Car Will Not Start Problems of Mercedes Benz C300 - part 1

Drove 4 blocks away from my home to the store in merced CA on gst and 20th. . When I tried to start the car it didn't start and my steering wheel was locked. And I couldn't take it out of park. I have had to replace tail lights a few times this last month. ## VIN passed ## mercedes-benz 2008 C300 ##.

See all problems of the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

This is the 2nd time this has happened. I turned the car off and came back out and it would not start. The front wheels were locked. The key went in and turned. The lights and power was there but, the car would not start. The front wheels were locked and so was the drive shifter. The first time the car was in a parking lot and my wife was left stranded. The second time was in out driveway. We came home to get something and when we went out it wouldn't start.

While driving on 95 highway taking an exit ( making a right turn roundabout) the steering wheel locked on me preventing me from continuing in the direction of the exit causing me to almost crash into the metal railings; because my wheels now where locked in a position that would force me to crash into the railings had I not stopped. I stopped and turn the car off and restart for the steering wheel and system to reset and unlock. This incident occurred around 2018 or 2019. I notified mercedes of what happened and I received notification of a recall on the steering. I had the recall checked on my vehicle and thought it was fixed. However, twice in November 2020 my car was stationary when trying to start the car, the steering was locked and the ignition would not start. Then after making several attempts car eventually started. I called mercedes and I was told over the phone by mercedes it could be my key faub. However, this happened a 4th time on Dec 24, 2020, numerous attempts to start car and car would not start, steering was locked. Car had to be towed to dealership. Was told by mercedes theres a fault in the steering lock modular. The electrical wiring is faulty and the entire steering modular has to be replaced. This is a major safety issue, and can cause accidents when it malfunctions while driving. I asked about the recall that was on the steering and was told the recall addressed a different issue with the steering.

See all problems of the 2014 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

I was traveling to north carolina and pulled over to change my tire, my car would not start. Leaving me stranded on the interstate. Again I arrived on north carolina and the will not start after staying at a friend's for the night. I cannot get back to connecticut. I researched and seen that this is an ongoing issue that is not being rectified.

See all problems of the 2010 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

Car was parked by side walk next to my house. Inserted the key in the ignition and turned it. The car did not start, and the steering wheel was locked. No lights flashed on the dashboard. Car had to be towed on truck bed since it's rear-wheel drive. Dealer told me it's the ignition switch lock cylinder. Cost $1500 to fix. This is a manufacturer's defect. Not fair.

See all problems of the 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated that while in a parking lot and attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a message on the instrument panel indicated to remove the key from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the key was not recognized. The contact was informed that the electronic steering module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, when attempted to drive. No warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Mercedes Benz of northlake dealer, located at 10725 northlake auto plaza, bharlotte, nc 28269, (704) 321-4833) and was diagnosed that the electronic steering was faulty. The technician replaced the steering lock. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,536. Aw.

See all problems of the 2011 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

Tl the contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz C300. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine would not start and the power steering ability seized. The vehicle was towed to Mercedes Benz of honolulu (818 okapi omani Ave, honolulu, hi) where it was diagnosed that the steering lock module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The module was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was towed to mercedes-benz of south charlotte (950 n polk st, pineville, nc 28134, (704) 837-7955) where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering seized and caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 142,017.

My C300 stranded me in deming, nm. We had left el paso heading home to phoenix. Quick bio break in dement, and that's where my C300 wouldn't start. The shop in deming said that the car would need to be towed back to the dealer in el paso. Turned out my steering column control lock module needed to be replaced. The dealership ordered the part and two day and $1,400 later I was able to drive back to phoenix. Between towing, lodging in deming and el paso, meals, etc I was out over 2k. This is so I can start my car. According to my local mb dealer my service advisor said he sees one or two a month with this problem. I picked up the car in 2012 with 50k miles. This issue came 70k trouble free miles later. Amazed that one little part could strand me with no warning.

I am writing to file a complaint. The vehicle did not start after the key was put into the ignition. There were no warning lights. In addition, the vehicle did not start at all. The tow service was called. The tow repair representative indicated the problem may be the "ignition switch," as the battery was fine. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The entire ignition switch had to be replaced. The cost was $1214. This is unacceptable. Fortunately, the vehicle was in a secure place -- the home garage. However, had it been in another location, a serious safety hazard could have occurred. The vehicle only has approximately 91,000 miles, so it is inconceivable as to why an ignition switch would need to be replaced. There was no warning. This is an item that is clearly a manufacturer's defect and should be under warranty.

Steering wheel locked in garage. "remove key from ignition" is message on instrument cluster. Car will not start. This car has less than 64k miles. Car was stationary in my garage. Now I have to pay a tow company to somehow get it out of garage, as it is front end in oriented (pulled in instead of backed in), and tow to dealership, and prepare for an overly inflated repair cost.

The steering lock failed. Stopped at the post office and my car would not start when I got back to the car. The door locks would work but the ignition would not read my fob. I did a little research and found that this is a common problem.

Car will not start after diving. Power from battery is good. Door still lock and unlock. This particluaf brand has issue with electronic steering locking and leaving car mobileless. Cannot place car in neautral for towing.

The vehicle will not start and doesn't recognize the key. The vehicle was completely dead and had to jump start it. I drove the car to have the battery replaced thinking that was it. When I arrived at the garage, the vehicle would not restart and had to be towed to the dealership for repairs as the dealership was the only one that could diagnose and repair.

The vehicle would not start at all. Battery was replaced and still did not start. Mercedes benz dealer stated that it needs an electronic steering lock. Apparently this is a common problem with Mercedes Benz sedans. The vehicle was parked.

The car will not start, no power, no lights, no radio, no response after inserting the key. I tried both keys and same issue exists with both keys. The electrical ignition switch needs to be replaced.

Outside temp 9 degrees car starts fine and I drive two miles to pick up a carry out order. After sitting 15 minutes in front of the restaurant car will not start, not even attempt to crank. Lights come on and a message pops up stating "inoperative - check manual. " I called mb assistance who determined it was the esp system that was inoperative and offered to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. I tried to start one more time and this time the vehicle started right away.

See all problems of the 2012 Mercedes Benz C300 🔎.

Ignition switch failed at 76k miles. Gear shift will not get out of park, steering wheel will not unlock and car will not start. Known to be a common issue that affects all mercedes with electronic ignition. Mercedes should be brought to court via class action for this.

We are a small family owned car lot that has been in business since 2005. We sold a 2011 mercedes C300 to a nice young couple last week. After only having it less than 24 hours, the customer called stating the vehicle will not start. Said went to start the vehicle in the morning and the steering wheel was locked and car would not start. The lights & radio turned on but it had a message on dash to remove key from ignition. We had to call a tow company to tow it to the mechanic and put them in a loaner car. Later that day I started doing some research and realized many many others are having this same exact issue and it is costing them $1600-$1800 to have the esl & eis replaced. It is insane how many of the same issue have been recognized and reported yet there is no active recall on this very dangerous, expensive issue with on a car that many people can only dream about having! I will attach the link also that I found the others having the same issue. . Read more...

Steering wheel will lock disabling the car from being started . The key will turn but the car will not start . Good thing it was parked on driveway !we are unable to move the car whatsoever , shift mechanism is locked as well disabling the movement of car.

Car will not start and steering column is locked. Power to the dashboard lights but no turnover. Local shop could not repair. Towed to mercedes dealer. Likely looking at a ~$2,000 repair for eis related problem. Car only has ~90k. Purchases as cpo and bought extended warranty that has already run out.

Electronic steering wheel lock prevents car from starting. Car was at a stop and motor turned off - car would not restart. Stranded miles from home. This has occurred multiple times necessitating auto club to attempt to start.

I went to work and my vehicle was just fine. I left for lunch break stopped at the groccery store and went home which is just a few miles away. I parked my vehicle went inside to drop my groceries off and eat lunch and when it was time to return to work my car would not start! I was so pissed off! the steering wheel would not turn and the gears would not shift at all. I only have 30k miles on my car and one owner before me. I am the only driver and my car is in impeccable shape! I know it is not the battery because I just put a brandnew one in just 3 months ago. I do not understand why there has not been a recall for this issue because I see thousands of complaints about this repair so it is obviously a manufacturing issue. When I first bought my benz I fell in love with the brand. I have always been a Audi/BMW girl but vowed I would never go back until this issue. Mercedes does not treat it's customers right so this will be my last benz! recall this issue benz!.

Esl/eis failure. When the key is inserted the car will not start. Lights work but windows and dash message are not working.

My 2010 mercedes C300 has a faulty electronic steering lock fail-which left me stranded sitting in the park lot about 30 minutes from home. Car would not start I tried to start my car and nothing happens. When I turn the key to on nothing lights up, no crank, no clicks, no windows and no radio. I would lock and unlock with the remote but that was about it. I tried jumping and I tried both keys still nothing happens when I turned the key. Steering wheel was locked and gear stuck in park. Had to have it towed to the mb dealership to have the steering lock and key replaced and ending costing $1,124. 00. I have read that this has happened to a whole of mb's and should be a recall. I mean really we pay to have a quality car and so far my mb has had a stinky ac that mb could never figure out how fix, taillight recall, found oil leaking from oil centerfuge cover that cost $199. 62 but yet it still leaks oil. , currently waiting for the takata airbag inflator recall from April 2016 and today is Dec. 2016. Very disappointed in mercedes and will not be purchase again nor will I recommend to anyone. Even the service at the dealership has gone down. Quality and customer service is not what it use to be.

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 mercedes-benz C300. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when the key was turned over in the ignition. The dealer (carlton motorcars, 2446 laurens rd, greenville, SC 29607, (864) 213-8000) diagnosed that the electronic emissions switch needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v081000 (air bags) and 16v363000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was to check to determine when a dealer could schedule the recall repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The car will not start, from stationary. It was parked there 10 minutes ago. Towed to the dealership and was told it has a bad esl (electronic steering lock). The repair bill over $1300. 00. The issue has been widely reported and seems to be a manufacturing defect. Mercedes benz should cover this cost.

Went to get in my car to go home. Once I put my key in the ignition and turn it, nothing happens. The steering wheel remains locked, and the car will not start. I can hear the steering lock click, but not unlock the steering wheel as soon as I put my key in the ignition.

Car was parked and went to drive car. It will not start. Both keys will not work. Problem is with electronic ignition switch failure. No instrumentation display. Can not shift car out of park. Tried jumping car and it will not start. Replaced battery and it will not start.

I parked the car, and turned it off completely. When I returned to the car, they key fob would only turn the dashboard lights on, but the car will not start. The steering wheel is locked, and I cannot change the gear from "p". A message would appear "remove key from ignition" whenever the door is open. I have searched and it appears to be a very common problem in these models, where the eis or esl fails for no reason. The qoutes for this repair range from $1000 to $3000. I had to tow the car to my apartment, and now I have to tow the car to the dealership because they are the only ones who can solve this issue and reprogram it after installing the new parts.

When I returned to my car in the parking lot after grocery shopping in the evening, the car would not start. The radio and lights on the dashboard worked and the seat moved, but the engine would not start. I had this car checked not too long ago and everything was fine, but the car just decided not to work suddenly. This is especially scary for a female stranded in a public parking lot at night. I did not get any warning messages before the incident. I had to call roadside assistance and try jump starting it first, which wasn't the problem as the battery was fully charged. I ended up having to tow the car early next morning because the dealer was closed and had to take a cab home. When I went to the dealer and stated all the "symptoms", mb knew right off the bat what the problem was, which to me is alarming. They told me they are 99% sure it is either electronic ignition switch or electronic steering lock problem and it would cost me $1200 to repair it. It obviously is a very common issue. They are very well aware of it, yet they are not doing nothing about it, as (they say) it is not a safety problem. How is this not a safety problem when the driver doesn't get a slightest warning or even a message that the car won't start and will leave you stranded wherever you are? as a young female living in a city without friends and family to help out, especially at night in a public space, this is quite frightening. I almost had a panic attack, because I didn't know what to do and never had to call roadside assistance. The only reason I had gotten a Mercedes Benz was for its safety. Mb site states: "true to their heritage, they're engineered to protect you in ways you might never have imagined. And with the hope that you'll never have to. " how did mb protect me? mb has only engineered the car to rip off customers and not live up to its brand. This is very disappointing.

Car will not start while parked. Battery checked and tested good by aaa. Steering wheel locked. Car will not shift out of park. Towed to christian brothers automotive and problem was diagnosed as eis failure. Was told that this is a very common problem for this car. However, it is a 'dealer only' repair due to mercedes refusal to either sell parts or release codes to independent dealers. Was also told there is a lawsuit attempting to force mercedes to cease with the proprietary baloney. The repairs are very expensive and there is no alternative to the dealership. This needs to be a recall or, at the very least, all the necessary parts and codes need to be made available to independent repair facilities.

Vehicle was stationary on the side of a highway due to a low tire pressure warning. Vehicle was turned off. Minutes later, attempt was made to turn vehicle back on. Vehicle did not turn on (engine did not turn). Vehicle was towed to home where same phenomenon occurred, vehicle did not turn on although key was inserted and ignition switch rotated, engine would not start. Vehicle was towed to dealership, where it was repaired: faulty electronic steering lock (esl) and electronic ignition switch (eis), sum was about $1,600. All web information points to a common problem and may pose safety hazard, especially when trying to avoid unsafe situations, such as parked alongside a highway where cars speed by at approximately 65 mph. Issue is known and Mercedes Benz fails to acknowledge premature failure of ignition components.

Stationary while at the rest area during a hot summer day on the side of the highway. The steering column or electronic steering lock (esl) failed and the car would not start. Car won't start and steering won't unlock. . . I stopped and cut the engine of and tried restarting the car it won't do anything. This particular part is faulty on most 2008-2009 mercedes C300. Several hundred thousands are having issues with this particular part and at moments they get it working and at other times not so much. This part needs to be recalled since it is a dealer only replacement part and no one can touch is besides the dealer due to theft and security measures. Mercedes has this particular issue cornered and is not doing anything to work with the customer.