Recall 21V843 affects 8,669 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 vehicles for sudden engine stall from ECU software. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,669 2021 S 580 vehicles because an engine control unit software error can stall the engine and prevent the vehicle from restarting. An engine stall can increase crash risk, and the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The engine control unit on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 is the computer that manages engine operation and communicates with the immobilizer, the anti-theft system that confirms the vehicle is allowed to run. After the engine starts, immobilizer data is supposed to be written into the engine control unit so the vehicle keeps operating normally.
On affected vehicles, a software error in the engine control unit interferes with that write process. The control unit has trouble accessing its internal storage, so the immobilizer data is not saved as intended after start-up. When that happens, the engine can stall suddenly, and the vehicle cannot be restarted.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver does not receive a message or warning light before the stall, so the issue can appear only when the engine shuts off and will not restart.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 | Software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8,669 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash, and the driver does not get a warning before the failure. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update soon. If the engine shuts off while driving, move out of traffic when safe and contact the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free engine control unit software update that fixes the sudden-stall and no-restart risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V843 when you call.
- Limit driving until the software update is complete, since the engine can stall without restart.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the engine control unit software covered by the recall. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain covered. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 29, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 28, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 28, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 28, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V843?
Recall 21V843 covers 8,669 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 vehicles with an engine control unit software error. The error can cause a sudden engine stall and prevent the vehicle from restarting, increasing crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the engine control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V843. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the engine control unit software update. Reference recall 21V843 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the engine control unit software free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 21V843.
Is it safe to drive my Mercedes-Benz S 580 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is still real: an engine stall can increase crash risk, and the vehicle can fail to restart after the stall. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V843?
Mercedes-Benz mailed owner notification letters on January 28, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 21V843.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V843000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V843 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V843000 |
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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →