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Mercedes-Benz Steering Recalls Cover Loose Connections and Lost Assist
⚠ 1 of these recalls carries a do-not-drive advisory.
Sprinter vans dominate these Mercedes-Benz steering notices, particularly 2019 models. Repeated mechanical concerns include steering connections that can loosen or disconnect, bearing screws that can detach, and hydraulic return hoses that can detach and leak. The hose notices cover certain 2015-2020 Sprinters in October 2020 and certain 2019-2020 Sprinters in April 2021. A separate 2019 Sprinter recall concerns a missing steering column cover. Other notices address an internal steering sensor in 2018-2019 Metris vehicles, hands-off detection software in specified 2021-2022 passenger vehicles with heated leather steering wheels, and steering coupling bolts in certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles.
Warning signs to watch for
- Difficulty steering: February 2020 Sprinter steering bearing screw recall.
- Unexpected loss of power steering assist: June 2019 Metris steering unit recall.
- Sudden loss of power steering assist: October 2020 and April 2021 Sprinter return hose recalls.
- Sudden loss of steering control, potentially without warning: January 2019 Sprinter steering shaft recall.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
One notice gives a stop-driving instruction: the January 31, 2019 Sprinter steering shaft recall tells owners to stop driving immediately. The notices do not tell owners to stop driving for the Metris steering unit, Sprinter bearing screws, Sprinter column cover, October 2020 Sprinter return hoses, April 2021 Sprinter return hoses, DISTRONIC hands-off detection software, or EQE/GLC steering coupling bolt recalls. None of the listed steering notices gives owners a park-outside instruction. The immediate stop-driving direction belongs specifically to the January 2019 shaft recall.
What the free repair involves
Free remedies vary: Sprinter shaft bolts are inspected and tightened or adjusted; bearing screws and uncovered columns are replaced. Metris steering units are replaced. October 2020 hose connections are checked and corrected as needed; April 2021 hoses receive screw-type clamps. Dealers update DISTRONIC hand detection software and tighten EQE/GLC coupling bolts as necessary.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 7 |
Models affected most
Where owners report steering problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under steering for the Mercedes-Benz models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | 3 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 | 3 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris | 3 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2025 | Mercedes EQE and GLC steering coupling bolt may loosen | high |
| Mar 25, 2022 | Mercedes-Benz AMG Steering Wheel Hands-Off Detection Fails | high |
| Apr 6, 2021 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Steering Hoses May Leak Fluid | high |
| Oct 28, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner Sprinter Power Steering Hoses May Leak | high |
| Feb 25, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Steering Bearing Screws May Loosen | high |
| Feb 25, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Missing Steering Column Cover | high |
| Jun 25, 2019 | Mercedes-Benz Metris May Lose Power Steering | high |
| Jan 31, 2019 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Steering Shaft Can Disconnect · do not drive | critical |
Common questions
Which Mercedes-Benz steering recall tells owners to stop driving?
The January 31, 2019 recall for certain 2019 Sprinter VS30 vehicles explicitly tells owners to stop driving immediately. The steering shaft may disconnect without warning. Dealers inspect the shaft-to-gear bolts and tighten or adjust them as necessary, free of charge.
Do both Sprinter power steering hose recalls use the same repair?
The October 28, 2020 notice specifies checking return line connections and correcting them as needed. The April 6, 2021 notice specifies installing a screw-type clamp. Both remedies are free, but each notice assigns its own repair.
What does the heated steering wheel recall affect?
The March 25, 2022 notice concerns hands-off detection while using Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC on specified 2021-2022 vehicles with heated leather steering wheels. The software error can prevent steering-wheel warnings and emergency calling functions. Dealers update the control unit software free.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.