Recall 17V243 affects 3 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicles for electric power steering contact loss. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3 2016-2017 C300 vehicles under recall 17V243 because the power steering electric motor contacts were not properly welded. If the contacts lose electrical connection, power steering assist deactivates and crash risk increases; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering system on the 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 uses an electric motor to add assist when you turn the wheel. That assist reduces the effort needed to steer, especially during parking, low-speed turns, and tight maneuvers. Electrical contacts inside the motor carry the power the motor needs to do that work.
On affected C300 vehicles, those contacts were not welded correctly. A weak weld allows the electrical connection to open, which cuts power to the steering assist motor. When that happens, the steering system still has a mechanical path, but the added electric assist stops and the wheel takes more effort to turn.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the failure itself: the steering wheel becomes harder to turn because the electric assist is no longer helping.
Who's affected?
The same power steering system issue applies to the 2016 and 2017 C300.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 3 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of electrical contact deactivates electric power steering assist, which makes the vehicle harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. If steering assist stops, pull over when safe and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer for service guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask about the free electric power steering rack replacement.
- Reference recall number 17V243 when you call so the dealer can find the campaign quickly.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Steering assist can deactivate if the electrical contact fails.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one, along with any dealer paperwork for this steering concern.
What happens at the repair
Mercedes-Benz's stated remedy is replacement of the electric power steering rack. Once the dealer repair is available for your VIN, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rack assembly tied to the electric power steering motor contacts, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. The repair path is through a Mercedes-Benz dealer. When you call, use campaign 17V243 and ask the service desk what inspection or parts ordering is needed before the appointment.
Timeline
| April 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V243?
Recall 17V243 covers 3 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicles with power steering electric motor contacts that were not properly welded. A loss of electrical contact deactivates electric power steering assist and increases crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the electric power steering rack for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific C300 is included in recall 17V243. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the electric power steering rack replacement. Reference recall number 17V243 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 dealers replace the electric power steering rack free of charge. The recall began in June 2017, so the dealer repair path is already open.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of electric power steering assist. If the electrical contact is lost, steering assist deactivates and the vehicle takes more effort to steer, increasing crash risk. Schedule the free steering rack replacement with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz C300 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2017 C300 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 17V243.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V243000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V243 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V243000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →