The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·22V189000·Announced 2022-03-25

2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz steering hand-detection system software malfunction

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain 2021-2022 vehicles with heated leather steering wheels because a software error prevents the DISTRONIC hand-off detection system from functioning. This can disable warnings for drivers to grab the wheel and prevent emergency responder assistance.

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: This is a structural vehicle safety defect affecting critical hands-off detection and steering systems. Although no deaths or injuries are reported in the source text, the malfunction disables key safety warnings and emergency response capabilities, consistent with the rubric classification of structural vehicle defects as Severe.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe, and EQS vehicles equipped with a heated leather steering wheel. The recall is due to a software error in the hand-detection control unit for the DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist system.

Due to the software error, the hands-off detection may not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel. This malfunction can deactivate features that warn drivers to grab the steering wheel and prevent the Active Emergency Stop Assist from calling first responders. The consequence can include an increased risk of crash or injury.

The manufacturer estimates approximately 8,396 vehicles are potentially affected by this recall. Dealers will update the hand-detection control unit software at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 6, 2022. Owners should contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ E 350, AMG EQS, AMG GT63 S, AMG GT53
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Steering and hands-off detection system
Hazard
Affected units
8,396

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 (18)

  • E 350
  • AMG EQS
  • AMG GT63 S
  • AMG GT53
  • AMG GT43
  • AMG SL63
  • AMG SL55
  • EQS 580
  • EQS 450
  • S 500 4MATIC
  • AMG E53
  • E 450
  • C 300
  • CLS 450
  • S 580
  • AMG CLS53
  • AMG E63S
  • S 580 4MATIC

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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