RoadVitals

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1
Latest Jun 15, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Mar 26, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, most frequently naming the body & structure category. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 185 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure1100.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEATS; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Mar 26, 2021
109 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 E350, E450, E450 Wagon, E63S AMG, 2020 E63S AMG Wagon, and 2020-2021 E53 AMG vehicles. The passenger seat limiter may allow the seat to be positioned too close to the air bag.
The risk: A seat too close to the air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the frontal passenger air bag.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the passenger seat limiter, free of charge. The recall began April 29, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040002.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2021040002View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mar 26, 2021
493 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 E63S AMG, E63S AMG Wagon, 2019-2021 AMG GT63 4-door, and AMG GT63S 4-door vehicles. The starter motor positive cable may not have been installed correctly, potentially allowing the power supply harness wires to chafe.
The risk: Damaged wires may cause a short circuit and result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, a short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, correct the screw connections and position of the positive cable, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040013.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2021040013View on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Jun 5, 2020
1,352 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 E450, AMG E63S, GLC300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63, AMG GT53, and AMG GT63 vehicles equipped with rear seatbacks that can be electrically unlatched. The left-rear seatback latch may not be strong enough to withstand certain loads. If cargo were to strike the left-rear seatback, the latch may fail.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the left-rear seatback latch fails, it can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left-rear seatback latch, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070004.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2020070004View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Jun 15, 2023

I was operating my car on a 4-lane highway early in the morning, conditions were sunny and weather was approximately 50 degrees. Without warning the panoramic sunroof on my E63S exploded with a loud pop and showered the interior of my car with glass. This was sudden and unprovoked by any outside object or force. Mercedes Benz USA has denied any responsibility via both dealership and choosing to be non-responsive to my MBUSA incident claim on the matter. In searching, this seems to be a common problem.

NHTSA ID
11527288
Incident
May 24, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

EW - DMTL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •Under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (‘MIL’).

LI20.10-P-072886

ENGINE

Complaint Check Engine Light ON with DTC P012800 "The Coolant Temperature is Below the Specified Temperature" active and/or stored in the ME (N3/10). There are no drivability concerns related to this complaint. Cause Root cause varies Remedy Prior to performing any repairs for this complaint: With a cold engine, pressurize the high temp coolant circuit and while it's under pressure, release the cap on the low temp coolant circuit and check if the pressure drops right away or not. If the pressure drops, the lower coolant hoses are swapped. Correct this, fill, bleed and test drive the vehicle. If the complaint returns, then continue with the steps below. IMPORTANT: Use VMI to check for the following emission extended warranty –> Engine Thermostat (incl. software update) MY19-23, Various Models and Platforms (167, 190, 205, 213, 217, 222, 223, 232, 253, 290, 463) If the vehicle is covered under the above emission extended warranty, please perform steps outlined in the accompanying NCU prior to those outlined in this document. If vehicle is not covered under the above emission extended warranty or the complaint continues to occur, then proceed as follows: Check for available software updates to the ME (N3/10). If updated software is available, perform the update, clear the DTC and the perform each of the "WARM START" and "COLD START" test drives listed below twice. If the code does not re-appear then release the vehicle. If there is no new software available OR the DTC returns after the test drives then perform the following steps: • Drain the coolant through a fine mesh sieve and check for signs of debris. Additionally, inspect the coolant reservoir for debris. If any debris is found take pictures of the reservoir and the mesh filter and "flush" the system at least 2-3 times to clear as much of the debris as possible • Replace the thermostat and bleed the system as outlined in AR20.00-P-1142-04A, evacuate the system for 20-30 minutes instead of the 5 minutes specified in step 22 • NOTE: Please use all the tools specified in the AR document. The DTC will continue to populate if the circuit is not properly bled • NOTE: There are two valid thermostats to choose from in the parts section of this LI. Please verify which PN is applicable for the vehicle being worked on via XENTRY Parts Information • After bleeding the system clear the DTC and perform each of the "WARM START" and "COLD START" test drives listed below twice. If the DTC does not reappear after the tests, release the vehicle If the ME (N3/10) software is up to date, the thermostat has already been replaced, and the complaint persists open a TIPS case and attach the following documents: • Initial quick test • ME (N3/10) control unit log • The results of an R48 test from a “yes” response and from a “no” response • Pictures of the coolant reservoir and mesh sieve (mentioned above) WARM START · Begin with the engine coolant temperature at approximately 50 degrees C · Activate the AC system, if defrost is not in use open the windows · Drive the car normally until a coolant temperature of 75 degrees C is achieved · Depress the accelerator pedal 50% for ~5 seconds (partial acceleration) · Let off the accelerator pedal and let the car coast for ~10 seconds · Continue to drive the car normally COLD START · Drive for ~7 miles (normal driving) · Shut off the engine in a parking lot (or similar), wait 30 seconds, then restart and continue driving · Depress the accelerator pedal 50% for ~5 seconds (partial acceleration) · Let off the accelerator pedal and let the car coast for ~10 seconds · Continue to drive the car normally

LI46.10-P-078012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING

Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes: Hand detection mat, hand detection control unit, contacts, and electrical feed line. Remedy In the event of a customer complaint and fault code in IDC control unit: U186B29 in IDC223 or fault code U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1 in IDC213 or fault code in HOSWD control unit: B1E7614 Check: Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. Please flash the new SW and perform the SCN coding for the HOSWD control unit (N179/1) (available from July 2026). The software can be flashed onto all HOSWD213 with HW number A0009011522 and all HOSWD223 with HW number A0009011422. Please also flash the SW for the IDC control unit (N62/4), if possible (only applies to HOSWD223). Erase fault memory Remedy: Turn on the ignition or start the engine without touching the steering wheel. If, after 10 seconds without touching the steering wheel, one of the three fault messages appears on the instrument cluster: Check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, crimp connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage -> replace the steering wheel rim. If a yellow message does not appear on the instrument cluster within 10 seconds: Grasp the steering wheel fully with both hands, including the chrome molding at the 6 o'clock position (see picture 1). If the fault is triggered by grasping the steering wheel rim or pressing the clip at the 6 o'clock position, check the contacts and feed lines in the steering wheel by means of a visual inspection for damage, kinked connections, loose connections, etc. (example in picture 2 and 3). Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). If there is visible damage -> replace the steering wheel electronics or the feed lines. If there is not any visible damage: Replace the steering wheel rim. Please do not replace the HOSWD control unit. A TIPS case should be created if fault profile is unclear. In the event of a customer complaint and a further fault code in HOSWD: B1E7713: Check the ground connections (screw connections and cables to the steering wheel rim); if necessary, retighten the screws/bolts and check for corrosion (picture 4). B1F1F04: Check the control unit of the hand detection system; if necessary, replace this with the control unit from a donor vehicle (make sure that the hardware part numbers are identical).

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19

ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.

LI00.20-P-080703

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the instrument cluster control unit (N133/1) and powertrain control unit (N127) logs are required before confirming the service or correction using XENTRY Diagnosis. Please open a TIPS case to BCE inbox with the requested information in the attachments.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023020
2022000
2021040
2020Viewing130
2019260
2018360
2015211
2014111
2013011

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.