2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 34 Steering complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300, 7% of that year's 480 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 82,000. The dominant pattern is a failed electronic steering lock that leaves the car unable to start, though no related recall is on file.
- Steering complaints
- 34
- 7% of 480
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 82,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report the steering column or wheel suddenly locks and the key will not start the car, even though interior lights and radio still work.
- Several describe the electronic steering lock (ESL) module failing and requiring dealer replacement of the steering lock module or steering column.
- Some owners say the vehicle was parked and working normally, then would not start hours later with the wheel locked in place.
- One report describes the power steering seizing at the same time the engine failed to start, later traced to a faulty steering lock module.
- A few owners note the car had to be towed because the steering wheel would not unlock, immobilizing the vehicle in place.
- One complaint involved a crash and injury, though most reports describe the car being unable to move rather than a loss of control while driving.
When 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 9, 2015, latest Aug 25, 2025.
Steering recalls for the 2011 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 have?
- NHTSA lists 34 Steering complaints for the 2011 C300, which is 7% of the 480 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering lock?
- No related recall is listed in the data for this steering issue, even though many owners describe the same electronic steering lock failure.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2011 C300?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 C300 is 82,000 miles.
- What is the main steering complaint on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Most owners describe the electronic steering lock module failing, which locks the steering wheel and prevents the car from starting.
- Did the steering problem cause any crashes on the 2011 C300?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury among the steering-related complaints for the 2011 C300, out of 34 total complaints in this area.