2013 GLK Steering Column Melting
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2019
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2013 Mercedes GLK
2013 GLK Steering Column Melting
38,000 miles. Vehicle is garage kept 95% of the time. However, about a month ago I noticed the steering column bubbling up. I intentionally left it out of the garage about an hour and when I got in and touched the column it was mushy like Silly Putty. WHAT THE WHAT? Mercedes isn't built for hit climates? Not to mention the column is melting down over the knee air bag! Isn't that a safety issue?
Last edited by Monica Asbell; Aug 14, 2019 at 07:25 PM. Reason: Spelling
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 422
Likes: 61
From: South East US.
2015 GLK350
That is truly bizarre. Those pieces are hard plastic on my 2015 and no signs of softening or bubbling.
That *might* be explained by heat generated in the column, but I would expect you to notice that heat and and it should also effect more of the surrounding plastics.
It could also be some sort of chemical reaction, but again I would expect to see more collateral damage.
That *might* be explained by heat generated in the column, but I would expect you to notice that heat and and it should also effect more of the surrounding plastics.
It could also be some sort of chemical reaction, but again I would expect to see more collateral damage.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1
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Glk350
I just discovered the same problem with my 2012. Only the hard plastic is melted, the flexible vinyl material that attaches to it is perfect.
All electronics work perfectly and I never smelled anything like burning plastic. Very strange, the plastic has obviously melted at same point, but now it is hard and brittle. When I adjust the steering column angle, bits break off and fall on the floor.
All electronics work perfectly and I never smelled anything like burning plastic. Very strange, the plastic has obviously melted at same point, but now it is hard and brittle. When I adjust the steering column angle, bits break off and fall on the floor.
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1
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2012 GLK
Any fix?
38,000 miles. Vehicle is garage kept 95% of the time. However, about a month ago I noticed the steering column bubbling up. I intentionally left it out of the garage about an hour and when I got in and touched the column it was mushy like Silly Putty. WHAT THE WHAT? Mercedes isn't built for hit climates? Not to mention the column is melting down over the knee air bag! Isn't that a safety issue?
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 53
From: Surrey B.C.
2013 GLK 350 4 matic
I was curious so just took a look at my car and it has a white plastic ring around the steering column. I have white interior so maybe that is the reason.
LOL my steering wheel has been jammed in the up position since my granddaughter played with the controls. Today I gave it one more hard tap and it works.
LOL my steering wheel has been jammed in the up position since my granddaughter played with the controls. Today I gave it one more hard tap and it works.
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 26
From: Maryland (Washington DC market suburbs)
2024 GLS450W4, 2016 S550 4MATIC (W222), 1972 350SL (R107), 2012 GLK350 (X204)
Last edited by frostsdad; Feb 28, 2026 at 11:11 PM.
