Mercede -Benz Steering Recall Canada: Model Affected

If you own a 2023 or 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, or a 2023 through 2026 GLC Class, you might be one of thousands of Canadian drivers affected by a steering recall that landed in August 2025. The issue is a small bolt that wasn’t tightened properly during assembly — but the consequence if it fails is a sudden loss of steering control.

Recall number: 2025423 ·
Issue: Steering shaft bolt not properly tightened ·
Affected models: 2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan; 2023-2026 GLC Class ·
Date announced: August 18, 2025 ·
Issuing authority: Transport Canada ·
Remedy: Dealer inspection and bolt tightening

The recall centers on a single mechanical defect that requires a physical visit to a dealership. Here is a summary of the six key details confirmed by Transport Canada:

The implication: this is not a software fix — every affected vehicle must go to a shop for a mechanical repair.

What Mercedes models are being recalled?

Affected models: 2023-2024 EQE sedan and 2023-2026 GLC Class

• Transport Canada recall 2025423 specifically covers certain 2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedans and 2023–2026 GLC Class vehicles (Transport Canada, Canada’s vehicle safety regulator).
• An industry report from S&P Global Mobility estimated the Canadian recall involved 40,126 vehicles (S&P Global Mobility, automotive data analysis firm).
• Earlier steering recalls affected older models: a 2021 recall involved a different steering shaft issue (Canadian Auto Dealer, industry trade publication), and a 2010 recall targeted 2009–2010 vehicles over steering fluid loss (Transport Canada).

The pattern: Mercedes-Benz has had recurring steering-related defects across multiple model generations, making the VIN check especially important for owners of newer vehicles.

How to identify your vehicle’s model and year

Your VIN encodes the model year and platform. The 10th digit of the 17-character VIN indicates the model year (e.g., “P” for 2023, “R” for 2024, “S” for 2025, “T” for 2026). You can decode it on the Mercedes-Benz Canada recall page or via the recall and safety section of the Transport Canada database.

How do you know if your Mercedes has a recall?

Check using your 17-digit VIN

• Go to the official Mercedes-Benz Canada recall lookup page (tier 1 – official manufacturer portal) and enter your 17-digit VIN.
• Alternatively, use the Transport Canada recall database (federal government database) to search by VIN or model.
• Transport Canada says Mercedes-Benz will also notify owners by mail (Transport Canada).

What to do if your VIN shows an open recall

• Contact any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in Canada to schedule an inspection.
• The repair — inspection and, if needed, tightening or replacement of the lower steering shaft bolt — is free.
• If your vehicle already exhibits steering looseness or unusual play, do not drive it; call for roadside assistance.

The implication: a simple VIN check takes two minutes and could prevent a dangerous loss of steering control while driving.

Can I still drive my car if it has a recall?

Driving risks with steering shaft bolt issue

• For non-critical recalls, driving is generally allowed until a repair is scheduled.
• This recall carries a safety risk — a loose bolt could lead to partial or complete loss of steering — but Transport Canada has not issued a “stop drive” order for it (Transport Canada).
• If you experience any symptom like a loose steering feel, clunking, or vibration from the steering column, stop driving immediately.

What is a ‘stop drive’ recall and when does it apply?

• A stop-drive recall is the most urgent category — it means the defect is so severe that driving the vehicle poses an immediate and serious safety risk, and the owner is told not to drive until the repair is done (Transport Canada).
• This steering recall is not classified as stop-drive, but the risk is real: if the bolt fails completely, the driver loses steering control.

What this means: treat this recall seriously even without a stop-drive label. Drive only to the dealership for the repair if you have no symptoms.

What Is a “Stop Drive” Recall?

Definition and examples of stop-drive recalls

• A stop-drive recall requires the vehicle to remain parked until the defect is fixed, because the risk of crash is imminent (Transport Canada).
• Examples include Takata airbag inflators (explosive risk) and certain fuel system leaks (fire risk).

Why this steering recall is not a stop-drive

• Transport Canada did not classify recall 2025423 as a stop-drive, likely because the defect is a fastener that may not fail immediately and can be detected during inspection (Transport Canada).
• However, the potential consequence — loss of steering control at highway speeds — is as dangerous as many stop-drive defects.

The catch: the absence of a stop-drive label does not diminish the real-world risk. Canadian owners should prioritize this repair.

What is a vehicle recall and does it mean you get a new car?

Definition of a vehicle recall

• A recall is a manufacturer’s corrective action for a safety defect that fails to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (Transport Canada).
• Recalls are mandatory and free: the manufacturer pays for parts and labour.

What to expect: free repair, not a replacement

• In virtually all cases, the remedy is a free repair, not a new vehicle.
• Only in rare circumstances where the defect is irreversible (e.g., a structural flaw that cannot be fixed) might a buyback or replacement occur. This steering bolt issue is easily corrected with a simple bolt tightening.

The trade-off: you get a safe vehicle, but not a new one. The inconvenience of a dealer visit is far cheaper than a potential crash.

Step-by-step: What to do if your Mercedes has a recall

1. Check your VIN on the Mercedes-Benz Canada recall page or Transport Canada database.
2. Note the recall number — for the steering bolt issue it’s 2025423.
3. Look for a mailed notice from Mercedes-Benz; it contains instructions and a recommended dealership.
4. Schedule an appointment with any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in Canada. Mention recall 2025423.
5. Ask about a loaner car — many Mercedes-Benz dealers provide courtesy vehicles for recall repairs.
6. Drive only if the vehicle feels normal. If steering is loose, have it towed.
7. After repair, confirm the work was done by asking for the service record. The fix takes roughly one hour.
8. Monitor future recalls by registering with Transport Canada alerts.

Timeline: Mercedes-Benz steering recalls in Canada

• August 18, 2025 — Transport Canada issues recall 2025423 for steering shaft bolt on EQE and GLC Class (Transport Canada).
• April 2021 — Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles for a steering shaft concern (different defect) (Canadian Auto Dealer, industry trade publication).
• October 2010 — Recall for steering fluid loss affecting 2009–2010 models (Transport Canada).

The pattern: Mercedes-Benz has issued three steering-related recalls in 15 years, each targeting different defects and model ranges.

What’s clear and what’s still unknown

Confirmed facts

• Recall 2025423 exists for steering shaft bolt.
• Affected models: 2023-2024 EQE sedan and 2023-2026 GLC Class.
• Issue: bolt not properly tightened.
• Remedy: dealer inspection and bolt tightening.
• No stop-drive order.

What’s unclear

• Exact number of vehicles affected in Canada.
• Whether all owners have been notified by mail.
• If any accidents or injuries have been linked to this defect.

The implication: the gaps in available data mean owners should not wait for a mailed notice — proactive VIN checking is the safest approach.

Expert perspectives on the recall

“On certain vehicles, the bolt used to attach the lower steering shaft to the steering gear may not have been tightened properly.”

— Transport Canada, Canada’s vehicle safety regulator, in recall notice 2025423

“Simply enter your 17-digit VIN to see the most complete and up-to-date information on current or previous recalls.”

— Mercedes-Benz Canada, official manufacturer recall portal

For Canadian Mercedes owners, the decision is clear: check your VIN today and schedule an inspection, or risk driving with a potential steering defect that could fail without warning.

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For a detailed list of affected models and repair instructions, refer to the official Mercedes-Benz steering recall in Canada notice from Transport Canada.

Frequently asked questions