Recall 21V229 covers 4,992 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz B 250E, CLA, and GLA vehicles for steering-shaft separation. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4,992 2017-2018 B 250E, CLA250, Gla 250, AMG CLA45, and AMG GLA45 vehicles because the steering shaft bore hole can let the universal joint bearing move too much and separate over time. A separated bearing can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On the 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250, CLA250, AMG CLA45, AMG GLA45, and B 250E, the lower steering shaft links the steering wheel to the steering gear. Its universal joint lets the shaft change angle while still passing your steering input to the front wheels. The bearing in that joint keeps the movement centered and controlled.
On affected vehicles, a supplier production deviation left certain steering shafts outside Mercedes-Benz specifications. The bore hole, the opening that supports the universal joint bearing, allows too much movement. Over time, that movement can let the bearing separate from the universal joint. That changes how directly the steering wheel controls the steering gear, especially during parking or other low-speed maneuvers when steering forces are high.
Before the failure, owners can hear unusual noises from the steering shaft or feel steering that is less precise than normal. Treat either sign as a steering concern and have a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect the vehicle under the recall.
Who's affected?
The same lower steering shaft issue spans five model lines across the 2017-2018 model years, with both steering system and steering gear components named.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 | steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | steering system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 | steering system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 | steering system |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E | steering system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | steering gear |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | steering gear |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 | steering gear |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | steering gear |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | steering gear |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 | steering gear |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 | steering gear |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz B 250E | steering gear |
| Units affected | 4,992 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A separated universal joint bearing can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Noises from the steering area or imprecise steering feel are warning signs to take seriously. If either appears, stop using the vehicle and contact a dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250, CLA250, AMG CLA45, AMG GLA45, or B 250E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes the universal joint bearing movement behind the steering-control risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, and reference recall number 21V229 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the steering-shaft inspection and any needed replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the steering shaft and replaces it if the bore hole or universal joint bearing issue is present. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented repairs already paid before the recall notice. If you paid to correct this steering shaft condition, contact Mercedes-Benz customer service or bring documentation to the service desk so they can route the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 9, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 9, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 23, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V229?
Recall 21V229 covers 4,992 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250, CLA250, AMG CLA45, AMG GLA45, and B 250E vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole can allow excess movement, which can separate the universal joint bearing. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the steering shaft for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250, CLA250, AMG CLA45, AMG GLA45, or B 250E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V229. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering shaft inspection. Reference recall number 21V229 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2021060001 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the steering shaft and, when needed, replace it free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if the universal joint bearing separates from the steering shaft. That can increase the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Mercedes-Benz never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your exact vehicle is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V229000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V229 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V229000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →