NHTSA complaint #11696517

Owner complaint summary

Loss of Steering Control at Highway Speeds – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, VIN [XXX] Dates of Incident: September 13th and October 4th Mileage at Time of Incident: 39,500 While driving on a four-lane expressway at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly and completely lost steering control, resulting in a total inability to steer. First Incident The first event occurred during light rain with mildly wet road conditions. Without warning, the vehicle hydroplaned and violently crossed all four lanes approximately 20–25 times, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles and medians. The steering wheel was completely unresponsive. After several minutes, the car inexplicably corrected its course. Second Incident The second incident occurred weeks later under clear, dry conditions with my minor child in the car. Once again, the steering wheel locked, leaving me unable to direct the vehicle. I had to physically force the wheel to prevent the car from leaving the highway. Investigation The car was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, where technicians were unable to find any fault despite multiple diagnostic attempts. I have since discovered that 2023 and 2024 models of this same vehicle are under active recall for a similar steering malfunction, which may indicate that 2022 models are also affected. Safety Concern This defect poses an imminent risk of fatal accidents, both to occupants and to other drivers. The failure occurs without warning, at high speeds, and results in total loss of steering control. Requested Action I request that the NHTSA investigate whether 2022 models should be included in the existing recall related to steering control failure in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)