Recall 21V989 affects 1 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 vehicle for a contaminated power-steering supply connection. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling one 2020 Cla 250 because contamination from melted adhesive at the electric power steering power supply connection can cause power steering assist to fail while driving. A sudden loss of assist can increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The steering wiring harness on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 carries electrical power to the electric power steering system. That system uses an electric motor to add steering assist, so turning the wheel does not depend only on the driver's arm strength. The power supply connection has to stay tight and clean for the assist motor to work.
In the recalled vehicle, the power supply connection was exposed to melted adhesive during supplier production. That contamination can loosen the connection and interrupt power to the electric steering assist while the vehicle is moving. If the assist drops out, the steering wheel still turns, but it takes more force from the driver.
The warning signs are increased steering effort and a red power steering warning message on the display. If those appear, treat them as signs that the steering assist has already lost proper electrical power.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Power steering assist can cut out suddenly, which makes the wheel harder to turn and increases the risk of a crash. If steering effort rises or a red power steering warning appears, slow down, avoid sharp maneuvers, and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free power supply connection repair that protects electric power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V989 when you call.
- Use extra care until the repair is complete because power steering assist can fail suddenly while driving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the power supply connection for the electric power steering and repairs the connection if needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicle remains under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 27, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 21, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 15, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 15, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V989?
Recall 21V989 covers one 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 with a power supply connection to the electric power steering that was contaminated with melted adhesive. The connection can cause power steering assist to fail while driving. A Mercedes-Benz dealer will inspect and repair the connection for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V989. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the steering power supply connection inspection and repair. Reference recall 21V989 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2021120016 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect and repair the electric power steering power supply connection free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 before the repair?
The recall warns that a sudden loss of power steering assist can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer before routine driving and ask for service guidance. The dealer repair is free.
When were owners notified about recall 21V989?
Mercedes-Benz mailed the owner notification letter on January 21, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall 21V989.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V989000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V989 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V989000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 →