Recall 22V189 covers 8,396 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with heated steering wheels for a DISTRONIC hand-detection software error. Repair is free at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 8,396 2021-2022 vehicles, including the C 300, E 450, S 580, AMG GT53, and Eqs 580, because a software error can disable hands-off detection when Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is in use. Without that detection, key warnings and Active Emergency Stop Assist functions stop working, increasing crash or injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hand detection control unit software in these 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz vehicles reads signals from the heated leather steering wheel. Its job is to tell whether the driver's hands are on the wheel while Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is in use. That driver-assist system still depends on the driver staying ready to steer.
On affected vehicles, a supplier production deviation left the steering wheel hand-detection software below the current production specification. Because of that software error, the hands-off detection function does not reliably recognize that the driver's hands are away from the wheel. The assist system can keep operating without giving the driver the expected prompt to take control.
The driver will not receive a warning because of how this failure works. There is no warning sign before failure, so the issue is tied to the software status of the exact vehicle, not to a noise, light, or steering feel the owner can check.
Who's affected?
The same steering wheel hand-detection control unit software appears across the included model lines.
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG Eqs | steering wheel |
|---|---|
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 S | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Eqs 580 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Eqs 450 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 500 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz Cls 450 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 350 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S | steering wheel |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 | steering wheel |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 | steering wheel |
| Units affected | 8,396 |
| 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 your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
With hands-off detection deactivated, DISTRONIC features tied to driver attention do not work, including steering-grab warnings and Active Emergency Stop Assist calls to first responders. The driver will not receive a warning before this failure, so treat driver-assistance issues as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG Eqs, AMG GT63 S, AMG GT53, AMG GT43, AMG SL63, AMG SL55, Eqs 580, Eqs 450, S 500, AMG E53, E 450, C 300, Cls 450, S 580, AMG CLS53, E 350, or AMG E63S is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free hand-detection control unit software update that fixes the DISTRONIC hands-off detection and warning issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 22V189 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about recall number 22V189.
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel and stay ready to take over until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the hand detection control unit software for the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain under warranty and were not previously subject to this condition. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 25, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| May 9, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 20, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V189?
Recall 22V189 covers 8,396 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel and a hand detection control unit software error. The hands-off detection system fails to recognize when the driver's hands are away from the wheel while using Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Mercedes-Benz vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V189. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the hand detection control unit software update. Reference recall number 22V189 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022040010 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that deactivated hands-off detection stops DISTRONIC features from working, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and Active Emergency Stop Assist calls to first responders. That increases crash or injury risk. The dealer repair restores the affected software function.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer or MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V189000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V189 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V189000 |
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 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 →