Mercedes-AMG GT known issues by generation

By CarWhere Research · Updated

For the two-door AMG GT (C190), the best-documented issue is bonding of the carbon-fiber driveshaft, which was recalled twice. The four-door AMG GT (X290) has recalls for transmission wiring harness corrosion, 48-volt ground cables, turbo oil feed lines and, on the GT 63 S E Performance, hybrid starter-alternator software. 5 documented issues, 5 with NHTSA recall numbers.

CarWhere lists 5 documented AMG GT issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

AMG GT generations at a glance

Mercedes-AMG GT chassis codes and the known issues listed for each
Chassis codeModel yearsIssues on this page
C1902016–2021 (C190 AMG GT coupe, R190 roadster)Carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding may fail
X2902019–present (X290 AMG GT 4-door Coupé)Transmission wiring harness connector may corrode and short · 48-volt ground cable may overheat · Turbocharger oil feed line may leak (GT 63) · Hybrid starter-alternator control unit software may fail (GT 63 S E Performance)

C190 AMG GT problems (2016–2021)

Carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding may fail (2016–2018)

Safety recall
Chassis:
C190 (AMG GT, AMG GT S)
Years:
2016–2018
Engine:
M178 4.0L twin-turbo AMG V8

The C190 AMG GT uses a carbon-fiber driveshaft inside a torque tube connecting the front engine to the rear transaxle. In 2019 (19V-457) about 1,000 2016–2017 GT S and 2017 GT cars were recalled because the bond between the driveshaft and its flange might be insufficient, risking separation while driving. A 2021 campaign (21V-478) covered another 1,500 2016–2018 GTs with the same concern. Dealers inspect and replace the driveshaft. A separated driveshaft means sudden loss of drive, so both campaigns matter.

Symptoms

  • Driveline vibration
  • Clunk on throttle changes
  • Sudden loss of drive if it separates

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 19V-457 and 21V-478
  • Ask for driveshaft replacement documentation

NHTSA recall: 21V-478 (2021-06) · 1,522 vehicles

Sources: [3][1]

X290 AMG GT problems (2019–present)

Transmission wiring harness connector may corrode and short (2019–2025)

Safety recall
Chassis:
X290 (AMG GT 43, AMG GT 53)
Years:
2019–2025
Engine:
M256 3.0L inline-6 with EQ Boost

Inline-six AMG models, including the AMG GT 43 and GT 53 four-door, have been recalled twice for the transmission wiring harness. In 2022 (22V-533) a misrouted harness could expose the connector to corrosion and a short circuit. In 2024 (24V-445, about 22,000 vehicles) Mercedes found the connection might also have been wired incorrectly during production or the earlier recall repair, and dealers replace the two-part harness and connector. A short can cause loss of drive power.

Symptoms

  • Transmission warning
  • Loss of drive power

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 22V-533 and 24V-445, and whether the final remedy is complete

NHTSA recall: 24V-445 (2024-06) · 22,422 vehicles

Sources: [6][4]

48-volt ground cable may overheat (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Chassis:
X290 (AMG GT 43, AMG GT 53)
Years:
2021–2023
Engine:
M256 3.0L inline-6 with EQ Boost

About 12,000 2021–2023 vehicles with the 48-volt inline-six, including the CLS 450, E 450, AMG E 53 and AMG GT 43/53 four-door, were recalled because the 48-volt ground cable connection in the engine compartment might not be tightened properly. A loose connection can overheat and raise fire risk. Dealers inspect and repair the connection. It is a quick check, but needs confirming by VIN. The 48-volt circuit powers the mild-hybrid starter-generator on these cars.

Symptoms

  • Burning smell from the engine bay
  • 48V system warnings

Check before buying

  • Confirm 24V-100 completion

NHTSA recall: 24V-100 (2024-02) · 12,191 vehicles

Sources: [5]

Turbocharger oil feed line may leak (GT 63) (2019)

Safety recall
Chassis:
X290 (AMG GT 63, AMG GT 63 S)
Years:
2019
Engine:
M177 4.0L twin-turbo AMG V8

The 2019 AMG GT 63 and GT 63 S four-door are part of a recall of about 2,500 AMG vehicles with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 because the turbocharger oil feed line could leak. Oil on hot turbo parts is a fire risk. Dealers replace the line. Look for oil residue in the hot-vee area between the cylinder banks, where the turbos sit. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer regardless of the vehicle's age or ownership history, and the NHTSA recall lookup shows whether the campaign is still open on a specific VIN.

Symptoms

  • Burning oil smell
  • Oil on turbo components

Check before buying

  • Confirm 20V-048 completion

NHTSA recall: 20V-048 (2020-01) · 2,518 vehicles

Sources: [2]

Hybrid starter-alternator control unit software may fail (GT 63 S E Performance) (2023–2024)

Safety recall
Chassis:
X290 (AMG GT 63 S E Performance)
Years:
2023–2024
Engine:
M177 4.0L V8 plug-in hybrid

About 2,900 AMG E Performance plug-in hybrids, including 2023–2024 AMG GT 63 S E Performance four-doors and the related S 63, SL 63 and GLC 63 S E Performance models, were recalled because a software error could make the high-voltage starter-alternator control unit fail, resulting in a loss of drive power. Dealers update the control unit software. On these hybrids the starter-alternator sits between engine and transmission, so its failure can cut drive power.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power
  • Hybrid system warning

Check before buying

  • Confirm 25V-129 completion

NHTSA recall: 25V-129 (2025-02) · 2,943 vehicles

Sources: [7]

Related AMG GT research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint and service-bulletin counts.

Confirm exactly how a AMG GT was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and factory options decide which of these issues apply. The data card records how a Mercedes-AMG GT was built — option codes, paint, upholstery and equipment; CarWhere decodes it from the VIN, free availability check, $9.99 only if build data exists for that car.

Mercedes-Benz data card by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Mercedes-AMG GT problems?

The best-documented Mercedes-AMG GT issues are carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding may fail (C190, 2016–2018), transmission wiring harness connector may corrode and short (X290, 2019–2025), 48-volt ground cable may overheat (X290, 2021–2023) and turbocharger oil feed line may leak (GT 63) (X290, 2019). How much each matters depends on the chassis code and engine, so check the section for the exact car you are looking at.

Has the Mercedes-AMG GT had any safety recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding may fail (NHTSA 21V-478), transmission wiring harness connector may corrode and short (NHTSA 24V-445), 48-volt ground cable may overheat (NHTSA 24V-100) and turbocharger oil feed line may leak (GT 63) (NHTSA 20V-048). Recall repairs are free at a Mercedes-Benz dealer; check any specific car’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether its recall work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-AMG GT?

Check the VIN for 19V-457 and 21V-478. Check the VIN for 22V-533 and 24V-445, and whether the final remedy is complete. Confirm 24V-100 completion. Confirm 20V-048 completion. A pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist covers these and pulls the service history.

Is the Mercedes-AMG GT reliable?

The documented Mercedes-AMG GT issues are recall campaigns rather than recurring wear-out failures, and recall repairs are done free by Mercedes-Benz dealers. On a used car, the key step is confirming every open recall has been completed for that VIN.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Chassis codes covered: C190 (2016–2021 (C190 AMG GT coupe, R190 roadster)), X290 (2019–present (X290 AMG GT 4-door Coupé)). Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 19V-457: AMG GT carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding (1,002 units) — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recall 20V-048: AMG 4.0L V8 turbocharger oil feed line (2,518 units) — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 21V-478: AMG GT carbon-fiber driveshaft flange bonding (1,522 units) — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 22V-533: Transmission wiring harness routing (16,977 units) — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 24V-100: 48V ground cable connection (engine bay) (12,191 units) — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 24V-445: Transmission wiring harness and connector (22,422 units) — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recall 25V-129: AMG hybrid starter-alternator control unit software (2,943 units) — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG or Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach and the model names are trademarks of their owner.