What’s Behind the Latest Recalls from Mercedes and Aston Martin?
If you’ve recently bought a Mercedes or Aston Martin, you might have heard some buzz about recalls. Here’s what’s really going on—and why it matters for your safety and peace of mind.
Which Mercedes Models Are Affected, and What’s the Real Risk?
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3,749 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2026, including the GLC, GLC Coupe, and EQE lines. This isn’t just about the top-tier AMG models; even the entry-level GLC 300 is on the list. The heart of the issue? A bolt in the steering coupling may not have been tightened to factory specs. Over time, that can cause the connection between your steering wheel and the wheels themselves to loosen—yikes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a loose steering coupling can result in a sudden loss of steering control. That’s not just inconvenient; it’s a serious safety hazard. The good news: so far, only one warranty claim has been linked to this issue, and no injuries have been reported.
How Did Mercedes Discover the Problem?
Back in July, a driver reported an odd noise coming from the steering system. Mercedes dug in and found the culprit—a bolt that hadn’t been properly torqued. Turns out, there was a gap in the production process, meaning some vehicles simply missed this crucial step. It’s a reminder that even in high-tech factories, human error can slip through the cracks.
What Happens Next for Mercedes Owners?
If your car is affected, you’ll get a notification starting October 17. The fix is refreshingly simple: a technician at your local dealership will tighten the bolt to spec. No need for parts replacements or lengthy repairs. It’s a quick visit that could make all the difference in how your car handles in an emergency.
Aston Martin’s Vanquish Recall: What’s Going On with the Brakes?
Aston Martin is also in the spotlight, recalling 178 Vanquish models from the 2025 model year. The issue here is a bit more technical—a software glitch that can cause the vacuum pump to stop generating the vacuum needed for the brake booster. Translation: you could lose power brake assist, making it much harder to stop the car quickly.
This problem came to light after an incident in the Netherlands, followed by two more reports. All were traced back to a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that, when triggered, disables the vacuum pump. The code itself wasn’t supposed to be there—it was carried over from another manufacturer’s software by mistake.
How Will Aston Martin Fix the Brake Issue?
Owners will need to bring their Vanquish to a dealership for a software update. Unfortunately, this isn’t an over-the-air fix, so you’ll have to set aside up to three hours for the update. The main task is to remove the unnecessary DTC, but technicians may also install additional updates as needed. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s essential for restoring full brake performance.
Why Do These Recalls Matter—Even If You Haven’t Noticed a Problem?
It’s easy to shrug off recall notices, especially if your car seems fine. But both of these issues—loose steering bolts and compromised brake assist—can turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation with little warning. The National Safety Council reports that in 2023, nearly 32% of all vehicle recalls were related to critical safety systems like steering and brakes. Ignoring a recall isn’t just risky for you; it can put everyone on the road in harm’s way.
What Should Owners Do Right Now?
If you own one of the affected Mercedes or Aston Martin models, check your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or your automaker’s portal. Even if you haven’t received a letter yet, you can get ahead of the game by scheduling a service appointment. Dealerships will handle the fix at no cost to you.
The big takeaway? Car safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.