Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Mercedes-Benz recalls 30,064 S-Class, Maybach and AMG sedans in the US over front brake hose rupture risk
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 30,064 vehicles in the US under NHTSA recall 26V638, covering certain S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-AMG sedans built between February 2021 and late November 2024 (2022 through 2025 model years), because the front brake hose can weaken, leak, and potentially rupture, which reduces hydraulic pressure and increases stopping distance. The automaker says it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or property damage tied to the defect. Dealers will replace the affected hose free of charge, and owner notification letters go out November 27, 2026. The expanded campaign follows a related campaign first opened in February 2025; Mercedes-Benz corrected the hose in production starting in late November 2024.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Recall — Mercedes-Benz
Dealers will replace the affected hose for free, and owner notification letters go out November 27, 2026.
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz
Recall — Mercedes-Benz
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz dealers
Source excerpt
NHTSA recall 26V638 breaks the 30,064 vehicles down by model and trim.
The fault could interrupt torque transmission to the front axle, leading to a vehicle stall. Additionally, if parts of the broken bolt become lodged within the differential transmission, this might affect the ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, Daimler said.
FRANKFURT — Daimler is recalling some new Mercedes-Benz EQC electric cars because of a potentially defective bolt in the differential, the company said on Tuesday.
2026
Mercedes-Benz recalls thousands of vehicles over door-lock microswitch defect
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz recalled 58,822 vehicles manufactured between 2018 and 2026 due to a manufacturing defect in a door-lock microswitch that could fail after water damage, potentially preventing the auto park feature from operating and increasing accident risk. Owners were advised to engage park and apply the parking brake, and to contact Mercedes-Benz to schedule free repairs.
Company response
Recall — Mercedes-Benz
Thousands of luxury car models are being recalled by motoring giant Mercedes-Benz following the discovery of a common electrical fault.
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz
Vehicle owners are encouraged to contact Mercedes-Benz in writing to schedule an appointment to have repairs carried out free of charge.
Source excerpt
Vehicle owners are encouraged to contact Mercedes-Benz in writing to schedule an appointment to have repairs carried out free of charge.
Thousands of luxury car models are being recalled by motoring giant Mercedes-Benz following the discovery of a common electrical fault.
The issue centres on a manufacturing defect with a door-lock microswitch, which could fail if it suffers water damage.
2026
Mercedes-Benz Australia recalls over 58,000 vehicles over auto park defect
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz Australia is recalling 58,822 vehicles produced between 2018 and 2026 across several model lines because a manufacturing defect in the door-lock microswitch may allow water damage and failure, preventing the auto park feature from operating and increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement, injury or death. Affected owners will be contacted and advised to schedule a free repair at an authorised dealership once parts become available.
Company response
Recall — Mercedes-Benz Australia
Mercedes-Benz Australia is recalling over 58,000 vehicles across several model lines as they may not automatically shift into park.
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz
If you own an affected vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will contact you and advise you to schedule an appointment with an authorised dealership to have the free repair carried out once parts become available.
Source excerpt
Mercedes-Benz Australia is recalling over 58,000 vehicles across several model lines as they may not automatically shift into park.
"A loss of auto park feature may result in unintended vehicle movement. This increases the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users," the notice reads.
"Due to a manufacturing defect, the door-lock microswitch may be susceptible to water damage and could fail. If this occurs, the door may not be detected as open, preventing the auto park feature from operating as intended," the company says in its recall notice.
2026
Mercedes fined for missed post-race media duties
Fine or penalty
Mercedes was fined €5,000 after George Russell missed mandatory post-race media duties at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The breach was of Article B10.1.4e of the FIA F1 Regulations, which sets out post-race media obligations. The event was recorded as a controversy note concerning the team's failure to ensure the required media duties were fulfilled.
Company response
Apology — Mercedes
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff apologised to Russell after the race
Source excerpt
Mercedes was fined €5,000 after a “distraught” George Russell failed to attend his media duties following his Formula 1 title defeat at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff apologised to Russell after the race
Russell was summoned to the stewards after the race and Mercedes was handed a €5,000 fine for the breach of Article B10.1.4e of the FIA F1 Regulations.
2022
Brake-system corrosion recall
Mercedes-Benz recalled nearly one million older vehicles after determining that advanced corrosion could impair braking-system components. The action was treated as a safety recall rather than a criminal finding.
2022
Mercedes-Benz recalls imported GLE SUVs in China
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz (China) Automotive Sales filed a recall plan and began recalling 639 imported GLE SUVs produced between February 17 and December 19, 2020. According to the recall information, the retaining clips for the fuel-tank pressure sensor may corrode and loosen, potentially affecting fuel-system sealing and creating safety and emissions risks.
Company response
Ongoing disclosure — 梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司
梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司将通过挂号信等方式，通知有关用户此次召回事宜。
Source excerpt
存在安全隐患和不合理排放风险。
自2022年2月11日起，召回生产日期在2020年2月17日至2020年12月19日期间的部分进口GLE SUV汽车，共计639辆。
2022
Mercedes-Benz fined over diesel emissions advertising
Fine or penalty
South Korea's Fair Trade Commission fined Mercedes-Benz 20.2 billion won, finding that the company falsely advertised emissions performance and environmental-standard compliance for some diesel vehicles. Mercedes-Benz disputed the findings and defended its advertising claims.
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission fined Mercedes-Benz 20.2 billion won, finding that the company falsely advertised emissions performance and environmental-standard compliance for some diesel vehicles. Mercedes-Benz disputed the findings and defended its advertising claims.
Company response
Denial — Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz refuted such findings, saying that 90 percent of vehicles are driven for less than 30 minutes in South Korea and that the words used in their ads -– “SCR reduces 90 percent of nitrogen oxide” –- is a typical phrase used by the industry and academia.
Source excerpt
But the FTC said that the carmaker’s selective catalytic reduction systems that can help reduce emissions were found to have deteriorated drastically after 30 minutes of driving, and the the cars emitted up to 14 times more nitrogen oxide than allowed by Korean environmental regulations.
Mercedes-Benz has been fined 20.2 billion won ($16.84 million) by the nation’s antitrust watchdog for fiddling with emissions readings in its diesel cars here.
According to the Fair Trade Commission on Sunday, the German luxury carmaker falsely advertised some of its diesel vehicles as capable of reducing 90 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions, the main culprit of fine dust, and that it satisfies Euro 6 environmental standards.
2022
Lawsuit over Mercedes-Benz soft-closing door injury
Lawsuit filed
A lawsuit was filed involving a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and its soft-closing door feature. Richard J. Kastigar, Jr. alleged that the soft-closing door amputated part of his thumb, and he took Mercedes-Benz to court over the incident. The lawsuit further alleged that the soft-closing feature lacks protective sensors and warnings. The event was reported on January 27, 2022.
Richard J. Kastigar, Jr. is taking Mercedes-Benz to court after alleging that the soft-closing door on his 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 amputated part of his thumb. The lawsuit alleges that the feature lacks protective sensors and warnings.
Source excerpt
Due to this incident, it is alleged that the company's soft-closing door feature needs sensors.
Richard J. Kastigar, Jr., who is chief deputy of the Pima County Sheriff Department in Arizona, is taking Mercedes-Benz to court after an incident with his 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 late last year.
Now, he is suing Mercedes-Benz and is asking for compensation, as well as a redesign of the system to include safeguards.
2022
Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles over software-related safety risks
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz China Sales and Beijing Benz filed recall plans covering specified vehicles. Software issues could cause some engines to shut down after startup or prevent the rear-view camera image from appearing on the display, creating safety risks. The companies said they would provide free software upgrades, using OTA where possible and authorized service centers otherwise.
Company response
Remediation — 梅赛德斯-奔驰(中国)汽车销售有限公司和北京奔驰汽车有限公司
梅赛德斯-奔驰(中国)汽车销售有限公司和北京奔驰汽车有限公司将通过汽车远程升级(OTA)技术，为召回范围内的车辆免费升级MBUX多媒体系统(智能人机交互系统)软件；对于无法通过汽车远程升级(OTA)技术实施召回的车辆，将通过梅赛德斯-奔驰授权服务中心联系相关用户，为车辆免费升级软件，以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
本次召回范围内车辆启动时，MBUX多媒体显示屏可能无法正常启动，造成辅助驾驶员倒车的后视摄像头的图像无法在显示屏上显示，存在安全隐患。
本次召回范围内车辆因软件开发偏差，发动机控制单元存储器可能无法正确写入发动机启动数据，导致刚启动的发动机关闭且不能重新启动，增加车辆发生碰撞的风险，存在安全隐患。
梅赛德斯-奔驰(中国)汽车销售有限公司、北京奔驰汽车有限公司日前根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划，自2022年3月25日起召回以下车辆。
2022
EQC owners publicly reject Mercedes-Benz’s recall arrangement
Public backlash
245 Mercedes-Benz EQC owners issued a joint statement rejecting Beijing Benz’s recall arrangement and raising questions and demands concerning the vehicles. Owners said they objected to the planned timing, which would leave them driving vehicles they considered defective for six more months.
Source excerpt
奔驰于2月22日发布EQC召回通知，却要到8月15日才召回车辆，要我们继续驾驶6个月有缺陷的车，就是在拿所有EQC车主的生命安全当儿戏，我们坚决不同意！
近日，245位奔驰EQC车主再次发布联合声明，称坚决不同意北京奔驰关于EQC的召回安排，并对奔驰官方提出了7点质疑和4点诉求，要求厂家立即召回并解决车辆问题。
而关于召回原因，奔驰除了将其归结于“电动驱动模块存在制造偏差”外还表示，该模块内的冷却系统可能存在密封不足问题，导致冷却液渗漏。
2022
Beijing Benz announces EQC recall
Recall announced
Beijing Benz filed a recall plan for 10,104 EQC electric vehicles, with the recall scheduled to start on August 15, 2022. A cooling-system sealing defect could cause coolant leakage and, in extreme conditions, reduce drive-module output power or prevent the vehicle from starting.
Source excerpt
自2022年8月15日起，召回生产日期在2018年11月30日至2021年12月15日期间的部分EQC电动汽车，共计10104辆。
由于电动驱动模块制造偏差，本次召回范围内部分车辆电动驱动模块内的冷却系统可能存在密封不足，导致冷却液渗漏。
2022
Beijing Benz announces a planned recall of EQC vehicles
Recall announced
Beijing Benz filed a recall plan covering 10,104 Mercedes-Benz EQC vehicles produced during the stated period. The planned recall was to begin on August 15; the article attributes the potential coolant leak to a manufacturing deviation in the electric drive module's cooling system. The company said affected vehicles would receive a free replacement electric drive module after inspection.
Company response
Remediation — Beijing Benz
如果生产序列编号在受影响的车辆范围之内，奔驰将免费为用户更换新的电动驱动模块。
Source excerpt
如果生产序列编号在受影响的车辆范围之内，奔驰将免费为用户更换新的电动驱动模块。
根据相关要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。北京奔驰将自今年8月15日起，陆续召回在2018年11月30日至2021年12月15日旗舰生产的奔驰EQC北京奔驰，涉事车辆总数为10104辆。
具体召回原因是由于电动驱动模块制造偏差，该期间生产的EQC电动驱动模块内的冷却系统可能存在密封不足，或将导致冷却液渗漏。
2022
Mercedes-Benz files recall plan for 10,104 EQC vehicles
Recall announced
Beijing Benz Automotive filed a recall plan with China's State Administration for Market Regulation for 10,104 EQC electric vehicles. The recall is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2022, because a manufacturing deviation may allow coolant to leak from the electric drive module, creating a safety risk.
Source excerpt
日前，北京奔驰汽车有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。自2022年8月15日起，召回生产日期在2018年11月30日至2021年12月15日期间的部分EQC电动汽车，共计10104辆。
由于电动驱动模块制造偏差，本次召回范围内部分车辆电动驱动模块内的冷却系统可能存在密封不足，导致冷却液渗漏。
2022
Mercedes-Benz Rus announces S-Class recall in Russia
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz Rus announced a recall of 1,082 S-Class (Type 223) vehicles in Russia because the front passenger airbag may malfunction. The airbag module will be replaced, and repairs will be free for owners.
Company response
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz Rus
This module will be replaced in cars covered by the recall program.
Source excerpt
Mercedes-Benz Rus, the official representative of Mercedes-Benz in Russia, will recall 1,082 S-Class (Type 223) vehicles in the country, the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) reports on Friday.
The reason to recall motor vehicles is the possible impairment of function of the front passenger’s airbag.
This module will be replaced in cars covered by the recall program.
2022
Mercedes-Benz recalls more than 800,000 vehicles globally
Recall announced
Daimler recalled more than 800,000 vehicles globally because of a technical problem. Mercedes-Benz explained that a coolant pump could leak, potentially causing components to overheat and creating a fire hazard. The report said parts were scarce and repairs could not be carried out immediately.
Source excerpt
据媒体报道，因技术问题，德国汽车制造商戴姆勒在全球范围内召回超过80万辆汽车。
梅赛德斯-奔驰（ Mercedes-Benz ）解释说，由于冷却液泵可能发生泄漏，不排除部件温度升高可能性。
2021
Qatar announces recall of 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS over airbag defect risk
Recall announced
In 2021, Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, working with dealer Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, announced a recall of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS. The recall was attributed to a potential defect in the driver's airbag. The announcement identified the affected model year and the specific component at issue, and was issued jointly with the authorized dealer. The notice did not specify the number of vehicles involved, the nature of the remedy, or any incidents linked to the defect.
Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with dealer Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, announced a recall of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS because of a potential driver’s airbag defect.
Stated objective. The ministry said the recall campaign is part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers track vehicle defects and repairs.
Company response
Apology — Mercedes-Benz
我们对这次额外的车间访问表示歉意，并希望您能谅解。
Recall — Mercedes-Benz
我们敦促车主在当地梅赛德斯经销商预约时间，由经销商的技术人员检查内拉杆，并在必要时免费更换。
Source excerpt
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in cooperation with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, Mercedes-Benz dealer in Qatar, has announced the recall of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK CLASS model due to a potential defect in the driver’s airbag.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, has recall Mercedes-Benz S-Class model of 2021, due to the front right seatbelt not matching manufacturer’s specification and impeding its proper function.
The MoCI said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communicate with customers to ensure that they carried out the necessary repairs.
2021
BMW and Mercedes sued in Germany over climate targets
Lawsuit filed
A news report stated that BMW and Daimler were being sued in Germany over allegations that they failed to meet carbon-reduction targets and had not set an official date to abolish the internal combustion engine. The report did not provide a calendar date for the lawsuit. The report named Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler among the defendants. No further details on the plaintiffs, the specific claims, or the outcome of the lawsuit were included in the source.
The source reports that BMW and Daimler were being sued in Germany for allegedly failing to meet carbon-reduction targets and not setting an official date to abolish the internal combustion engine. The source does not provide a calendar date for the lawsuit.
Source excerpt
The companies are being sued in their native Germany for allegedly failing to meet carbon reduction targets and not setting an official date to abolish the internal combustion engine.
BMW and Daimler recently found out.
2021
Mercedes-Benz begins recall of S-class vehicles in China
Recall announced
In November 2021, Mercedes-Benz began recalling 11,997 S-class vehicles in China over safety concerns involving production flaws that could cause an engine stall, fires, or airbag-control-unit compliance failures. The carmaker said it would inspect and replace or upgrade defective parts free of charge.
Company response
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz
The carmaker promised to inspect and replace or upgrade the defective parts free of charge.
Source excerpt
The three batches of luxury vehicles recalled by the company feature different flaws in the production process, according to the statement.
The carmaker promised to inspect and replace or upgrade the defective parts free of charge.
BEIJING - German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has begun recalling 11,997 S-class vehicles in China over safety concerns, according to China's top quality watchdog.
2021
Mercedes-Benz China recalls imported vehicles
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz (China) Automotive Sales Co. filed a recall plan covering 7 imported GLE and GLS vehicles and 149 imported CLS, E-Class, GLC SUV and S-Class vehicles. The vehicles may have incomplete or improperly assembled seats, or potentially defective side-impact sensor connector locking points. The company said authorized dealers would inspect affected vehicles and carry out necessary rework or replacement free of charge.
Stated objective. 消除安全隐患
Company response
Remediation — 梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司
梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司将通过授权经销商检查受影响车辆上的座椅，对不合格的座椅免费进行必要的返工，以消除安全隐患。
Recall — Mercedes-Benz (China) Sales Co.
梅赛德斯-奔驰(中国)汽车销售有限公司、北京奔驰汽车有限公司将通过汽车远程升级(OTA)技术，免费为召回范围内的车辆更新MBUX智能人机交互系统配置(用户无需到店)，以消除安全隐患。
Source excerpt
梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司将通过授权经销商免费检查受影响车辆车门上的侧面碰撞传感器的卡点，如果缺失则更换侧面碰撞传感器，以消除安全隐患。
本次召回范围内部分车辆由于生产偏差，座椅可能未组装完整或安装了额外的零件，这可能会增加车辆发生碰撞时人员受伤的风险，不符合国家相关强制性标准的要求，存在安全隐患。
日前，梅赛德斯-奔驰（中国）汽车销售有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》和《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划，自即日起召回以下车辆。
2021
Mercedes-Benz recalls EQS and S-Class vehicles over infotainment software issue
Recall announced
Mercedes-Benz announced a voluntary recall affecting about 227 EQS and S-Class vehicles in the United States because incorrectly configured software could let drivers access television streaming and other digital content while driving. The company said it was not aware of crashes or injuries caused by the issue and had disabled the glitch through a server software update, so owners did not need to visit a dealer.
Company response
Remediation — Mercedes-Benz
The Stuttgart-based firm has already updated the software on the server that links the potentially affected cars in the United States. That means the glitch has been disabled and owners of EQS and S-Class models will not need to stop by a dealer for a software update.
Source excerpt
Mercedes-Benz notes that the cars included in the recall are equipped with software that’s incorrectly configured to let motorists access digital content, like television streaming and the owner’s manual, while driving.
It adds that it is not aware of crashes or injuries caused by the issue, and that it launched the recall campaign voluntarily.
Assigned recall number 21V-931, the campaign affects about 227 examples of the EQS and the S-Class built between December 8, 2020, and October 13, 2021.