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2.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,519 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 Owner Comments

problem #19

Jun 132023

C350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #18

Jan 122019

C350

  • miles
I have continued to have lighting issues with front, rear, and signal lighting. I am constantly having to pay to replace these lights every year. Now my power steering malfunction ebs light has come on. This is just too much. I just paid $1300 for service B and some other things that needed to be replaced. I am tired of always having to pay to replace lights.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #17

Dec 052018

C350

  • 150,000 miles
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.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #16

Apr 212017

C350

  • 80 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After parking car at work when I went to star vehicle it will nit start or turn over.the car is under 80K miles this is unacceptably disturbing for thisnproblem to occur when I only drive to work and home dmh there should be a discount for thus issue.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

problem #15

Aug 162015

C350

  • 37,110 miles
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. I should be reimbursed my Mercedes.

- Redondo Beach, CA, USA

problem #14

May 032016

C350

  • 68,000 miles
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.

- Odessa, FL, USA

problem #13

Feb 242016

C350

  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle would not start. Key turns in ingnition but display indicates to remove key. Windows/sunroof did not work. Called aaa to check battery. Battery fully charged. Towed to mb authorized repair shop steering lock mechanism $980 to replace

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

problem #12

Feb 112016

C350

  • 3 miles
Power steering leaks at 60,000 miles. Dealer says they have to replace the power steering pinion. It will cost $2,500 to repair.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #11

Dec 302015

C350 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles
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

- Milford, DE, USA

problem #10

Dec 282015

C350

  • 80,000 miles
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.

- Goodyear, AZ, USA

problem #9

Oct 162015

C350

  • 33,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car is a 2009 with 33,200 miles on it and the eis/esl (steering lock) failed. I had to pay $1800 for the dealer to fix it. How does a car with so little mileage has a major problem like this? there should be a recall. All the complaints on the same issue should warrant an investigation

- Redwood City, CA, USA

problem #8

Sep 182015

C350

  • 83,000 miles
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.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #7

Aug 152015

C350

  • 78,964 miles
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.

- Tustin, CA, USA

problem #6

Jul 022015

C350

  • 84,350 miles
Car had ignition switch failure. Steering wheel locked transmission locked in park. Dash lights and door locks operate.car had to be towed to dealer.this has been a large problem with these vehicles for years.there should be a manufactuer recall not a consumer expense. Thank you, please help

- San Andreas, CA, USA

problem #5

Jun 292015

C350

  • miles
I am attempting to leave office depot parking lot and my car will not start (no problem prior to going into the store!) I put the key in the ignition the lights, radio, dashboard all come on and I hear a clicking sound. However, the power windows don't work, nor the sunroof. After researching most of the night (couldn't rest) and most of the day, it appears to be the electronic ignition switch (eis) which is very costly! and there are tens of thousands of complaints over the span of years!!! the nightmare stories (I had deja vu...exactly the same issue!) defiantly enough complaints about this issue that your organization should open an investigation. A demand for a recall is needed asap!!! price of replacement/repair could be from $1,100 to $2,200....ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #4

Jan 212015

C350

  • 49,000 miles
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.

- South San Francisco , CA, USA

problem #3

Feb 132015

C350

  • 70,900 miles
2009 Mercedes Benz C350 - steering wheel lock / $1400 to repair and replace the module. Common issue with the C-class.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 082014

C350 6-cyl

  • 30,250 miles
I was leaving work, car was parked in the lot, key would turn, lights and dash came on, could not get the care out of park, only clicking sounds from the engine. Had car towed to dealer, they just called and said the steering lock was bad, repair bill is $1100. This is the second time this has happened.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #1

May 012009

C350

  • 5 miles
First day when receiving my keys for a brand new Mercedes C350 2009 at the dealership...engine light turns on. Later finding out it was the fuel system needed to be replaced. A month later of getting a brand new car corrosion was found in the taillights. Then finding out corrosion on the brake pads. Months after this the power train was slipping up... the rpms of the car would surge up high and remain stuck at high rpms. If I accelerated the gas it would shoot up higher to higher rpms and the car would make the noise but it wouldn't move. I thought if I let go of the gas thinking the rpms would return back down... but it wouldn't...huge safety issue when your in the middle of the freeway and have no control to drive your car. I would have to pull over some how and turn off the car for the rpms to come back down so I can drive it again. I brought the car back several times to the dealership but they could never duplicate the issue. Therefore, nothing got fixed or replaced just constant software updates were stated were done. Soon after taking my car over 5+ times for this same issue, my SRS steering malfunctioned. I got that replaced and paid for it a year ago. Now back today exactly 12 months later repairing it again - SRS malfunction...again stranded in the middle of no where waiting for a tow truck all alone. I have been to the dealership repairing my car for so many different things, getting stranded, towing my car, paying for all repairs and giving up weekends and work time to go to the dealership. I hate this car! that I'm absolutely have no peace of mind, I don't feel safe, car is not reliable, has extremely poor quality. Not worth it at all!

- San Jose, CA, USA

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