A rather significant recall has been issued by Mercedes-Benz, with over 4,000 vehicles being affected across the U.S. What is clear is that the recall is the result of a dangerous steering issue. 12 Mercedes-Benz models are affected between model years 2023 to 2026. Due to a possible safety risk that may cause drivers to lose steering control, all affected owners will be contacted, and the needed repairs will be performed for free at authorized dealerships.
The issue with a loose bolt
Due to an internal report of a strange steering noise, the investigation began, which led to revelations of an unusual steering noise. The issue appeared to be the result of improper torque applied to the bolt that secured the steering coupling to the steering rack. It seems that the steering coupling bolt may not have been properly torqued during assembly. This issue, traced to the production stages, may have caused some vehicles to have components that are not properly secured.
The safety risk is mainly that of the bolt loosening during driving, which could then have caused a complete disconnect between the steering wheel and front wheels, increasing the risks of a crash. So far, no accidents or injuries pertaining to this issue have been reported as yet. However, Mercedes-Benz was rather proactive in terms of response times since the issue was identified.
The production process was revisited by the company on July 24, 202,5, and since then, proper torqueing of the bolt has been ensured so that no further issues of this nature result. However, all sold vehicles that potentially showed signs of the issue had to be identified, as these vehicles are already on the roads.
Which 12 Mercedes-Benz vehicle models have been identified?
Altogether 3,749 vehicles are said to be affected by this recall. Findings unveiled that the 12 identified Mercedes-Benz vehicles were:
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC SUV
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC Sedan
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ Sedan
- 2023–2026 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV
The GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe models were the most affected and alone accounted for 1,686 of the affected models. However, the GLC SUVs and the EQE sedans, as well as SUVs that were manufactured at Mercedes-Benz plants in Bremen, Germany, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are also part of the recall.
What actions should be initiated by affected Mercedes-Benz owners?
All notification letters informing affected users about this recall will be mailed on October 17, 2025. Thereafter, all the affected owners who have received these letters should visit an authorized dealership. At Mercedes-Benz dealerships, technicians will assess the issue and tighten the steering coupling bolt. Repairs will only be done should it be needed.
This is a free service offered by the dealership, and all dealers have been informed about the processes to rectify the issue. Any customer who hasn’t received the notification letter in October and who is concerned can enter their VIN details on the Mercedes-Benz official site.
Immediate action is needed as the issue at hand may affect the overall functioning of the steering system. Mercedes-Benz is committed to resolving the issue safely. As of August 2025, only one warranty claim about the defect has been recorded. Mercedes-Benz previously issued an urgent recall over an electrical issue.
The overall implications of such a large-scale recall
The recall is a precautionary measure taken by the automaker to ensure that all manufacturing problems are identified and addressed immediately. However, the recall does prove that perhaps more quality control and assessment are required in terms of modernized vehicle production processes. This recall also follows a larger-scale Mercedes-Benz recall of over 90,000 cars. The automaker reacted quickly and has responded rather transparently about all processes involved, and the brand has regained its reputation in the eyes of all consumers.
For more information about this recall, you can check the recall 25V533 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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