The vehicle did not recognize the key & didn't turn on and was not showing as parked. Called aaa to check the battery but was not it. Called towing service to get this moved to my mechanic & turns out this is due to bad electronic steering lock mechanism & only dealer can get this replaced and programed which costed me $1200. Checked & turns out this is a common problem with 2009 c300. Why is…
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class steering problems
moderate 158 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
158
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 158 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 158 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 16 model years of Mercedes-Benz C-Class in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Buyers of used 2009 C-Class models should know that electronic steering lock failure is extremely common and occurs without warning, leaving owners stranded and facing $1,200–$1,500+ repair bills that are not covered by warranty. Despite hundreds of documented complaints and dealer familiarity with the problem, Mercedes has issued no recall—and only dealerships can perform the repair, with no independent repair shops able to help.
The 2009 Mercedes C-Class has a pattern of electronic steering lock (ESL) and electronic ignition system (EIS) failures that strikes without warning. Owners describe parking the car normally, returning to it, and finding it will not start—the steering wheel locks solid, the shifter locks in Park, and the key either will not turn or turns but produces no cranking. Most report the battery tests good and electrical accessories like the radio and lights work, but the engine is completely dead. The dashboard typically shows "Remove Key from Ignition" with no prior warning.
Failure happens across a wide mileage range (roughly 37,000 to 113,000 miles) but clusters around 40,000–80,000 miles, often 3–5 years after purchase when the basic warranty has expired. Dealers are immediately familiar with the problem and can quote repair costs without hesitation—a strong sign of how routine this is. Repair requires complete steering lock assembly or ignition switch replacement, costing $1,200–$1,800, and only Mercedes dealerships can perform it due to security systems. Some owners also report intermittent lock-ups where the steering temporarily freezes and then unlocks.
A smaller subset of owners report a cascade of electrical warnings (power steering, ABS, ESP, SRS) flashing together, followed by loss of steering control and complete electrical shutdown while driving. One owner experienced steering lock failure during a previous accident investigation that Mercedes blamed on the driver.
Additionally, owners document premature rear subframe rust with active recalls in Canada and Europe but not the USA, and recurrent SRS airbag failures occurring within a year of repair.
Same Mercedes-Benz C-Class steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) Failure - No Start Condition
The electronic steering lock mechanism fails, preventing the engine from starting. The steering wheel becomes locked in place. Owners report the ignition key will not turn to the start position, or the car simply will not crank or turn over. The dashboard often displays 'Remove Key from Ignition' message. Electrical accessories (lights, radio, windows) may work or may not function depending on the malfunction extent. The failure occurs suddenly with no warning.
When: Failures occur between roughly 37,000 and 113,000 miles. Most commonly reported in the 40,000–80,000 mile range, typically 3–5 years after purchase. One owner reported failure as early as the first day of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start despite key in ignition; Steering wheel locked and cannot be moved; Transmission shifter locked in Park, cannot move to Neutral; Ignition key will not turn or turns but produces no cranking; Dashboard message 'Remove Key from Ignition' appears; Radio and interior/exterior lights may work; Windows, sunroof, power accessories may not function; No warning lights or messages before failure occurs; Battery tests good but vehicle will not start
Codes mentioned: EIS (Electronic Ignition System), ESL (Electronic Steering Lock), TSB LI80-57-P051521 (Mercedes technical bulletin for electronic steering lock crank failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace steering lock module/assembly, electronic ignition switch, or complete steering column lock assembly. Some cases require drilling out the old lock. Repair costs reported range from $707 to $1,800, with most in the $1,200–$1,500 range. Independent repair shops cannot perform the work; only Mercedes dealers can due to security/anti-theft systems. Labor-intensive due to need to drill out failed component.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints. Mercedes dealership service advisors report familiarity with the problem and can quote repair costs immediately, suggesting this is a known issue. Mercedes USA has declined warranty coverage for owners out of basic warranty period or those who purchased as second owners, citing condition is not covered under extended warranty programs. One owner reports Mercedes USA offered cost assistance only if repair had not already been paid for. Dealers apparently complete multiple repairs of this type monthly.
Intermittent Electronic Steering Lock Failure - Partial Lock
The steering wheel locks intermittently and then unlocks on its own after repeated attempts to start or after waiting. The key may not turn properly from Off to On position, requiring multiple attempts. The car may eventually start after several tries or after a period of time, but the problem recurs.
When: One owner reported three incidents within a two-month period. Another owner had five attempts to repair the same issue before eventually trading in the vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks but eventually unlocks after waiting or repeated attempts; Key will not turn smoothly from Off to On position; Multiple attempts needed to start the vehicle; Problem intermittently resolves on its own; Car eventually starts after several tries
Codes mentioned: EIS (Electronic Ignition System), ESL (Electronic Steering Lock)
Repairs/costs cited: Mercedes suggested replacing the key fob ($330 reported), which did not resolve the issue. Eventually requires steering lock assembly replacement. One owner was advised to purchase a second key but experienced recurring failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes USA declined full warranty assistance for out-of-warranty/second-owner vehicles. No recall issued.
Multiple Electrical Warnings with Steering/Ignition Failure
Vehicle displays multiple warning messages simultaneously (Power Steering Malfunction, ABS, ESP, ETS, SRS, ESB, EBR) on the message center, often flashing on and off while in motion. The vehicle may run rough, the steering becomes difficult or locked, and eventually the car stalls and will not restart. The problem appears related to a cascade electrical failure involving the steering and ignition systems.
When: One owner reported the issue occurred during driving after multiple warning indicators began flashing.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning messages flash on and off on dashboard; Power Steering Malfunction warning; ABS, ESP, ETS, SRS, ESB, EBR warnings illuminate together; Vehicle drives rough and bumpy; Loss of steering control or steering locks up while driving; Vehicle stalls and all power lost (no lights, no ignition); Vehicle becomes completely unresponsive and must be towed
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Malfunction, ABS failure, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) failure, ETS (Electronic Traction System) failure, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) failure, ESB/EBR (Electronic Stability/Brake) failure, EIS (Electronic Ignition System)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's diagnosis was pending at time of complaint. Repair costs not specified for this cascade failure type.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; Mercedes disputes safety classification of the defect.
Rear Subframe Rust and Deterioration
The rear subframe experiences premature rusting and corrosion, leading to structural deterioration. One owner reported the subframe rusting through and separating while in use. The vehicle becomes unsafe to drive due to frame failure. An active recall exists for this issue in Canada and Europe, but not in the USA.
When: Not explicitly stated in narratives; one owner reports vehicle has been garage-kept and not in high-salt environment.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drives unexpectedly, feels unstable or loose; Alignment shop detects structural frame failure; Rear subframe shows visible rust and deterioration; Frame component separates or becomes detached
Repairs/costs cited: Mercedes extended warranty covers rear subframe replacement under MB-USA warranty for this defect. One dealership (Keeler Mercedes, NY) completed work order but allegedly failed to actually replace the subframe as documented, instead only doing paperwork-level 'repair.' Replacement is an 8-hour labor job per Mercedes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes USA has an extended warranty for rear subframe defect on affected models (2009–2014 C-Class, CL, SL, and others). However, warranty application appears inconsistent; one dealership allegedly falsified repair documentation. A recall exists in Canada and Europe but not in the USA for the same defect.
SRS (Airbag) System Malfunction - Recurrent Failure
The SRS airbag module fails and requires replacement. After the initial repair and replacement, the same SRS malfunction recurs approximately one year later, forcing a second repair. The owner reports being stranded without a car for extended periods.
When: Initial replacement occurred; second failure reported exactly 12 months later.
Symptoms owners cite: SRS malfunction warning or failure detected; Vehicle becomes undriveable pending repair; Problem recurs within one year of repair
Codes mentioned: SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for both repairs out of pocket. Second repair required towing and left owner stranded.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage mentioned for recurrent SRS failures.
Synthesized from 158 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Yet another person with a electronic steering lock issue. I tried to leave work for lunch but was met with that issue. I had to have aaa tow me to the Mercedes dealership where they want 1200 to fix the problem....how are so many of us experiencing this issue but Mercedes isn't doing anything to fix it! *js
I have had the exact same issues like other Mercedes benz owners. My car suddenly not starting and the steering wheel did not unlock. I called aaa, they sent out a battery truck. The guy tried to jump it and it did nothing. Then they towed it to the mb dealer. They called me this morning after they tested it and said the electric steering lock needs to be replaced. The dealer charged me $1212. I…
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.
Vehicle not starting. Not turning over. Parked the car for about 20 min in my moms driveway. When we came out to leave. The vehicle will not start. The radio will turn on. The lights will turn on. When I open the door the odometer area tells me to remove my key. Tried to get a jump from aaa. When they arrived they said it wasn't the battery. Now I look on youtube and other mb blogs. And…
Car would not start. Had to be towed to dealer. Repair cost 1150 dollars. One week without car. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 158 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 128 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 55,000 and 90,355 miles, with the median around 74,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 90,355. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.