Mercedes-Benz S Class Recall R/2016/235: Automatic Transmission May Malfunction, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 31 Oct 2016
- Launched
- 723
- vehicles in the UK
- SRPC1623
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled S Class vehicles built between 1 April 2014 and 30 April 2016. 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. The dealer will check and if required reroute or replace the wiring harness. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s 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.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY MALFUNCTION Defect: 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. Remedy: 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.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could 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 Fix
The dealer will check and if required reroute or replace the wiring harness.
Are You Affected?
S Class built between 1 April 2014 and 30 April 2016 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 723 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 SRPC1623 or the DVSA reference R/2016/235. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S ClassWindshield bonding | Low | R/2026/191 | |
| AMG GT, GLC, S Class, SLProcessor Starter/Generator | Urgent | R/2025/124 | |
| AMG GT, C Class, CLE, E Class and 5 moreSystem protection | Low | R/2024/130 | |
| A Class, C Class, CLA(117), GLA and 2 moreOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair | Low | R/2024/024 | |
| S ClassA 12V ground connection bolt in the boot might not meet specifications | Low | R/2023/259 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2016/217 on 20 Oct 2016, for engine may cut out. The one launched after it was R/2016/255 on 17 Nov 2016, for vehicle may cut out. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/235, launched 31 October 2016. 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.