The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 has 10 recalls, the most serious being three separate electrical issues where wiring faults in the transmission harness or a loose 48-volt ground cable can cause a short circuit and raise the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Two recalls cover occupant restraint: the rear seatbelt automatic locking retractors can deactivate too early and fail to hold a child safety seat securely in a crash, and seatbelt pretensioners may not tighten properly on impact, reducing protection for occupants. Loose side impact sensor connectors can delay airbag and seatbelt activation during a side crash. On the driver assistance side, a fault in the heated steering wheel's hands-off detection can disable the DISTRONIC driver assistance system, including lane-keeping warnings and the automatic emergency stop feature that contacts first responders. The vehicle's emergency call system can also fail to connect to emergency services after a crash, which may delay response. A related issue can prevent the 48-volt battery from powering safety features such as hazard lights, automatic door locks, and the emergency call system. The rearview camera software can cause the display to show a black screen or reboot on startup, reducing rear visibility while backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wiring harness connection may not have been correctly wired during production or a prior recall repair, exposing the electrical connector to corrosion and potentially causing an electrical short-circuit.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 48-volt ground cable connection in the engine compartment may not be properly tightened, causing the cable to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the 48-volt ground cable connection and repair it as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured. During a crash, it could shift and disconnect, disabling safety features like emergency calling, power seats, hazard lights, and automatic door locks.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the 12-volt battery in the trunk to prevent movement during a crash.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission wiring harness may be routed incorrectly, exposing the electrical connector to corrosion and causing an electrical short-circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connector, reroute the harness, and install an additional bracket at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hand detection system in the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC may fail to sense when your hands leave the steering wheel due to a software error.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the hand detection control unit software at no cost to restore proper hand-off detection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side crash sensor connectors may loosen, potentially delaying airbag and seatbelt activation during a side impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the side impact crash sensors as needed, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from securing properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear seat belt assemblies as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to go black or restart after startup, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying properly.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the multimedia system software, or you can receive the update over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty electrical contact in the seat position switch may prevent driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from activating during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat position switches at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
