Vehicle recall R/2016/235

Mercedes-Benz S-Class recall: Automatic transmission may malfunction

DVSA recall R/2016/235 names the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It was launched 31 October 2016. It covers vehicles built 1 April 2014 to 30 April 2016.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2016/235
Launched: 31 October 2016
Issued by: MERCEDES BENZ UK LIMITED
Manufacturer reference: SRPC1623
Vehicles: 723 across the lines below

What can go wrong

It has been identified on certain 6 cylinder diesel engine/9 speed automatic transmission vehicles the starter/alternator/transmission wiring harness may be too close to the exhaust system. If it is then there is a risk that the wiring harness may suffer heat damage which can result in the transmission inadvertently selecting neutral whilst driving the Auto P function or the manual P function in the transmission not being available. The manually operated parking brake will still function.

The fix

Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required reroute or replace the wiring harness. The type of action is dependant on the amount of damage present.

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	1 April 2014 to 30 April 2016	723

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/2016/270 Extended seat belt may malfunction and reduce effectiveness of shoulder belt 15 December 2016, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
R/2017/124 Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification 19 April 2017, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and others
R/2017/214 Oil leak from turbocharger feed pipe. 18 July 2017, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
R/2017/233 Some occupant safety systems may malfunction in the event of a collision 21 July 2017, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
R/2015/247 Stop start engine may not restart 8 January 2016, Mercedes-Benz S-Class
R/2015/232 Auto stop/start may shutdown without warning 8 January 2016, 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.

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