Vehicle recall R/2009/011

Mercedes-Benz S-Class recall: Steering could be impaired

DVSA recall R/2009/011 names the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It was launched 6 March 2009. DVSA does not record the build dates for this recall.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2009/011
Launched: 6 March 2009
Issued by: MERCEDES BENZ UK LIMITED
Vehicles: 209 across the lines below

What can go wrong

It has been established that the service life of the ABC (Active Body Control) suspension lower ball joint on the front suspension struts does not meet Mercedes-Benz strict quality requirements. In cases of extreme loads the joint could fail which could possibly result in the vehicle losing directional control. Reports of this issue have only occur on very high mileages vehicle which have had been subject to use in rough conditions.

The fix

Recall all affected vehicles to check the ball joint on the front suspension struts and replace the ball joints where necessary.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz S-Class	not recorded	209

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2008/152 Driving stability may be affected 17 November 2008, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz SL
R/2008/149 Engine could lose power. 17 November 2008, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz CLS and others
R/2008/148 Front lights / indicators and console lights may fail. 10 November 2008, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
R/2008/020 Potential leak of brake line 30 November 2007, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
R/2010/205 Fuel may leak 7 January 2011, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and others
R/2006/141 Instrument cluster may not illuminate. 11 December 2006, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources