2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 steering problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The electronic steering lock (ESL) system on my 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 failed without warning, leaving the vehicle completely unable to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, the key would insert but the vehicle would not crank or start, and the steering lock malfunction prevented normal…”
filed May 6, 2026
“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…”
filed Sep 19, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly…Campaign 17V252000 · Apr 12, 2017
Steering problems in other C250 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 C250 | 19 | 7% |
| 2012 C250 | 5 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.