Recall 18V910 affects 6,200 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S 450, and S560 vehicles for steering-assist software. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6,200 2018-2019 S 450, S560, and AMG S63 vehicles because the Hands-off-Detection system can malfunction and leave Active Steering Assist engaged after the driver has taken hands off the wheel. If that happens, driver inattention increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On affected 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S 450, and S560 vehicles, the Hands-off-Detection system works with Active Steering Assist. Active Steering Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while Hands-off-Detection checks whether the driver is still holding the steering wheel and ready to take over. If the driver keeps hands off the wheel too long, the assist system is supposed to warn the driver and stop assisting.
The problem is in the steering control unit software, the computer logic that tells the steering assist system how to read driver input. Incorrect software parameters from the supplier can keep Hands-off-Detection from recognizing that the driver's hands are no longer on the wheel. As a result, Active Steering Assist can stay engaged longer than designed, even though the driver is not actively steering.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is software behavior inside the steering control unit, so an owner is not expected to feel a loose part or see a visible defect before it happens.
Who's affected?
Spans the AMG S63, S 450, and S560 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with steering assist, automatic steering, and electric power steering system components.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Steering assist |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Automatic steering |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | Steering assist |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | Automatic steering |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | power steering system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | Steering assist |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | Automatic steering |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | power steering system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Steering assist |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Automatic steering |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Steering assist |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Automatic steering |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 | power steering system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Steering assist |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Automatic steering |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 6,200 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering control system stays active after the driver takes their hands off the wheel, the driver can stop paying close attention and crash risk increases. Keep your hands on the wheel and treat the system as assistance, not a substitute for control. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S 450, or S560 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering control unit software update that fixes the hands-off detection malfunction in Active Steering Assist.
- Bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed it. If not, reference recall number 18V910 when you call.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and do not rely on Active Steering Assist until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the steering control unit software tied to the Hands-off-Detection system and Active Steering Assist behavior. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered at the dealer. For repairs already paid by an owner before the recall notice, Mercedes-Benz is not using a separate reimbursement program because the involved vehicles remained under the new vehicle warranty. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies to any prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 4, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 14, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 13, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V910?
Recall 18V910 covers 6,200 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S 450, and S560 vehicles with a Hands-off-Detection system malfunction. Active Steering Assist can stay engaged after the driver's hands are off the steering wheel for a prolonged period. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the steering control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63, S 450, or S560 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V910. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering control unit software update. Reference recall number 18V910 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers update the steering control unit software free of charge. Mercedes-Benz also lists customer service at 1-800-367-6372 for recall 2019040024.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver inattention while Active Steering Assist stays engaged without the driver's hands on the wheel. In recall 18V910, NHTSA links that condition to increased crash risk. Keep your hands on the wheel and schedule the free software update if your VIN is included.
When were owners notified?
Mercedes-Benz began owner notifications on May 13, 2019. The dealer repair is available, so owners of included 2018-2019 AMG S63, S 450, and S560 vehicles can schedule the steering control unit software update through a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V910000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V910 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V910000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →