Recall 17V654 covers 2,098 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 vehicles for a rear axle flange fracture. Software repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2,098 2015-2017 AMG C63 vehicles because repeated aggressive launches can fracture the rear axle differential mounting flange. If the flange fractures, the rear differential can shift out of alignment and the driveshaft can fail, causing loss of propulsion and increasing crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear axle differential is the gear assembly that sends engine power to the rear wheels while letting the wheels turn at different speeds in a corner. On 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 vehicles, the mounting flange helps hold that differential in place as torque moves through the axle. The ESP system, Mercedes-Benz stability-control software, also helps manage wheel slip and drivetrain force during hard starts.
In vehicles covered by recall 17V654, repeated aggressive launches can send sharp torque spikes through the rear axle, especially when the tires spin briefly on slick pavement. The existing ESP software lacks the added function that senses and prevents those spikes. Over repeated events, the mounting flange can fracture, and Mercedes-Benz determined a vehicle stall is possible.
There is no warning sign before failure. The repair updates the ESP and chassis control unit software so the vehicle can detect and prevent the torque spikes that lead to the flange fracture.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2015, 2016, and 2017 AMG C63 model years, all tied to the same drive axle component.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | drive axle |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | drive axle |
| Units affected | 2,098 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured rear axle mounting flange can shift the rear differential out of alignment. That can lead to driveshaft failure and loss of propulsion, which increases crash risk. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free stability-system and chassis-control software update for the rear axle flange fracture risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V654 when you call.
- Avoid repeated aggressive launches until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the vehicle's stability system software and chassis control unit software. The software update and labor are free under recall 17V654. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 16, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 27, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 27, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V654?
Recall 17V654 covers 2,098 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 vehicles with a rear axle differential mounting flange that can fracture after repeated aggressive launches. A fractured flange can misalign the rear differential, damage the driveshaft, and cause loss of propulsion.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V654. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the stability system software and chassis control unit software updates. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the vehicle's stability system software and chassis control unit software free of charge under recall 17V654.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of propulsion from rear differential misalignment and driveshaft failure. Mercedes-Benz linked the defect to a rear axle differential mounting flange that can fracture after repeated aggressive launches. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer software updates.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your AMG C63 is included, then reference recall 17V654 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2017110002 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V654000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-877-496-3691 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V654 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V654000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →