TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE MESSAGE "MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO BOTH HANDS DURING THE CRASH, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.