2021–2022 Mercedes-Benz (18 models) Steering Recall 22V189000 (Mercedes-Benz 2022040010)

NHTSA recall 22V189000 (Mercedes-Benz recall 2022040010) covers about 8,396 2021–2022 Mercedes-Benz (18 models) vehicles (steering), filed with NHTSA Mar 25, 2022. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory.

Source: NHTSA campaign 22V189000 · Data as of Nov 6, 2026 · By CarWhere Research

8,396
vehicles affected (potential)
2021–2022
model years
Mar 25, 2022
filed with NHTSA
None
NHTSA advisory

What's recalled

Component: Steering (steering wheel/handle bar)

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.

The risk

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.

The remedy and its status

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.

Status: NHTSA lists May 9, 2022 as the owner-notification date for this campaign.

Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022040010

NHTSA lists the manufacturer's own recall number for 22V189000 as 2022040010. Owner letters and dealer service departments often use this code, so a search for "2022040010 recall" refers to the same campaign.

Affected models and years

Models and model years NHTSA lists for this campaign. Not every vehicle of a listed model and year is included; check by VIN.

VehicleModel yearsMore
Mercedes-Benz Amg CLS532021—
Mercedes-Benz Amg E532021–2022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg E63S2021—
Mercedes-Benz Amg Eqs2022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg GT432022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg GT532022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg GT63 S2022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg SL552022—
Mercedes-Benz Amg SL632022—
Mercedes-Benz C 3002022All C 300 recallsYears to avoid
Mercedes-Benz Cls 4502022—
Mercedes-Benz E 3502021–2022—
Mercedes-Benz E 4502021–2022—
Mercedes-Benz Eqs 4502022—
Mercedes-Benz Eqs 5802022—
Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC2022—
Mercedes-Benz S 5802021—
Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC2022—

Key dates

Report filed with NHTSA
Mar 25, 2022
Owner notification
May 9, 2022
Recall initiated by
the manufacturer
Filed by
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Check your VIN for 22V189000

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
  2. Enter it in NHTSA's free VIN recall lookup. It shows every open recall on that exact vehicle, including this one if it applies and hasn't been repaired.
  3. If 22V189000 is open, call any Mercedes-Benz dealer's service department and give them the recall number (22V189000 or 2022040010). The repair is free.

Not sure of the exact model or year? Decode it first with the free VIN decoder.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 22V189000?

NHTSA recall 22V189000 (Mercedes-Benz recall 2022040010) covers about 8,396 2021–2022 Mercedes-Benz (18 models) vehicles (steering), filed with NHTSA Mar 25, 2022. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. It covers 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.

Is it safe to drive a vehicle with recall 22V189000?

NHTSA's record for 22V189000 carries no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The risk NHTSA lists is: "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." Get the free repair as soon as it is available for your vehicle.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected by 22V189000?

Only a VIN lookup can tell you. Not every vehicle of the listed models and years is included, and repaired vehicles drop off. Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's free recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Mercedes-Benz dealer to check it.

What is the fix for recall 22V189000, and is it free?

NHTSA's record says: "Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge." NHTSA lists May 9, 2022 as the owner-notification date for this campaign. Safety-recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers.

What is the Mercedes-Benz recall number for 22V189000?

NHTSA lists the manufacturer's own recall number as 2022040010. Dealers and owner letters often use that code (2022040010) instead of the NHTSA campaign number 22V189000.

Sources and method

  • NHTSA recall record for 22V189000, from NHTSA's public recall campaign database. Problem, risk and remedy text is NHTSA's own wording.
  • "Vehicles affected" is NHTSA's potential-units-affected count for the whole campaign.
  • Data as of Nov 6, 2026. NHTSA updates campaigns as manufacturers file amendments, so check the official record for the latest.

Related recalls

Latest Mercedes-Benz recallsNewest recallsAll recall campaignsRecalls by brand