The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230. While reversing at 5 mph, the steering column lock failed to engage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000...updated 09/25/17...updated 10/04/17 the consumer stated due to the steering lock failure the steering wheel moves freely while driving and parked.

- Tobyhanna, PA, USA

After placing the vehicle in park, I pulled the steering wheel lever lock, (red warning light came on), and adjusted the height and depth of the steering wheel. I then pushed the steering wheel lever lock back in (red warning light disappeared). I started driving and while I was making a right on a curve the steering wheel slipped out of place and almost caused me to swerve into another lane. I pulled over attempted to reengage the steering wheel lock in several different positions, but it would not stay locked. The red warning light only comes on when the steering wheel lock lever is pulled out, but it does not show that the steering wheel is disengaged when the lever is pushed in even though the locking mechanism does not function. I looked online and found a forum with several other people having the same problem on a variety of different vehicles of different years. I feel it is dangerous to operate my vehicle.

- Hanford, CA, USA

The 1st incident; my Mercedes C240 was only 2 months new. 2nd incident at 10.5 mos, 3rd: Exaclty 1 year, 4th: 1 yr/3 wks, 5th: 13 mos. All 5 times the car experienced the same exact dying out of the engine while driving on the freeway, resulting in loss of power steering, & brakes. 3 of the 5 incidents the car would not start & required a tow to the dealer, having the dealers work on the car only to have the car die out again. Biggest complaint besides mine, my children, & other fellow freeway travelers lives being in danger is the lack and disrespctful attitude of that from Mercedes Benz's customer service.

- San Francisco, CA, USA