Mercedes-Benz Amg E53 Recalls

The Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 has 25 recalls covering the 2019–2023 model years, with the most serious being a transmission wiring harness defect on 2019–2023 models where an incorrectly wired or misrouted connector can corrode or short-circuit and start a fire.

Two additional fire-related wiring issues affect overlapping years. On 2021–2023 models, a 48-volt ground cable in the engine compartment can overheat if its connection was not properly tightened, also raising fire risk. The fuel pump on 2022–2023 models can shut down without warning, cutting drive power while the vehicle is moving. The same fuel pump shutdown risk applies to 2021–2023 models under a separate filing covering a broader range of production.

Occupant protection recalls are concentrated in the 2019–2021 range. On 2019–2021 models, the front passenger seat may be missing a mechanical stop that prevents it from moving too close to the airbag, which can worsen injury in a frontal crash. The 2020–2021 models have a related issue where the passenger seat position limiter can allow the same unsafe proximity to the airbag. The 2021 model year has several additional safety system concerns: loose side crash sensor connectors can delay airbag and seatbelt activation in a side impact, seatbelt pretensioners and the pre-safe system may not deploy in a crash, and rear seat belt retractors can deactivate early and prevent a child safety seat from securing properly. On 2021 Cabriolet models specifically, rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted and can move or detach in a crash. The 2019 model year has its own cluster of restraint issues: seatbelt tensioners may not activate in a crash, the driver airbag and its software may be the wrong version for the vehicle, and the automatic emergency braking system may not apply partial or full braking as expected.

The 2021–2022 models with a heated leather steering wheel have a software fault that disables the hands-off detection feature, preventing the driver assistance system from issuing steering wheel grab warnings or triggering the automatic emergency stop function. On 2023 models, a software error can silence the exit warning system's audio and visual alerts about approaching vehicles when a door is opened.

Several recalls affect the backup camera and emergency communication systems across 2019–2021 production. The rearview camera can fail to display an image or show a black screen on 2019–2021 models due to software faults in the multimedia system. The emergency call system, which contacts first responders automatically after a crash, can be disabled or report an inaccurate vehicle location on 2019–2021 models, potentially delaying emergency response. The 2019–2022 models also have a 48-volt battery issue that can disable safety features including the emergency call system, hazard lights, power seats, and automatic door locks.