2027 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet

I purchased this Mercedes AMG CLE 53 on October 8, 2026. Five days later, I was driving in a parking lot of a shopping center going about 15-20 mph when suddenly, for no reason at all, the car jammed on its brakes and came to a complete stop almost immediately. The force of the seat belt holding me in place as it occurred hurt me for hours afterwards. The "Active Brake Assist" as it's known on this vehicle obviously interpreted that there was something I was going to crash into, but there was absolutely nothing there at all in front of me. It did occur as I was driving into a shadow from a nearby building, so perhaps it thought the shadow was another vehicle. This is a serious safety concern for several reasons. Had there been someone driving behind me, this "phantom braking" episode could have had someone crash into me from behind. Additionally, the force of the seat belt across my chest as the car came to the abrupt stop could certainly do damage to a driver or passengers in the car. I called the dealership I purchased the car from, and they said there are no known issues with the emergency braking system, but I did look online and I found several Mercedes owners complaining of the same issue. I truly believe this Mercedes emergency braking issue needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ID

11771359

Incident

Oct 13, 2026

Issue Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is launching an OTA update to the subject vehicles to provide an enhanced user experience. This OTA update includes enhancements to the MBUX voice assistant. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

Complaint Wheezing noises/squeaking noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and rough road. Noise MUST match those heard in the attached videos. Cause • Wheezing noises: Flow noises of the damper oil • Squeaking noises: From the mechanical rubber valve in the dividing piston Remedy In case of complaints, the front shock absorbers must be replaced. If shocks have been replaced and noise persists, please open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, Entertainment inbox.

Complaint Cracking noises on load change from rear axle (can be heard from wheel side). See attached reference video Cause Micro‑movement between the rear half‑shaft (axle shaft) and wheel bearing mounting surface. Remedy To verify, a test drive and thorough NVH diagnosis must be performed in order to verify the root cause of the noise. If the axle shafts have been identified as the source of the noise, perform the following steps: 1. Verify that rear axle side shaft part number A 214 350 44 06 are currently installed on both sides. ‑ If an earlier part number is installed, replace the affected side shaft(s) with A 214 350 44 06. (Before installation, proceed with remaining steps) 2. Clean the contact surfaces of the side shafts and wheel bearings (remove any existing Molykote coating and wear debris). 3. Install one anti‑knock washer per side (A000 990 86 62) 4. Reinstall both side shafts 5. Perform road test and verify noise is no longer present Note: Application of Molykote coating is no longer required.

Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. The update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. During this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, and the new software will be active with the next ignition cycle. Remedy MBUSA will conduct an OTA service campaign. Remote software updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the customer’s vehicle free of charge and do not require a dealer visit.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.