2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300, 6% of that year's 381 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 1 injury reported. Three related steering recalls exist, covering the power steering software, the steering coupling interlock, and a later steering rack replacement.
- Steering complaints
- 23
- 6% of 381
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist accompanied by a dashboard warning light, making the wheel very hard to turn at low speed.
- Some describe the steering wheel locking up or becoming extremely difficult to maneuver shortly after a warning message appears.
- Several report the failure recurring even after restarting the vehicle, with the car towed to a dealer for diagnosis.
- One owner described a clicking noise during a turn traced to a CV joint failure alongside a power steering warning light.
- A few complaints describe complete loss of steering control while driving, in one case resulting in a crash after the vehicle spun and struck an object.
- One owner noted the steering felt harder to turn at lower speeds despite normal fluid levels.
When 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 steering complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 29, 2015, latest May 7, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300
- NHTSA 18V850000Nov 29, 2018Steering6,373 vehicles
Steering:rack and pinion:rack
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
Risk: A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
- NHTSA 15V845000Dec 16, 2015Steering28,452 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 and C400 4matic sedans manufactured January 27, 2014, to December 1, 2014. Due to an error in the electric power steering control unit software, the affected vehicles may have a loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering software, free of charge. The recall began in January 15, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- NHTSA 14V598000Sep 26, 2014Steering10,509 vehicles
Steering
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to September 18, 2014. If the steering coupling interlock mechanism is not locked in place, the sliding shaft, which is part of the steering column, could become disengaged from the steering coupling socket due to vibrations, steering thrust, or load feedback from the road surface.
Risk: If the sliding shaft becomes disengaged from the steering coupling socket, the driver may experience noises, steering backlash, and in a worst case, loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling interlock mechanism to verify that it is in the locked position, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2014090008.
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 common are steering complaints on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- NHTSA lists 23 steering complaints for this model year, which is 6% of the 381 total complaints filed for the 2015 C300.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300?
- Yes, three separate steering recalls apply: 14V598000 for the steering coupling interlock, 15V845000 for power steering control unit software, and 18V850000 for steering rack replacement.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2015 C300?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 C300 is 40,000 miles.
- Have steering problems on the 2015 C300 caused crashes?
- NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to steering complaints on the 2015 C300, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2015 C300's steering complaint rate compare to other years?
- The 2015 C300's 6% share is lower than 2010 (16%), 2013 (10%), and 2014 (14%), but higher than 2012 (3%) and 2020 (6% at a much smaller count).