Recall 14V598 affects 10,509 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C400 vehicles for an unlocked steering coupling. Inspection is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz recall 14V598 covers 10,509 2015 C400 and C300 4Matic vehicles because the steering column sliding shaft can disengage from the steering coupling socket. A separated shaft can cause noises, steering backlash, and loss of steering control, which increases crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The steering column on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 and C300 carries the driver's steering input from the wheel toward the steering gear. In these 4Matic vehicles, a sliding shaft fits into a steering coupling socket, and an interlock mechanism is supposed to hold that connection locked in place while the vehicle moves.
The problem is that the interlock on affected vehicles was not locked in place. Road vibration, steering force, or feedback from bumps in the road can work the sliding shaft loose from the coupling socket. If the shaft disengages, the steering column no longer transfers steering input through that joint as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver is not expected to get a dashboard light, noise, or steering feel change before the shaft comes loose, so the VIN check and dealer inspection matter for confirming whether the vehicle is included.
Who's affected?
Covers the C400 and C300 in the same model year, both tied to the steering system.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 | steering system |
| Units affected | 10,509 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
A disengaged sliding shaft can cause steering noise, steering backlash, and in the worst case loss of steering control. That raises the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the dealer inspection. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 or C300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-coupling inspection that confirms the steering column shaft is locked in place.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V598 when you call.
- Ask Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you need help locating a dealer or confirming Mercedes-Benz recall 2014090008.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if you hear steering noises or feel steering backlash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the steering coupling interlock mechanism and verifies that it is locked in place. The inspection is the recall repair described by Mercedes-Benz, and it is free of charge. If the mechanism is not locked, ask the service desk to document the finding and the repair action before you leave. The source record does not give a separate repair time.
Timeline
| September 26, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V598?
Recall 14V598 covers 10,509 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C400 4Matic vehicles with a steering coupling interlock mechanism that was not locked in place. If the sliding shaft disengages from the steering coupling socket, the driver can lose steering control. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the mechanism for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 or C400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V598. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the steering coupling interlock mechanism inspection. Reference recall number 14V598 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2014090008 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the steering coupling interlock mechanism free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V598?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the sliding shaft separates from the steering coupling socket, the driver can hear noises, feel steering backlash, and lose normal steering response, increasing crash risk. The dealer inspection confirms whether the interlock mechanism is locked in place.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for unusual steering noises or steering backlash. Those signs are listed in the recall consequence for campaign 14V598, but the VIN still decides whether the recall applies to your vehicle. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V598000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V598 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V598000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →