The electric steering column adjustment to move steering wheel up and/or down (tilt feature) has becomes inoperable (the telescopic adjustment feature still works). This makes proper steering wheel and air bag location impossible. It was first noticed upon starting the car at work that the steering wheel remained in the up position (entry/exit). This apparently is a known and common problem that…
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class steering problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 56,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 E-Class | 9 |
| 2011 E-Class | 12 |
| 2012 E-Class | 12 |
| 2013 E-Class (this page) | 11 |
| 2014 E-Class | 28 |
| 2015 E-Class | 7 |
| 2016 E-Class | 9 |
| 2017 E-Class | 14 |
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 E-Class has generated consistent complaints about steering system failures. The most common issue is electric steering column tilt adjustment that freezes in place—usually the up position—while the telescopic in-and-out function still works. Owners identify a plastic coupling collar (part A203 462 06 78) as the failure point. One owner found this same issue already covered under recall for the 2013 C250; no such recall has been issued for the E-Class based on these reports. Repair requires dash removal and is labor-intensive.
A second recurring failure is the electronic steering lock mechanism not disengaging after parking, preventing the vehicle from starting. One owner paid $1,409 for the lock module replacement despite the car being under warranty, and the dealership denied coverage.
A separate complaint documents a fractured steering box at 57,000 miles that seized the steering wheel and killed power steering; the dealership had parts on backorder.
One owner reports airbag deployment risk tied to a steering column malfunction and states Mercedes dismissed the safety concern. Another describes sudden handling loss and loss of control at 60 mph on wet road, suspecting suspension or steering linkage issues, but Mercedes and the local dealer would not provide ground clearance specifications to diagnose the problem.
A final complaint documents corroded subframe and brake lines with no prior warning lights.
Same Mercedes-Benz E-Class steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel tilt adjustment inoperative
Electric column adjustment for vertical tilt movement fails while telescopic in-and-out adjustment continues to work. Owners report the steering wheel locks in place, typically in the up position, making proper ergonomic and airbag positioning impossible. Multiple owners identify a plastic coupling collar (part A203 462 06 78) as the failed component. Owners note this is a documented widespread issue affecting multiple Mercedes model years.
When: Varies; noticed upon startup or during normal driving adjustment attempts. One case at 51,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stuck in fixed position (often up/entry position); Tilt adjustment button non-responsive; Telescopic adjustment still functional; Airbag light illuminated in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Broken plastic coupling collar (part A203 462 06 78). Labor-intensive repair requiring removal of lower driver's dash components. Parts cost reportedly inexpensive but labor costly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes issued recall/TSB for 2013 C250 model with same failure; no evidence of recall issued for E-Class in these narratives.
Steering lock module failure preventing vehicle start
Electronic steering lock mechanism fails to disengage after vehicle is parked, rendering the vehicle unable to start or move. One owner was charged $1,409 for steering wheel lock module replacement and told it was not covered under warranty despite vehicle still being under manufacturer warranty.
When: Occurs after vehicle is parked. One case at undisclosed mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Key not recognized by steering column; Electronic lock will not disengage; Vehicle remains stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel lock module replacement, $1,409 at dealership. Owner reported having to pay out-of-pocket despite warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially denied warranty coverage. No evidence of recall or TSB mentioned.
Fractured steering box
Steering box develops a fracture resulting in complete loss of power steering function and steering wheel seizure while driving. Failure occurred at 57,000 miles. Dealership diagnosed failure but parts were on backorder at time of complaint; vehicle was not repaired.
When: At approximately 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from steering system; Power steering function inoperative; Steering wheel seized; Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Steering box replacement required. Parts on backorder; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification made regarding this failure.
Steering column malfunction with airbag safety concern
Owner reports airbag light illuminated and dealership indicated airbags could deploy unsafely while driving due to steering column malfunction. Owner states this is documented as a common problem among multiple drivers. Mercedes responded dismissively when owner contacted manufacturer with safety concern.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Steering column malfunction; Risk of unsafe airbag deployment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer responded dismissively to safety concern report.
Suspension/steering control issues at highway speed
Vehicle exhibits handling loss and loss of control sensation at 60 mph on wet pavement, described as feeling like wheels are unscrewing off. Owner unable to obtain ground clearance specifications from Mercedes or dealership despite multiple contacts. Complaint suggests possible suspension geometry or steering linkage issue. Mileage 100,000.
When: At approximately 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of vehicle control sensation at highway speed; Feeling of wheels coming loose; Handling instability on wet pavement; No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed. Owner unable to obtain specification information from manufacturer or dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mercedes directed owner to local dealer; dealership unable to locate ground clearance specifications; promised callback never received.
Corroded subframe and brake line damage
Vehicle found to have corroded subframe and rear brake line corrosion creating unsafe driving condition. No warning lights or symptoms reported prior to failure discovery. Vehicle required towing.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Corroded subframe; Corroded rear brake lines; Unsafe handling
Repairs/costs cited: Repair details not provided; vehicle towed back to Mercedes.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The electric steering column adjustment to move steering wheel up and/or down becomes inoperable. However the in & out adjustment still works. This makes proper steering wheel and air bag location impossible. It was noticed while driving that the steering wheel was not in the proper/comfortable position. I have gone online and this apparently is a known and common problem. A plastic part…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 51,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2013/Mercedes-Benz/E-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.