Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Due to Electric Power Steering Defect
Mercedes-Benz is recalling specific 2013-2016 models because a steering control unit defect may cause loss of power steering assist or a fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering system) that explicitly cites an increased risk of fire and crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 vehicles, including the E350, S550, SL550, S600, E400, and SL63 AMG. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 23, 2012, and August 14, 2015. The recall involves an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit.
This defect can result in the power steering system deactivating while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the increased pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- MERCEDES-BENZ E350, S550, SL550, S600
- Brand
- MERCEDES-BENZ
- Manufacturer
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 70
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (6)
- E350
- S550
- SL550
- S600
- E400
- SL63
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · MERCEDES-BENZ
- Severe
- HighMercedes-Benz Recalls 2027 CLA 220 Vehicles for Seat Belt Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-02
- SevereMercedes-Benz Recalls Various Models Due to Driver's Door Lock Defect
NHTSA · 2026-07-24
- High2026 Mercedes-Benz and Maybach Models Rear Seat Belt Recall
NHTSA · 2026-05-29
- HighMercedes-Benz vehicles recalled over instrument panels that go blank
NHTSA · 2026-05-01
Same manufacturer · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
See all →- HighMercedes-Benz Recalls 2026 CLA EVs for Seat Belt Retractor Defect
NHTSA · 2026-05-01
- Severe
Same hazard · loss of steering assist
See all →- Severe
- HighRam Promaster Recall Issued for Electric Power Steering Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-09-29
- SevereBlue Bird Recalls Electric School Buses Due to Loose 12-Volt Cable
NHTSA · 2025-12-19
- SevereTesla Model 3 and Model Y may lose power steering assist
NHTSA · 2025-02-14
- SevereFord Recalls 2023-2024 Transit Vehicles for Steering Assist Loss Risk
NHTSA · 2024-07-19
Similar recalls
- SevereMercedes-Benz Recalls 2017 Models for Power Steering Overheating Risk
NHTSA · 2017-11-14
- HighMercedes-Benz Recalls Four 2017 Models for Steering Defect
NHTSA · 2017-09-19
- Severe
- SevereMercedes-Benz Recalls 2016-2017 C300 Vehicles for Steering Defect
NHTSA · 2017-04-11
- SevereMercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles for Software Configuration Errors
NHTSA · 2022-03-18
- High