This is the second time in two weeks. When turning on to a road from a dead stop, turn in one direction while accelerating fast (not to the floor) and the streering wheel locks in the direction you are going. As soon as the car slows down via brakes, the steering wheel unlocks. We are bring the car in tomorrow as this is a major safety issue.

Our car: 2002 E320 sedan.

Question: Is the above a know problem and if so, why didn't we get a recall?

 

Never had that problem on my 2000 E.... never heard of that problem happening to others either.... definitely a safety issue.

 

Update: Dealer is sending out at a tow truck as they're concerned about the safety.

 

Could it be something having to do with the power steering or do you feel that its related to the actual steering lock that activates when parked and the key is removed?? Never experienced that on my E320 4Matic

 

The problem feels more like the steering lock engaging rather than a steering pump problem - with the latter one could still steer though it would require strength and the former there is no wheel movement at all.

The dealer says they will call me around 12:00 (Pacific), they were all over it and VERY concerned.

 

Dealer replicated problem, is replacing steering rack and pump. Fortunately a factory rep. was there as well and is taking back the old parts to research. We should get our car back tomorrow. Am impressed with how seriously they took this problem and how quickly they are resolving it.

 

You should still lodge a complaint online with NHSTA
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

To make sure that this problem continues to be taken seriously.

 

That's scarry!
First time I've heard that.
I guess something is broken inside the steering wheel or the locker itself... Good luck.

 

We picked the car up yesterday, drove fine and a few agressive left turns while accelerating resulted in no lock up. The entire steering rack was removed and is being sent to Germany to be researched. The dealer says they may never hear back from the factory as to what the problem was --- which is disconcerting. Is there anyway for us to be notified when the factory researches a deffective part?

Our dealer handled this all very quickly and didn't dispute a thing, they treated it as a serious safety defect - we were VERY satisfied with how they treated us.

 

This thing could even kill you or someone else. Did you think about?
An issue that can't be ignored...

 

We'll drive the car with uncertainty, not knowing exactly what caused the problem and that the it probably was the steering rack is not good enough. We will pursue this matter, not sure how but it was enough to make both our lives flash by!