Recall 21V478 affects 1,522 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT vehicles for driveshaft separation. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,522 2016-2018 AMG GT vehicles because the carbon-fiber driveshaft can separate from its flange. A separated driveshaft can cause loss of drive power and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The carbon-fiber driveshaft on a 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT carries engine power through the driveline so the transmission can turn the rear wheels. It is bonded to metal flanges at its ends, and that bond has to hold while the part spins under load.
On affected AMG GT vehicles, residue from the supplier's production process was left on the bonding surfaces between the carbon-fiber driveshaft and the flange. That contamination weakens the bond. If the bond lets go, the driveshaft can separate and the vehicle can lose motive power.
Drivers can get warning signs before the driveshaft separates. The check engine light can come on after a transmission malfunction or a loss of traction between the engine and transmission, and the vehicle can make grinding or other unusual noises.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2016, 2017, and 2018 AMG GT model years, all tied to the same carbon-fiber driveshaft part.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | driveline |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | driveline |
| Units affected | 1,522 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated driveshaft can cut drive power and increase crash risk. If the check engine light comes on, the AMG GT loses traction between the engine and transmission, or you hear grinding or other unusual noises, pull over when safe and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free carbon-fiber driveshaft inspection and replacement that addresses the driveshaft-separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V478 and Mercedes-Benz recall 2021090008 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over and call the dealer if you lose drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the carbon-fiber driveshaft and replaces it if the bonding to the flange does not meet the recall repair standard. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement notice covers owners who already paid to have this recall condition corrected. If you have prior repair paperwork, contact MBUSA customer service or ask the service desk how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 2, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V478?
Recall 21V478 covers 1,522 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT vehicles with carbon-fiber driveshaft bonding that can separate at the flange. A separated driveshaft can cause loss of drive power and raise crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific AMG GT is included in recall 21V478. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the driveshaft inspection. The dealer will replace the carbon-fiber driveshaft as necessary for free. Reference MBUSA recall number 2021090008 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz says dealers will inspect and replace the carbon-fiber driveshaft as necessary free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my AMG GT before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The stated risk is that a separated driveshaft can cause loss of drive power and raise crash risk. Check your VIN, then ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer for guidance if you notice vibration, unusual driveline noise, or loss of power.
When were owners notified about recall 21V478?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner letters on October 15, 2021. Used-vehicle owners and owners who moved after that date still need to check the VIN, because the year and model do not confirm recall status by themselves.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V478000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V478 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V478000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →