Table 1 shows one common steering related problems of the 2012 Mercedes Benz C250.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
-the steering wheel and brake locked up and became unusable while driving at approximately 75mph. Cruise control was enabled for a few miles (maybe 2) and disabled after. Around 5 minutes after disabling, the car began to surge between acceleration and deceleration drastically on its own. All of the dashboard lights that come on when the key is initially inserted came on at once while engine was on/running and the car was in drive. After finally being able to reach a safe enough spot, I put the car in park and turned the engine off. I sat for a few minutes to try and turn the engine/car back on and the car would not crank, but the overhead lights, radio, and dash lights were functioning. -this was an extremely dangerous experience. The car began to decelerate rapidly in heavy freeway traffic. At that speed, with many semi-trucks traveling nearby, this sudden loss of speed created an extremely dangerous situation. My vehicle instantly became a slow moving obstacle in the lane. Only by luck and quick reaction was a serious or fatal collision avoided. The car would not start back up so I was sitting at the edge of the highway as many cars flew by just inches away from my car. -I am away at college in a rural city. Accessibility is limited as well as support because of lack of resources. -the car was towed to a mechanic who does not specialize in german cars and stated they did not have the proper tools to "get into the car" because the motor is "locked up" and the car wouldn't crank. -the vehicle will be towed to the nearest dealership (50mi away) who stated they won't be able to look at it for a few weeks from date of arrival. Research indicates this may be linked to a known issue with electronic steering lock (esl) / electronic ignition switch (eis) failure in mercedes vehicles, which can electronically disable the engine and steering. This could've easily been fatal for me and still poses an alarming threat if not addressed.
I got stranded in the middle of the street my vehicle does not crank steering lock so I had my vehicle towed into the mercedes dealership the one in figueroa st Monday November 18 2024 at around 03:24pm and this is what they told me. Needs immediate attention custom recommendation electric steering lock during vehicle inspection found electric steering lock has malfunction code 25464 recommend to replace electric steering lock first and perform re-check. Repair total estimate: $2,829. 78 I definitely can't afford to pay that amount please help with this issue.
Lost of drive power and the vehicle steering wheel locked on my mercedes from a damaged malfunctioning steering lock actuator module due to mechanical issues within the steering column such as bad steering wheel assembly, faulty steering lock module or issue with the wiring or other electrical components and the mercedes dealer is the only one who solves this issue no other mechanic in general. My safety was at risk due to I lost power and lost of front brakes due to bad sway bar assembly or components could of caused and accident when this happened on November 12, 2024 the problem dealership found during vehicle inspection was code 25464 they told me recommend to replace electric lock module and repair estimate was $2,829. 78 and before I approved the the amount I told mr ivan velasco service advisor that after they replace the module that if my vehicle was going to be working again and that if I was just going to make 1 payment of $2,829. 78 then I would approved it so I did. Weeks later I got an email asking for more money they wanted another payment for $600 saying it needed a sensor that has something to do with the transmission because after replacing the new module the vehicle did not start up there was no type of communications nothing at all and I responded that I was not going to pay $600 more just cause they don't know what their doing because they promise me the car was going to work after they replace the module now that it did not want to crank up they found another issue that's their fault on not doing there job the right way and for telling lies yes their was flashing blue or red icon on my dashboard that look like a car and a lock would go on and off and it displayed a message saying the theft protection is activated. I want to know if I can get this issue approved and to be considered a recall can you please help I'm so frustrating and mad that they want more money when it's already so expensive please help I would of appreciate it thank you.
The esl/eis failed. Turned car off and after coming back to try and turn it on, it didn't work. Steering wheel was locked and car wouldn't engage with key. After checking with mechanics and checking online, I discovered that it is a frequent issue that happens with no warning whatsoever. Which is quite worrisome to think the steering wheel could lock at anytime without notice. My car is a 2012 mercedes C250 coupe.
The steering wheel ,has aluminum plating or covering, that was peeling off and cut my finger as I was driving, this happened last year and was still under warranty, and dealer replaced, this is happening again, and the dealer has agreed to replace even though the warranty has expired. I thought you guys should know.