2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Steering Wheel Recall (22V189)

Recall 22V189 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 in recall 22V189?

Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.

Is it safe to drive a 2021-2022 AMG E53 with recall 22V189?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

There is no do-not-drive order on this campaign. If your AMG E53 shows warning lights or behaves differently in a way that involves the steering wheel and handle bar, have it checked before driving further.

Which vehicles are included in recall 22V189?

Recall 22V189 covers 8,396 vehicles: 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53; 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 S; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55; 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63; 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300; 2022 Mercedes-Benz Cls 450; 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz E 350; 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450; 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450; 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580; 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500; 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580.

NHTSA lists 8,396 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the AMG E53 steering wheel recall?

Yes. Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge.

Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

When was recall 22V189 announced?

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC reported recall 22V189 to NHTSA on March 25, 2022. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as May 6, 2022.

This recall was filed 55 months ago. If your AMG E53 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my AMG E53 is part of recall 22V189?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 22V189 is open on your AMG E53, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 22V189000 is open on your AMG E53, it will be listed there, along with Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022040010. You can also ask any Mercedes-Benz dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should AMG E53 owners do about recall 22V189?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 22V189000 applies to your AMG E53.
2. Call a Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Keep a simple log of any steering wheel and handle bar symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are AMG E53 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 5 of them about the steering.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 201 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 5 of them involve the steering. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580: 33 complaints in total, 0 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450: 26 complaints in total, 0 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300: 25 complaints in total, 1 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580: 25 complaints in total, 1 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500: 21 complaints in total, 0 about the steering
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350: 13 complaints in total, 0 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450: 11 complaints in total, 1 about the steering
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 350: 8 complaints in total, 0 about the steering

A few excerpts from owner complaints filed with NHTSA (unverified, lightly trimmed):

It would seem to be the steering and related component’s including the computer. I have heard a low-pitched oscillating sound coming from the passenger front wheel well. well occasionally it would pull the car to the right, not all the time just randomly whenever traveling in the 40-70 mph range.

2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 owner, WA, NHTSA complaint 11517563, filed April 18, 2023

It started with a humming sound in the front right wheel well and then I was driving on the freeway and my steering wheeled jerk to the right and slammed me into the side of a semi truck vehicle is available to be looked at it almost killed me.

2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 owner, WA, NHTSA complaint 11519340, filed April 27, 2023

Two rectangular blocks descend from the plastic shield under the front bumper. These blocks have a squared-off back. These blocks descend for about an inch, and are located a few inches in front of the front edge of the tires.

2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 owner, AZ, NHTSA complaint 11469600, filed June 16, 2022

Can recall 22V189 make my AMG E53 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

Owners often ask whether this steering wheel and handle bar recall means their AMG E53 qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Steering defects go straight to safety. Under California's lemon law, a defect likely to cause death or serious injury can create a presumption after just two repair attempts, if the manufacturer was also notified directly.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

Civil Code 1793.22(b) sets out a presumption that applies in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for the same defect, or more than 30 total days out of service for repairs. Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases. Owners outside that window can still have a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 22V189