C1532 on Mercedes-Benz
Power Steering ECU Malfunction
C1532 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles indicates power steering ecu malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Mercedes-Benz model — most commonly on GLE. Manufacturer-specific chassis code, documented by Toyota/Lexus on electric power steering (EPS) systems as C1532/25 — an ECU internal malfunction relating to a peripheral circuit inside the power steering ECU (paired in service information with C1531/25). The ECU monitors itself and sets the code on an internal fault; on affected models it shuts off the built-in motor relay circuit and stops power assist, making the steering noticeably heavy while the car remains steerable, though some Toyota manuals note assist can continue with this DTC stored. Toyota also uses C1532 with a different sub-code (/32) for a VGRS (variable gear ratio steering) ECU malfunction on some models, and other makes use C1532 for unrelated faults — Subaru documents C1532 as "BLS on stuck," a brake light switch signal stuck on. Confirm against service information for the actual make and model. Typical repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of C1532
- •Internal failure of the electric power steering ECU (most common; usually requires ECU/column assembly replacement)
- •Poor power supply or ground to the EPS ECU (corroded, loose, or damaged connector)
- •Low or unstable battery/charging system voltage
- •Damaged wiring harness between the EPS ECU and the steering assist motor
- •Water intrusion or corrosion at the steering column / ECU connector
- •Incomplete or missing ECU initialization / torque sensor zero-point calibration after service
C1532 on Mercedes-Benz by Model
Mercedes-Benz GLE(1 issue)
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) Sudden Loss of Assist - "Power Steering Malfunction, See Operator's Manual"2016-2022
GLE owners (W166 and W167) report sudden loss of electric power steering assist, sometimes immediately after engine start and sometimes intermittently while driving, accompanied by the red dashboard message "Power Steering Malfunction - See Operator's Manual." Steering becomes very heavy, especially at low/parking speeds. Because EPS relies on stable voltage, CAN/FlexRay communication, and accurate sensor data, causes are almost always electrical: EPS control-module/torque-sensor faults, a corroded/loose steering-rack ground or harness connection, a blown power-steering pre-fuse, or a weak 12V battery dropping voltage to the EPS motor. NHTSA recall 16V899000 covers 2016-2017 GLE (350/400/300d/550e/43/63, etc.) where an insufficiently sealed EPS connector lets water into the control unit and deactivates assist, and TSB MC-10231025 addresses a no-assist-after-start software fault of the N68 EPS control unit on later models. This is an electronic EPS-rack fault, separate from mechanical front control-arm bushing wear.
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View C1532 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C1532 mean on Mercedes-Benz?▼
C1532 stands for "Power Steering ECU Malfunction." Manufacturer-specific chassis code, documented by Toyota/Lexus on electric power steering (EPS) systems as C1532/25 — an ECU internal malfunction relating to a peripheral circuit inside the power steering ECU (paired in service information with C1531/25). The ECU monitors itself and sets the code on an internal fault; on affected models it shuts off the built-in motor relay circuit and stops power assist, making the steering noticeably heavy while the car remains steerable, though some Toyota manuals note assist can continue with this DTC stored. Toyota also uses C1532 with a different sub-code (/32) for a VGRS (variable gear ratio steering) ECU malfunction on some models, and other makes use C1532 for unrelated faults — Subaru documents C1532 as "BLS on stuck," a brake light switch signal stuck on. Confirm against service information for the actual make and model. On Mercedes-Benz specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes C1532 on Mercedes-Benz vehicles?▼
Common causes on Mercedes-Benz: Internal failure of the electric power steering ECU (most common; usually requires ECU/column assembly replacement), Poor power supply or ground to the EPS ECU (corroded, loose, or damaged connector), Low or unstable battery/charging system voltage, Damaged wiring harness between the EPS ECU and the steering assist motor, Water intrusion or corrosion at the steering column / ECU connector. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C1532 on a Mercedes-Benz?▼
Repair costs on Mercedes-Benz range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Mercedes-Benz models have C1532 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C1532 on 1 Mercedes-Benz model: GLE.