Mercedes-Benz recalls 8,000 brand new C-Class cars in the UK over steering fault that 'could affect control'

• Officials say the steering-wheel fault could affect control of the car in ‘extreme’ cases
• It's part of a worldwide recall of 28,000 brand new C-Class saloons
• Mercedes-Benz is asking customers to take their cars for a 30 minute fix to ‘click’ the steering lock sleeve back into place
• The model only went on sale in Britain in June priced at between £26,855 and £38,120

Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 8,000 of its new executive C-class saloons in the UK because of a steering-wheel fault which safety officials say could affect control of the car in ‘extreme’ cases. 

It is part of a world-wide recall of 28,000 of the brand new cars which only went on sale in Britain in June priced at between £26,855 and £38,120. 

Production of the car began in January ahead of this summer’s first deliveries. Those sold in the UK are built at Mercedes-Benz’s factory in South Africa but the problem also affects those built in Germany. 

 

The problem lies with the steering column coupling lock - a form of protective ‘sleeve’ which binds in the steering column to the steering rack at its base.

The German luxury car-maker is writing to customers and asking them to take their cars for a 30 minute fix to ‘click’ the steering lock sleeve back into place. 

Of the 8,145 cars in the UK built up to September 22nd, some 5,500 are with customers and the rest in dealer showrooms.

 

The Government’s car safety watchdog VOSA, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency notes: 'It is possible that the steering column coupling lock may not have been installed correctly. The driver will receive warning of the issue by noise. 

But it also notes: 'In extreme circumstances, it is possible that steering control of the vehicle could be affected.'

As a remedial action it has called for all affected vehicles to be recalled to be checked over. If necessary the steering coupling should be replaced, says VOSA. 

Mercedes-Benz says it has had no reports of any accidents - in the UK or worldwide - in relation to the problem. 

A spokesman said: 'If the steering column coupling is unlocked, the worst that can happen is that you will hear a noise. There have been no reports of steering problems. 

'We’re not telling people to stop driving their cars. It’s a 30 minute fix to click the steering coupling’s locking sleeve back into place. Some were not clicked into place at the factory.'

 

In its recall letter to customers, Mercedes-Benz says: ‘At Mercedes-Benz we continuously monitor the performance of our vehicles and pay particular attention to any issues that could have an impact on your safety. 

'Despite careful quality control during the production of our products, a technical problem has unfortunately been identified which we would like to resolve immediately.' 

The note continues: 'We have established that on some cars it is possible that the steering column coupling may have been installed incorrectly. ‘In this condition, noises and restrictions in steering movement may become noticeable.'

But it also acknowledges: 'In extreme cases the steering control of the car may be affected. 

‘As part of a safety recall campaign, we wish to check the steering column coupling as a precautionary measure.'

Mercedes-Benz asked owners to contact their nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership for the remedial work to be carried out free of charge. 

It said the recall was being monitored by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency which is part of the Department for Transport. 

Mercedes-Benz added: ‘We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this action may cause and we would also like to assure you of our continued commitment to improving our customer service.’