9 complaints reported

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Steering

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
9
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

The "ESL Module" in this model is designed to unlock the steering and ignition when the vehicle key's passcode matches, using a small, mechanical motor with significantly poor durability. The problem is that this motor's failure is unpredictable, and many users of this model have been stranded and unable to start their vehicles due to the motor's lifespan ending. Even when the car is painstakingly brought to a dealership, repairs cost approximately $1,800 to $2,000, or owners are resorting to unofficial bypasses using a device called an ESL Emulator from the aftermarket. I'd like to request NHTSA to start a thorough investigation into this issue and a RECALL order for the affected models to be issued to MBUSA. Thank you.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V252000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed in 2018. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The contact deactivated the push start button and attempted to start the vehicle with the key whoever, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had seized due to the steering coupling connecting bolt. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted prior to the dealer repairing the vehicle in 2018. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer, where the repair was completed in 2018, to have the vehicle inspected, and if the part that failed was the part replaced under the recall, the manufacturer would pay for the additional repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and that the dealer was three hours away. The failure mileage was approximately 70,664.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Jul 2025

The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Jan 2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am seeking assistance regarding my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-300, VIN [XXX] . I repurchased this vehicle from the London Nissan Dealership on [XXX]. It currently has about 120,000 miles, and I have driven an additional 15,000 miles in the past two years. Less than three months after purchase, I took the car to a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Knoxville, TN, for repairs on May 16th. Now, my vehicle is at James Motor Company in Lexington, KY, where they diagnosed a faulty steering column that needs replacement at a cost of $1,630.00. I have already taken this car to the dealership twice for issues in under two years. The problems began when the vehicle wouldn’t start one morning; the steering column was locked despite a fully charged battery. This failure could have led to a serious accident, especially since I drive frequently for work and school. There were no warning signs prior to this incident. The dealership has confirmed the steering column issue and can provide inspection upon request. I also have a list of parts needed for the repair available. Given the nature of this malfunction, I believe it warrants a recall. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Jul 2024

It's the ESL ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK THIS PART IS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE AND IS POSTED ONLINE TO FIX AND ALSO BYPASS IT. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO I AM TOLD PART ALONE IS $570 AT MERCEDES THEY HAVE TO PROGRAM IT. THIS PART IS KNOW TO BREAK AND ONLY THEY CAN REPROGRAM IT. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFTY ISSUE. THE CAR RTDOES NOT START BECAUSE OF IT AND IT LOCKS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE. THE CODE FOR IT ON CAR IS A25464 code on car. This is a known problem and it makes the car undrivable. I don't have files but had car toed 2 times. I will have recept after it's fixed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Feb 2024
Sep 2023

Mercedes has a convenience easy enter/exit feature that lifts the steering and slides the driver's seat back for easy exit and restores the seat and steering when the driver sits down and places the key in the ignition. The safety issue is the steering often gets locked in the up position and doesn't lower, making it unsafe to drive the car. This is happened 5 times since I bought the car. I had to drive home with the steering wheel locked above the dashboard. The car has been towed to the dealership 4 times under warranty and now I have to get it towed myself. There are approximately 54000 miles on the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

Car would just shut down intermittently, sometimes sudden death. No crank no start. Been stranded at night alone with my child in the car and at times, unsafe areas. Electronic Ignition Switch is faulty and MB has had my car for 1 month to date. Quoted me a repair cost of $2,787. Said the EIS is on back order with no ETA, and they currently have 5 others with exact problem, ignition switch. So many people have reported this problem for years with the C300. I'm a single mom, it's been a nightmare.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C300, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Nov 2022
Aug 2020

STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C204.9, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Feb 2017
Dec 2018

STEERING WHILE CONDUCTING

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2014 MERCEDES BENZ C250, Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Incident: Oct 2017

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 9 Steering complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.