NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture, causing brake fluid to leak and reducing braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no cost to you.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500 has 7 recalls, the most serious involving a loose electrical connector in the steering column that can disable the stability control system, the driver's airbag, and the ability to shift gears.
A separate brake concern involves front brake hoses that can rupture and leak fluid, extending stopping distances. On the airbag side, a software error in the airbag control unit can deactivate the passenger seat sensor and turn off the front passenger airbag in a crash. The emergency call system has a related software problem that can prevent the car from automatically contacting emergency services or transmitting the vehicle's location after a collision. Two recalls address rear visibility: a software fault can disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights, and a separate error in the multimedia system can cause the rearview camera display to go blank when backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture, causing brake fluid to leak and reducing braking ability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no cost to you.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The emergency call system may not automatically place calls or allow manual calls to be placed. The system also may fail to transmit the vehicle's location.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the communication module software at no cost to restore emergency call functionality and location transmission.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the MBUX multimedia system prevents the rearview camera image from displaying on the screen.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the MBUX multimedia system software at no charge to restore rearview camera display.
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 electrical connector to the steering column module may not be properly secured, which can disable gear shifting and safety features like electronic stability control, the driver's airbag, and turn signals.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the electrical connector cover as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rear signal software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit software may stop working properly and disable the front passenger air bag recognition system, leaving the passenger air bag inactive.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control unit software at no cost to fix the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.