Recall 20V090 affects 6,300 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and AMG G63 vehicles for stability-control and anti-lock-brake deactivation. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 6,300 2019-2020 G 550 and AMG G63 SUVs because an electrical resistor in the differential locking module can disrupt communication with the locking actuator. If that happens, the Electronic Stability Program and anti-lock brakes can deactivate while driving, which raises crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The differential locking module in the 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and AMG G63 helps control the differential lock, a drivetrain feature that manages how power is shared through the axle when traction is limited. It communicates with the differential locking actuator, the part that moves the lock into the requested position. The vehicle also uses that status to decide how the ABS and ESP systems operate.
On affected vehicles, an electrical resistor inside the module was not built with enough chemical resistance to sulfur fumes from the axle oil. The sulfur affects an electrical contact in the resistor. When that contact stops working correctly, communication between the control unit and actuator is interrupted. The control unit reads the differential as locked, so the vehicle turns off ABS and ESP functions as part of its locked-differential strategy.
The warning sign is an ABS and ESP message in the instrument cluster. If that message appears, the vehicle is telling you the differential locking system has detected a malfunction.
Who's affected?
Covers G 550 and AMG G63 SUVs from 2019 and 2020, with the same stability-control, driveline, and hydraulic brake systems listed across both models.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | driveline |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | driveline |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 6,300 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
The safety risk is a higher chance of a crash if vehicle stability control or anti-lock braking support deactivates. Watch for an ABS and ESP message in the instrument cluster, then schedule service soon and drive cautiously until the vehicle is inspected. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 or AMG G63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free differential locking module inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes the module fault linked to ESP and ABS deactivation.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V090 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the differential locking modules and replaces any module that fails inspection. Parts and labor are free under recall 20V090. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 14, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 21, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V090?
Recall 20V090 covers 6,300 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and AMG G63 vehicles with a differential locking module resistor that can interrupt communication with the actuator. That can deactivate stability control and anti-lock brakes while driving, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the modules and replace them as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 or AMG G63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 20V090. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the differential locking module inspection. Reference recall 20V090 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect the differential locking modules and replace them as necessary free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V090?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle stability control or anti-lock braking while driving. If the differential locking module stops communicating correctly, the Electronic Stability Program and Anti-lock Brake System can deactivate, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the affected modules for free.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz G 550 or AMG G63 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 or AMG G63 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 20V090.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V090000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V090 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V090000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →