Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 8,396 of the following vehicles: Model year 2022 AMG GT 43s, AMG GT53s, S500s, AMG EQSs, EQS450s, EQS580s, AMG GT63 Ss, C300s, CLS450s, AMG SL63s, AMG SL55s;

Model year 2021 AMG CLS53s, AMG E63 Wagon Ss, AMG E63 Ss; and Model year 2021-2022 AMG E53s, E350s, E450 Cabriolets, E450 Coupes, E450 Wagons, E450s, AMG E53 Cabriolets, AMG E53 Coupes, S580s, and Maybach S580s with a heated leather steering wheel.

The automobile manufacturer stated due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver’s hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist Distronic system.

The company also said that deactivated hands-off detection would prevent Distronic system features from functioning, including issuing warnings to grab the steering wheel, engagement of the Active Emergency Stop Assist feature, or the ability to call first responders in the event of an emergency.

All of these errors can increase the risk of a crash or injury, said MBUSA.

In regard to what to do in rectifying the error, the company stated that dealers would update the hand detection control unit software for the Distronic system free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2022.

Affected vehicle owners may contact MBUSA Customer Service on (800) 367-6372.