Mercedes-Benz C Class Recall R/2003/146: Possible Loss Of Steering Control, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 19 Sep 2003
- Launched
- 16
- vehicles in the UK
- 1877
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled C Class vehicles. The steering coupling at the union with the steering gear may not be correctly positioned and/or sufficiently torqued. The dealer will check the position of the steering coupling and the fasteners for correct torque. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The steering coupling at the union with the steering gear may not be correctly positioned and/or sufficiently torqued. This could lead to the steering gear becoming detached from the steering column with subsequent loss of steering control.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL Defect: It is possible that the steering coupling at the union with the steering gear may not be correctly positioned and/or sufficiently torqued. This could lead to the steering gear becoming detached from the steering column with subsequent loss of steering control. Remedy: Check the position of the steering coupling and the fasteners for correct torque.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to the steering gear becoming detached from the steering column with subsequent loss of steering control.
The Fix
The dealer will check the position of the steering coupling and the fasteners for correct torque.
Are You Affected?
C Class may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 16 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code 1877 or the DVSA reference R/2003/146. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Class, EQE, GLCBolting of steering coupling | Urgent | R/2025/333 | |
| C ClassDriver seat belt fitting | Urgent | R/2025/158 | |
| C Class, CLS, E Class, GLCMisfire detection M264 | Low | R/2024/474 | |
| C ClassBolting connection Pre-Fuse box | Low | R/2024/281 | |
| C ClassScrew connections of 12 V and 48 V ground points | Urgent | R/2024/299 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2003/060 on 12 Aug 2003, for possible loss of power assisted steering fluid. The one launched after it was R/2010/153 on 18 Nov 2003, for bonnet could open without warning. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, the Mercedes-Benz C Class recall history, all recalls launched in 2003 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/146, launched 19 September 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.