28-04-2025
Warning Light Flaw Prompts Mercedes-Benz Recall of 6,247 Cars
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Three models of newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles were recently recalled in the United States due to possible warning light malfunctions impacting an estimated 6,247 vehicles, according to an April 17 notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Newsweek reached out to Mercedes-Benz for comment.
Why It Matters
NHTSA says the recall follows concerns regarding the vehicles' electronic stability programs (ESP) potentially displaying incorrect warning lights during ESP system failure.
The issue, which could affect thousands of drivers plus their vehicle occupants, may not pose an immediate hazard. However, experts warn that the light continuously remaining on could indicate that stability and control could be compromised—notably on slick or slippery roads and during certain conditions.
An incorrectly displayed warning light may also fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash.
What To Know
Mercedes-Benz recalled certain 2025 G 550, G 580, and AMG G 63 vehicles—all of which are 2025 models—for failing to comply with requirements set by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
All 6,247 vehicles were manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida, according to records. Of that total, 3,070 vehicles are G 550 models; 1,507 are G 580; and 1,670 are Mercedes AMG G 63. All models were produced between December 14, 2023, and January 28, 2025.
Records indicate that the issue was first raised by an automotive supplier in October 2024. An internal analysis followed to assess the potential implications, going hand-in-hand with updated software developed and introduced into production in December 2024.
Analysis was ongoing until last month, which included testing of specific fault cases where warning lights remained displayed. That was synonymous with an internal effort by Mercedes to rework vehicles still in their possession.
On April 11, at Mercedes' discretion, they decided to conduct a recall to fix the faulty ESP control unit software.
Stock image. The car pictured in this image, a Mercedes-Benz C350 4matic AMG luxury sedan, is not part of the recall.
Stock image. The car pictured in this image, a Mercedes-Benz C350 4matic AMG luxury sedan, is not part of the recall.
Getty Images
What People Are Saying
The NHTSA recall report reads: "In the event of an independent hardware failure of the ESP system, certain functions of the system (e.g. ESP, ABS, recuperation) would be deactivated. The driver would be made aware of the issue via warning telltales in the instrument cluster, however, the displayed warning telltales might not accurately represent the deactivated function."
It added: "Furthermore, in the event of a deactivated recuperation system, the respective malfunction indicator lamp might not be activated as to incorrect warning telltales in the instrument cluster, an increased risk of a crash cannot be ruled out."
What Happens Next?
Individuals with any of the models being recalled are instructed to take their vehicles to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, which will update the ESP control unit software on the affected vehicles free of charge.
Vehicle makes and models not mentioned have the correct software and should not be concerned. Owners can check on their models by visiting and entering their vehicle's 17-character VIN.
Mercedes-Benz says that a change in the production procedure of their supplier ensures that the issue would no longer occur from January 29, 2025, and onward.
