YearToAvoid

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems

NHTSA received 71 steering complaints for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, 16% of that year's 453 total complaints, more than any other model year in this range. Median mileage at failure was 71,517 miles, and the complaints include 3 crashes and 3 injuries. No related recalls are listed in this data.

Steering complaints
71
16% of 453 complaints
All complaints this year
453
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
71,517 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist at low speeds, making the wheel hard to turn and leading to loss of control.
  • Some describe the vehicle pulling to the right at various speeds, with dealer realignment failing to fix the issue.
  • Several report a loud high-pitched or grinding noise from the steering wheel or column, sometimes followed by increased steering effort.
  • Multiple owners describe the steering lock failing, preventing the key from starting the car or locking the steering column in place.
  • A power steering pump fracture was diagnosed in at least one case, causing fluid leakage and belt damage.
  • Some owners state the steering lock failure is a widely known issue among 2008 to 2013 C300 models.

When 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 8, 2011, latest May 10, 2026.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering complaints: complaints filed per month4Jul 2011Aug 2015Jul 2016Jul 2017Jul 2018Apr 2019Mar 2020Jul 2024
71 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2011 to May 2026; peak Jul 2019 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by C300 model year

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

  1. 201071 (16%)
  2. 201134 (7%)
  3. 20128 (3%)
  4. 201326 (10%)
  5. 201413 (14%)
  6. 201523 (6%)
  7. 201613 (5%)
  8. 201713 (6%)
  9. 201812 (12%)
  10. 20195 (7%)
  11. 20202 (6%)
  12. 20210 (0%)
  13. 20221 (4%)
  14. 20230 (0%)
  15. 20240 (0%)
  16. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300?
NHTSA lists 71 steering complaints for the 2010 C300, which is 16% of the 453 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering problems in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300?
This data shows no related recalls listed for the steering complaints, though one owner mentioned a prior steering campaign (10V459000) that reportedly did not resolve their issue.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear in the 2010 C300?
The median mileage at failure across these steering complaints is 71,517 miles.
Did steering problems cause any crashes or injuries in the 2010 C300?
Yes, NHTSA data tied to these steering complaints includes 3 crashes and 3 injuries.
Is the 2010 C300 worse for steering problems than other model years?
Yes, the 2010 model year's 16% share of complaints tied to steering is the highest of any year listed, compared to single digits or low teens in most other years.

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.