Recall 15V845 affects 28,452 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C400 sedans for power-steering assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 28,452 2015 C400 and C300 sedans because an error in the electric power steering control unit software can cause a loss of power steering assist. If power steering assist is lost, the driver needs extra steering effort at low speeds, and crash risk rises; Mercedes-Benz dealers update the steering control unit software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assist system on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 and C300 helps the driver turn the wheels with less effort. A control unit runs software that tells the steering assist motor when and how much help to add. The steering system still depends on accurate software timing and memory use.
On affected sedans, the control unit software has a buffer memory problem. Buffer memory is temporary space the software uses while it processes information. In a demanding operating condition, that space is not large enough, and the software can deactivate the electric steering assist. When that happens, the driver has to steer without the power assist.
The warning sign is a red message in the instrument cluster telling the driver that electric power steering has been deactivated. Treat that message as the sign that the assist has stopped working.
Who's affected?
Covers the C400 and C300 sedan variants from the 2015 model year, both tied to the same power steering system.
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 28,452 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. If the red power steering warning appears in the instrument cluster, drive cautiously and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
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 power steering software update that addresses loss of electric power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 15V845 when you call or visit.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Expect extra steering effort at low speeds.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the electric power steering control unit software. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 15, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 15, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V845?
Recall 15V845 covers 28,452 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 and C300 sedans with electric power steering control unit software that can cause loss of power steering assist. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the power steering software free of charge.
What should I do if my 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 or C300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific sedan is included in recall 15V845. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the power steering software update. Reference recall number 15V845 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will update the power steering software free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased steering effort if the vehicle loses electric power steering assist. The added effort is most noticeable at lower speeds and increases crash risk. The free dealer software update corrects the power steering control unit issue.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz C300 or C400 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 15V845.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V845000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V845 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V845000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →