All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be available for approximately 2 months. This is completely unacceptable and mercedes should prioritize and fix this issue as a safety issue with a recall since it completely makes the car non-driveable and nobody but the dealer can fix this, which allows the dealer to charge any amount they like.

- Brambleton, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle Electronic Steering Lock failure. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Portsmouth, OH, USA

On Sunday, June 27, upon returning to my car I discovered that the key would not disengage the steering column lock to allow me to turn the ignition switch to the on position or steer the vehicle. In addition, the gearshift could not be dislodged from the park position. I contacted aaa. A test of battery revealed that it was fully charged. I was able to manually disengage the gear shift and place the car in neutral, however, the car was unable to be loaded on to the flatbed tow-truck, as the front wheels were locked at an angle and I was parked in parking space, between the sidewalk to my front and right side and a car to my left. I was forced to leave the vehicle and find an alternative means of getting home. Five days and numerous attempts later, aaa was finally able to retrieve my vehicle. Conversation with mechanics at mb dealership as well as mb trained private mechanic identified problem as defective electronic ignition switch (eis/ ezs) and electronic steering lock (esl/ elv). Contacted mbusa corporate office and was informed that the financial responsibility for the repair (approximately $1,600) was mine, since, despite hundreds of complaints regarding similar mechanical issue, there is not a recall

- Andover, MA, USA

Steering wheel locks without warning, shutting off control to the vehicle instrument panel and the gear shift. Problem occurs without warning and can cause accidents as well as leave you stranded without away of starting your car or driving it safely.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

Vehicle was stationary. Steering column locked up and vehicle would not start.

- Houston, TX, USA

Vehicle failed to start/crank after only 28,000 miles. Cause was a failed esl (electronic steering lock) part of the electronic theft system that ties with the electronic ignition switch. The failure of this part disables the car and is unusable. This issue with this model, W204 - C-class 300/350, has an abnormal amount of reports via Mercedes Benz internet forums about this very failure. 13 pages worth on one. Given the low amount of miles on my vehicle, the failure rate seems unreasonably high. The part failure has nothing to do with the use/abuse of the vehicle.

- Fontana, CA, USA

Esl failed in unlocked position, car wont start.

- Tracy, CA, USA

Electronic steering lock (esl) goes out damaged without reason, happened all of a sudden to my parked car. Car simply won't attempt to start and steering his completely locked. Only option is to tow it to the shop and a very expensive repair fix. There are thousands of cases already registered on this and is a common issue with this part used in many Mercedes cars.

- Fremont, CA, USA

Steering lock issue. Engine does not crank and car does not start. Upon inserting key, an message pops up asking to remove the key. Steering wheel is locked and car stuck in park. Due to the configuration of my parking garage and the fact that the steering wheel was locked, it took me several days and 4 different tow trucks to successfully tow the car 1.5 miles to my local mb dealership. The diagnosis and repair of the faulty steering lock, which the service advisor says happens all the time with my model, took an entire week. I was told mb does not offer a loaner car in this situation. All in all, it took my 2 weeks to finally get my car working again. The repair was $1,200. Add in the 4 tow trucks, and 2 weeks of rental car and this was easily a $2,000 issue. Mb should issue a recall given that this issue is so prevalent and clearly a fault with the steering lock part.

- Oakland, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the ignition failed to turn over and start. A warning indicator to remove the key appeared. In addition, the steering wheel failed and would not turn. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering lock mechanism needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but declined to file a complaint until the vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. Updated 10/04/16 the consumer stated the old parts and repair receipt are available. Updated 10/13/16.

- San Jose, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350. When the ignition key was inserted into the ignition switch, a clicking sound was heard and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric steering wheel lock failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Conroe, TX, USA

Stationary vehicle no start, no crank without warning while parked on a city street. Failure within the electronic steering lock. Vehicle will not recognize the drivers key. Driver and passengers left dangerously stranded where ever the vehicle is parked when the failure occurs. This failure makes it unable to shift the vehicle into neutral position for towing.

- Cartersville, GA, USA

Only 45,000 miles electronic steering lock failed need to tow the car.

- Daly City, CA, USA

This is the 2nd time it has happened to me same issue with the eis steering mechanism. First time I paid over $800 to have the part replaced then second time I am being charged over $900 & that's with a discount! I complained & Mercedes does not care! very frustrating when you think you purchased a car for reliability & quality but it is always breaking down. Mercedes knows the problem & is well aware of it but will not fix it because they are making a lot of money from it! I was at the gas station ready to leave & car would not start. The lights were on & radio but no luck getting the key to turn at all. Had to get a tow truck & pay more because car would not go into neutral. I was told they could not guarantee that it wouldn't happen again & they could not help with any discounts either! just not right! someone please help!!!

- San Diego, CA, USA

The vehicle left me stranded and locked out. I was unable to put the vehicle in neutral preventing a proper tow.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

My 2008 C350 failed to start without warning, I called aaa to come check the battery and they said the battery was good. I also noticed that my steering wheel would not unlovk when the key was inserted. I called aaa again and requested to have my car towed to the dealership to investigate the issue. The dealership called to tell me that my steering column and eis both failed and it would cost around $1500 to replace. I went on the mbusa forum website and found hundreds of owners that have had the same problem, I even saw a campaign number listed for the eis. If these defects are known issues and since they fail without warning and could cause the eis to fail and along with the steering column to lock while the driver is driving causing an accident or leaving a family stranded, I'm not to sure why this safety issue has not been recalled and addressed yet. Do we need people to die in vehicle accidents from these parts failing before we do the right thing and recall these defective parts? I'm very thankful that my parts failed when I wasn't driving because I might not be the one writing this complaint, it would be my daughters and wife writing and crying because a known defect was not corrected in a timely manner and it took my life and possibly others. Let's be proactive and not reactive!

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

I drove without problem to a local store, less than 4 miles away. I was in the store 5 minutes. When I came out and tried to start my car, the steering wheel was locked in place and the dash said "take key from ignition". the lights and radio worked, however the windows would not work and the car would not turn on. Also, the shift was stuck in "park" and could not be placed into neutral without an override.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Steering lock failure: I can not turn wheels and start the engine. A lot of Mercedes customers complaints about exactly the same problem. Vehicle has to be towed and repair only by the dealer. It should qualified for recall!!!

- Knoxville, TN, USA

2008 Mercedes Benz C350 - 70,677 after driving the car in the morning, I went to crank the car later in the day and it would not start. Ignition would turn, but nothing happened - only a clicking sound when I removed the key. Locks, alarm, lights (interior and exterior), radio and air conditioner worked fine, but the car would not shift out of park and the brake was locked in place. Battery tested normal at 12.4 volts. I tried the second key, but the car would not start. Took it to Mercedes Benz dealership, and they told me that it was a steering lock / ignition switch problem and it was a common issue they see in this year and model. They wanted $1,200 to replace the steering lock. I have seen numerous complaints about the same problem in Mercedes Benz 2008 C class, but there has been no recall and Mercedes will not address the issue.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Drove car to work without any problems. At the end of day, car would not start and engine would not crank or turn over. Dashboard indicator, radio, windows, interior/exterior lights worked. Got a jump from employee parking services, but car still would not start. Steering column locked and unable to shift gear to neutral. Towed car to auto repair shop and had service diagnostic performed. Error found to be related to service campaign 2008020003 issued March 2008 in which the electronic ignition switch required replacement. Per campaign, "daimler ag has determined that the eis may malfunction preventing the electric steering lock and the central lock from functioning. Dealers will replace the eis on the affected vehicles during the next workshop visit. Please note that recall and service campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator. Order no. P-SC-2008020003." Parts--part name:eis part no: A204 545 14 08 estimated replacement rate 100%; part name:orange workshop key (must be ordered by VIN) part no: A000 766 96 06 9999 estimated replacement rate 100%. warranty information: Operation: Replace eis control module (02-5644); connect/disconnect star diagnosis (02-4762); connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058). Damage code: 46 926 31 7. do your research--this problem has affected thousands of mb owners and has occurred to some while driving. This is a serious safety hazard, more so than the back tail light issue which was recalled. Please investigate this dangerous issue and make this a required recall covered by Mercedes. Don't buy another Mercedes without checking the vmi, vehicle master inquiry first. Lives matter.

- Dallas, TX, USA