In the European service world, Mercedes-Benz steering failures land on our lifts with regularity. 1,073 complaints across 81 year-model entries (2005–2022) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 460 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 75,773 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $700; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
Mercedes-Benz steering problems
1,073 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mercedes-Benz vehicles for steering issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Worst-affected Mercedes-Benz model-years for steering Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Mercedes-Benz steering 3 on file
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles
An unexpected loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of crash.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans
The improperly welded pins may lose contact, deactivating the power steering assist and increasing the risk of a crash.
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Metris vehicles sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wisconsin
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Mercedes-Benz steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,073 complaints across 81 model-year entries from 2005 to 2022. 2 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Which Mercedes-Benz model has the most steering complaints?
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with 169 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 C-Class (158) and 2010 C-Class (73).
What does it cost to fix Mercedes-Benz steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mercedes-Benz steering recalls?
Yes — 3 active recall campaigns cover steering on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.