Mercedes-Benz CLS, E Class Recall R/2011/116: Steering May Become Heavy, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 24 Oct 2011
- Launched
- 316
- vehicles in the UK
- P172
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled CLS, E Class vehicles built between 1 November 2010 and 30 April 2011. Power steering assistance may be lost due to an implausible signal occurring in the control unit. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to replace the electric power steering units. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Power steering assistance may be lost due to an implausible signal occurring in the control unit. The mechanical steering of the vehicle is maintained but greater input from the driver will be required. When the fault occurs warning will be delivered both visually on the vehicle display and audibly via a signal tone.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING MAY BECOME HEAVY Defect: Power steering assistance may be lost due to an implausible signal occurring in the control unit. The mechanical steering of the vehicle is maintained but greater input from the driver will be required. When the fault occurs warning will be delivered both visually on the vehicle display and audibly via a signal tone. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the electric power steering units.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: steering may become heavy.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to replace the electric power steering units.
Are You Affected?
CLS, E Class built between 1 November 2010 and 30 April 2011 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 316 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code P172 or the DVSA reference R/2011/116. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS, E Class, GLCDrive shaft joint | Low | R/2026/148 | |
| E ClassCoolant pump control software | Low | R/2026/201 | |
| E ClassRouting of transmission wiring harness | Book soon | R/2025/534 | |
| E ClassGround connection bolting | Urgent | R/2025/155 | |
| E ClassWelding of rear axle carrier | Book soon | R/2024/502 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2011/117 on 21 Oct 2011, for passenger air bag may not deploy correctly. The one launched after it was R/2011/131 on 31 Oct 2011, for cruise control may fail to deactivate. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2011 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2011/116, launched 24 October 2011. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.