Mercedes-Benz Recalls Thousands of GLC and EQE Models Over Steering Safety Concern

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is initiating a recall affecting over 3,700 of its 2023-2026 GLC and 2023-2025 EQE models due to a potential issue with the steering coupling bolt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a manufacturing deviation may have resulted in this critical bolt not being torqued to the correct specifications. This could lead to the connection between the steering coupling and the steering rack loosening over time, potentially causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect impacts a significant number of vehicles across various configurations of the GLC and EQE model lines. Specifically, the recall includes 57 units of the 2024-2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4MATIC COUPE, 77 units of the 2024-2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, and 369 units of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E 4MATIC. Additionally, 371 units of the 2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE are involved, along with 1,686 units of the 2023-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC and 677 units of the 2023-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. Electric and hybrid models are also affected, with 22 units of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S E COUPE, 11 units of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S E, 28 units of the 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE 53 4MATIC, 90 units of the 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC, 171 units of the 2023-2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350, and 190 units of the 2023-2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC included in this safety campaign. The production dates for these vehicles range from May 11, 2022, to July 1, 2025, with the recall population determined through production records.

The issue stems from a potential oversight in the assembly process where the bolt securing the steering coupling may not have received the proper torque. This concern was identified in mid-July 2025 following an internal report of steering system noise. Subsequent investigations by the manufacturer revealed a possibility for employees to inadvertently miss the steering coupling bolt torquing step during production. While only one warranty claim related to this issue has been reported in the USA as of August 26, 2024, Mercedes-Benz AG determined that a safety risk could not be entirely excluded and thus decided to proceed with a recall.

As a precautionary measure, owners of affected vehicles are advised not to drive them and to park them outdoors. The remedy for this recall will involve an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer inspecting and reworking the bolt connection of the steering coupling on the affected vehicles. This repair aims to ensure the steering coupling is correctly secured, addressing the potential safety hazard. Production procedures have been updated as of July 24, 2025, to prevent this issue from recurring in future manufactured vehicles. Dealers will be notified of the recall campaign on August 22, 2025, and owners are expected to be notified before October 17, 2025. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable beginning August 22, 2025, allowing owners to determine if their specific vehicle is part of the recall. Mercedes-Benz USA stated that they do not anticipate reimbursing owners for prior repairs related to this issue, as all involved vehicles are expected to be covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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