Some Volvo and Mercedes models may have steering problem (week 4/23)


This week’s recalls:
– Mercedes, Volvo – steering
– Toyota EV – battery
– Volkswagen – tyres, seat belts
– Smart – rear axle


Five recalls for six models of four carmakers were announced via Rapex in the 4th week of 2023.

Volkswagen has announced two recalls, while Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Toyota have one each – see the table at the end of the article.



187 Mercedes GLE and GLS models manufactured between 19 July 2021 and 3 August 2022 may have a steering defect. Insufficient fastening of the bolts can cause the steering coupling to come loose from the steering spindle. This would affect the vehicle’s steering capacity, and there is a risk of an accident. Roughly the same extent is a similar recall by Volvo, which we reported on two weeks ago.

Much more extensive is the new Volvo recall, which is not yet in the Rapex system but is reported in a new section of our website, where we are now also monitoring recalls issued by the German Motor Vehicle Authority (KBA). More than 100,000 cars of various model series are being recalled for possible brake booster failure.



Nearly two hundred Volkswagen ID.BUZZs may have defective tyres, and several Volkswagen ID.4s may have a problem with seat belts. The rear axle of the Smarts EQ ForTwo may be badly bolted, and the Toyota ProAce City EV may have faulty software in the traction battery controller.

Details on this week’s recalls can be found in the table below.

From 2023 onwards, we will also monitor the recalls announced by the German Motor Vehicle Authority (KBA). We write about them in the following articles:



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Recalls announced in the 4th week of 2023

Make, Model (years) Problem
Mercedes-Benz GLE (2021 – 2022)Insufficient fastening of the bolts can cause the steering coupling to come loose from the steering spindle.
Mercedes-Benz GLS (2021 – 2022)Insufficient fastening of the bolts can cause the steering coupling to come loose from the steering spindle.
Smart EQ ForTwo (2022)The screw between the rear axle and the body can come loose.
Toyota ProAce City EV (2022)Due to faulty software in the traction battery control unit, false detection of cell voltage may occur.
Volkswagen ID.4 (2022)The bolt connection of the seat belt retractor was improperly tightened.
Volkswagen ID.BUZZ (2022)Due to improper manufacturing of individual tyres, they can suddenly lose air.

Where now?

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What the owner should do?

If you read about a recall that you think may affect your car, you should make immediate contact with a dealer or workshop that’s been officially authorised to perform repairs on behalf of the manufacturer and ask for the details.

If you wish to know more about eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accidents damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), then we suggest going to HPI-Check.

Check the vehicle's history


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