general problems of the 2008 Mercedes Benz C350

The esl system malfunction causes either steering lock or ignition switch to fail resulting in a failure to start the vehicle creating safety issues and a failure to reach safe destination. This problem is reported to be an extremely common issue in the Mercedes Benz w204 c-class models.

All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the electronic steering lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.

The contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz C350. The contact stated that after the vehicle was turned off, she attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the next day the vehicle started; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the speedometer started to malfunction. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was diagnosed. Additionally, the contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that water had started to leak from the sun visor. The contact also heard water moving around on the floorboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz C350. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, a family member notified the contact that there was smoke coming out of the trunk. The contact opened the trunk and noticed that the passenger side was in flames around the tail light assembly. The fire department was present, but no report was filed. The tail light assemblies were replaced approximately four years ago per an unknown recall by mercedes-benz of south orlando in orlando, florida. However, the dealer was not contacted for the recent failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

After a few years of driving the vehicle the following stopped working causing difficulty driving the vehicle abs/eps inoperative cruise control inoperative.

Esl failed in unlocked position, car wont start.

Electronic steering lock- car was running fine no issues parked the car went back out to start less than an hour after parking and got nothing dash came on no radio,no windows,no release from park, and steering wheel is locked and will not unlock. Left stranded have to have a tow to closest Mercedes Benz dealer 45 miles away. . . . Estimated cost after 310. 80 tow 1200 to 2000.

Electronic steering lock (esl) goes out damaged without reason, happened all of a sudden to my parked car. Car simply won't attempt to start and steering his completely locked. Only option is to tow it to the shop and a very expensive repair fix. There are thousands of cases already registered on this and is a common issue with this part used in many mercedes cars.

Steering lock issue. Engine does not crank and car does not start. Upon inserting key, an message pops up asking to remove the key. Steering wheel is locked and car stuck in park. Due to the configuration of my parking garage and the fact that the steering wheel was locked, it took me several days and 4 different tow trucks to successfully tow the car 1. 5 miles to my local mb dealership. The diagnosis and repair of the faulty steering lock, which the service advisor says happens all the time with my model, took an entire week. I was told mb does not offer a loaner car in this situation. All in all, it took my 2 weeks to finally get my car working again. The repair was $1,200. Add in the 4 tow trucks, and 2 weeks of rental car and this was easily a $2,000 issue. Mb should issue a recall given that this issue is so prevalent and clearly a fault with the steering lock part.

Front lamps and headlight keep randomly not functioning at start or when driving. Warning light that bulb is out comes on but then goes away and the lights come back on after a little of time and a restart of engine.

The contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the ignition failed to turn over and start. A warning indicator to remove the key appeared. In addition, the steering wheel failed and would not turn. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but declined to file a complaint until the vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Stationary vehicle no start, no crank without warning while parked on a city street. Failure within the electronic steering lock. Vehicle will not recognize the drivers key. Driver and passengers left dangerously stranded where ever the vehicle is parked when the failure occurs. This failure makes it unable to shift the vehicle into neutral position for towing.

Esl failure. Apparently this is a very common 1200$ issue with c-class. The key would turn but the car won't start. Had to be towed to the dealer who instantly knew it was the esl. There should be a recall on these issues. So many people are having the exact same problem!.

The vehicle left me stranded and locked out. I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral preventing a proper tow.

I drove without problem to a local store, less than 4 miles away. I was in the store 5 minutes. When I came out and tried to start my car, the steering wheel was locked in place and the dash said "take key from ignition". The lights and radio worked, however the windows would not work and the car would not turn on. Also, the shift was stuck in "park" and could not be placed into neutral without an override.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the front left srs malfunction light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. Ed.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, I drove my car to work and parked at approximately 7:45 am. I did not get back into the car until 4:30 pm on the same day. When I attempted to start up my vehicle, it would not start. I called a mechanic friend, and he determined that it is a faulty eis which is the same problem that other people are describing here. As it stands right now, I will never buy another Mercedes Benz!!!!.

My vehicle went completely out of service and was unable to start due to a faulty electronic steering lock (esl). My vehicle only has 69,000 miles on it and this seems to be an issue with plenty of other c-class Mercedes Benz owners who have encountered the same issue. Mercedes benz is failing to take responsibility while also my exteneded warranty that I paid $2000 for has also said they will not cover this. I highly recommend not ever buying an extended warranty from privilege protection care. They place generic terms in parts of what they cover and if the dealer or shop has a specific name for your part, although it is the product or part of the same part that needs to be replaced, they will honor the warranty. Also their customer service was rude and not very helpful at all.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Mercedes Benz C350. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 mph, the engine stalled and an unknown warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000. Pam.

I have a 2008 Mercedes Benz C350. The rear passenger taillight malfunctioned causing me to be pulled over by the police. Mercedes benz has since recalled the faulty tail lights and is scheduled to release replacement parts to mb dealers next month. However, it seems the entire electrical system is defective. Sometimes the radio station changes when I adjust the cabin air temperature (air conditioner). The dashboard control panel constantly displays warning messages about failing headlights and side markers. Aside from the recalled passenger taillight which is visibly dimmer than the driver side taillight, the other lights appeared to be working fine. Yesterday the fuel gauge indicator and the coolant indicator on the dash came on - the antifreeze and fuel tanks are both full. I had a mechanic look at the lights, only to discover the plastic housing is completely singed and melted in the headlights and side markers, just like it is in the defective recalled taillight. The car is one over-priced fire trap - at this point I don't feel safe driving it. What is even more disturbing to me, is that Mercedes Benz is well aware of electrical problems with the c class. There are thousands of complaints about this issue online - posted to blogs and NHTSA website. Mercedes is trying to piece-meal out a remedy. Meanwhile, this is a big safety issue! when will NHTSA recall the entire mercedes c class line due to defective electrical issues?.

My radio plays but smell like something is burning when I turn it on (wires) radio stills plays but screen goes in and out was told I need new radio but was never told that radio may catch on fire .

I went to go turn on my car and it failed. No sound or anything. I called aaa they came and said the battery is good they just don't know whats wrong. I had to get my car tow without knowing what was wrong with it. I took it to the shop and it took them about a week to realize what was wrong with it. I called Mercedes Benz and they had no explanation to what was wrong with it or why it happen. They finally figured it out and they said it was an electric steering lock problem and that its for security reasons and that it can happen anytime. I also had to get a programing key. This cost was very expensive to not have an explanation. I also noted that a lot of c class users had this very same issue and we are not understanding why there isn't a recall.

All exterior light bulbs keep burning . -seat belt stays on even is used. Air bags comes on and off. The engine makes like high idol noise like the car wants to move even its brake.

. . Read more...

Warning light came on to check right side tail and brake lamps. Warning sign to also check right turn signal. It appears that these come on after driving about 30s-1min. When opened up the right back light kit, the plastic harness holding the bulbs and wires is burning slightly and slightly charred. Light bulbs are working as they do initially turn on, but then go off after 30s-1min. Also light comes up on check rear left tail and brake lamps. But these work fine, and the left back light kit plastic harness appears normal and fine.

Keep getting the "check right rear tail and brake lamp", "check right rear sidemarker lamp", and "check right rear turn signal". The blinker will work fine, then after 10 minutes of driving it blinks very fast and the warning light comes on. Sometimes none of the lights on the right rear panel will turn on, sometimes they will. Or they will work for 10 minutes and then go out along with the warning signs. I looked at the bulbs today to see if any were burned, and the harness was burned and brown! I have smelled smoke a few times within the last month as well. This issue is getting worse. This is an extreme safety hazard and must be fixed immediately. Please advise!.

Inside dash warning saying "check rear right signal lights" and right signal flashes quicker than normal. Upon inspection, lights were working but bulb holder inside lights and connection harness was melted where the brown wire was. Unable to remove harness out because the connector was melted on. Smelled like fresh burnt plastic. Severe fire hazard!.

Passenger side tail light is considerably dimmer than the driver side. After examining the passenger tail light, I noticed that the connector of the wire harness connected to the housing that is housing all the bulbs is partially melted and it is extremely hot when the lights are on. I also checked the driver's side and it looks like the exact same thing is happening on there, too, but so far to a little lesser extent. Looks a lot like a fire hazard!.

My right tail light had been dim for awhile. I do remember from time to time smelling a faint electrical burn smell but didn't know where is was coming from. Finally when it went out, I pulled the lamp assembly which has what looks like a circuit board where the bulb mounts. The copper "traces" were fried. I took it to the dealership and they said "sorry, it's out of warranty, but we will be happy to sell you one". I said "no thanks, it will just fail the same way". So I took it home and repaired it properly. Now worried the other one will do the same.