YearToAvoid

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, 7% of the 278 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 69,000. A related recall (17V252000) covers a steering coupling connecting bolt that could loosen.

Steering complaints
19
7% of 278
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
69,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Some owners report the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving at highway speed, with no warning light illuminated.
  • Others report the vehicle would not start and diagnostics returned an ESL (electronic steering lock) failure, leaving them stranded.
  • One owner reported having to replace a steering wheel immobilizer after the engine failed to turn on despite the key being present.
  • One owner reported the metallic trim on top of the steering wheel frayed and cut their hand while reaching through the wheel to start the car.
  • One owner reported clicking noises in the steering column while turning the wheel, accompanied by an illuminated airbag light.

When 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 2, 2017, latest Apr 17, 2024.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Nov 2017Mar 2018Jun 2018Dec 2019Apr 2020Aug 2020Feb 2021Sep 2023
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2017 to Apr 2024; peak Nov 2017 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250

  1. NHTSA 17V252000Apr 12, 2017Steering168 vehicles

    Steering

    Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.

    Risk: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Steering complaints by C250 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20125 (2%)
  2. 201319 (7%)
  3. 201418 (11%)
  4. 20152 (17%)
  5. 20160 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 have?
NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2013 C250, which is 7% of the 278 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250?
Yes. Recall 17V252000, reported April 12, 2017, covers the steering coupling connecting bolt; dealers inspect it and tighten it as necessary. The recall does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2013 C250?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 69,000 miles for steering complaints on this model year.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records 2 crashes and 4 injuries associated with steering-area complaints for the 2013 C250, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.