Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2025: Detection of faulty wiring causing machines to stop driving

In December 2025, the Mercedes-Benz division initiated a recall campaign for a small batch of Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybryd sedans for the 2025 model year. The reason was the potential for sudden loss of traction.

The company's engineers suggest that in cars with a plug-in hybrid installation (PHEV), the SpeedShift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission harness is laid in violation of technology. The wiring can be rubbed against the front cardan shaft, and damage to the insulation of the wires leads to the termination of movement.

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Фото: Mercedes-Benz

The Stuttgart-based automaker attributes the defect to deviations in development and manufacturing processes that have led to insufficient gap between the harness and the driveshaft.

According to Autoevolution, work to solve the problem began in 2024 after three complaints from motorists from markets outside the United States. During the investigation, an additional quality check was introduced on the assembly line. In March 2025, Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBAG) initiated a campaign to check cars in its dealer network.

Mercedes-Benz AG did not record incidents in the United States, where the universal version of the model went on sale as a car of the 2026 model year. Dealers will check the harness gasket in affected sedans and fix the defect free of charge if necessary.

Notifications to owners and lessees will be sent by mail by February 9, 2026. Lists of identification numbers (VINs) of vehicles potentially affected are available on Mercedes USA's consumer website from December 19, 2025.

The recall E 53 Hybrid vehicles were assembled in Sindelfingen from February 8, 2024 to January 30, 2025, according to Autoevolution. The inline six-cylinder engine of this model, based on the unit from the E 450 4Matic, has been finalized by AMG engineers. It features an increased turbocharger and improved cooling.^[1]

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