace it in the car started right up this time it does nothing. I'm being told it's an esl steering wheel lock issue that is common to this car model.
When to get my car waxed for the weekend. Got home parked the car and when my wife and I were ready to go out the car wouldn't start. Dash lights, radio, ect were working but the ignition wouldn't start. I can hear clicks from the engine n the steering was locked. Bag ignition steering lock. $1,900 to fix haven't been able to move the car until I come up with the money to fix it! Common issue from all 2008 & 2009 Mercedes w204 c class! & no recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked without warning while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel mechanism locked and needed to be replaced. The failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Car steering lock is broken: parked on a hill facing uphill and when I got back in my car I couldn't start my engine. Lights, radio, display all work fine, but the engine doesn't turn on. Windows, horn, blinkers are all locked. Had to get it towed, diagnosed with steering lock failure. Apparently is a common problem with Mercedes of my make and model.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercedes Benz C350. While parked, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the electronic steering box and the electronic ignition switch (eis) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Parked my vehicle in my garage for week 80,000 miles on vehicle. Tried to start car only remove keys light on dash and all electronics work. Mercedes tow says not battery but steering or ignition component are out! This is looking like a common problem please help because the dealers are wanting thousand or more to replace.
Steering complaints in other C350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350, 31% of the model year's 65 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350, though it has 7 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 C350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 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.