Mercedes-Benz Recall 16V-899: Steering – electric power assist system

Affected: 2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz E350, 2015–2016 Mercedes-Benz E400, 2014–2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 and 3 more. Filed with NHTSA on December 14, 2016, covering about 70 vehicles.

The problem

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.

The risk

If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

The fix

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign16V-899 (16V899000)
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
ComponentSteering › Electric power assist system
Report dateDecember 14, 2016
Owners notifiedOctober 13, 2017
Vehicles affected70
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the steering

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 16V-899 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 70 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.