NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 has 8 recalls, the most serious involving a front body panel whose adhesive can deteriorate and allow it to detach while driving, and a pre-fuse box in the trunk where loose electrical connections can overheat and start a fire.
A door latch recall covers certain vehicles where a door that appears locked can still open unexpectedly. On the brake side, some vehicles were fitted with front brake components of incorrect dimensions, which can lead to mismatched replacement parts during future brake service and reduce stopping performance. Two recalls address the automatic emergency call system: one where the system may be disabled entirely and cannot reach emergency services, and one where it may send rescue responders to the wrong location after a crash. Note that some recalls only affect 4Matic models. The final two recalls describe the same issue with the lane-keeping steering assist: the hands-off detection can malfunction and allow the system to remain active even when the driver's hands are off the wheel for an extended period, reducing attentiveness to the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
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The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front brake components (discs, calipers, and pads) may have incorrect dimensions for your vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake system at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The system that detects whether your hands are on the steering wheel may fail, allowing the Active Steering Assist to stay on even when your hands are off the wheel for an extended time.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the steering control unit software at no cost to restore proper hand-detection operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering boot was installed incorrectly, which can cause the Active Steering Assist system to stay engaged even when your hands are not on the steering wheel for an extended time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and correct the steering boot installation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not be properly secured, which could cause them to shift or disconnect.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box in your trunk and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear passenger door on the driver's side may appear locked when it's actually unsecured, creating a potential safety issue.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the left rear door lock as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.