Safety recallPrompt inspection

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS · Steering & suspension

Steering control may be reduced

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.

Vehicles covered
2022
Evidence level
Official safety recall
Information reviewed
August 3, 2026
Jurisdiction
United States

What the reviewed source says

Start with the documented condition, not a parts guess.

NHTSA campaign 22V189000 includes certain 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS vehicles. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. 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. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Words owners may use

Does this match the moment?

“steering suddenly feels heavy”“power steering stopped working”“wheel is hard to turn”“steering warning light”“car pulls while steering”“loss of steering assist”

Symptoms in the pattern

  • Steering effort, response or control may change, sometimes with a warning message
  • An open campaign appears when the complete VIN is checked
  • Some recalled vehicles may show no advance warning before the component fails

Vehicles and scope

  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
  • NHTSA campaign 22V189000
  • The manufacturer filing lists 8,396 potentially affected units across the complete campaign.
  • VIN eligibility determines whether this recall applies to an individual vehicle

Manufacturer position

What the official procedure directs

Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mileage context

Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

Original evidence

Open the documents behind this page.

Repair paths and safe checks

Separate the diagnosis from the action.

Official repair pathAuthorised dealer · Confirm with VIN

Use the official recall remedy

Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Boundary

Do not buy parts from the campaign description alone. VIN scope, superseded remedies and parts availability can change.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

Loading…

Loading owner reports…

Safe owner checkBasic check · 5 minutes

Check the complete VIN before arranging work

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the manufacturer or an authorised dealer to confirm whether the campaign is open for this vehicle.

Boundary

A year, make and model match does not prove that every vehicle is included. The VIN result controls eligibility.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

Loading…

Loading owner reports…