How would you feel if your over $100,000 S-Class Mercedes got recalled while brand new? That’s what owners of the 2021 S-Class are looking at. Today Mercedes recalled a batch of 2021 S-Class sedans over a steering issue. Mercedes-Benz sure isn’t what it used to be.

Mercedes knows the optics-it even offered an apology

Mercedes knows the optics. It even offered an apology according to Business Insider, “We apologize for this additional workshop visit and hope for your understanding.” Owners are being told to contact their authorized dealer which will replace inner tie rods if needed. Of course, the inspection and replacement come with no charge.

Mercedes seems to be making this happen quickly, which indicates it is a serious problem. It also relates that if the affected S-Class has the wrong tie rods the connection to the steering won’t be able to “permanently withstand the stress of driving.” That’s not good, to say the least.

“Worldwide, 1,400 units of the new S-Class could be affected by the recall”

A Mercedes spokesperson said, “Worldwide, up to 1,400 units of the new S-Class that are already in customer hands could be affected by the current recall. We became aware of this complaint based on feedback from a supplier. This component is delivered pre-assembled as a complete system and installed.” 

It seems unusual that with such a high-tech facility and Mercedes’ quality control this could happen. The S-Class is being assembled at Mercedes’ new Factory 56 facilities in Sindelfingen, Germany. It has spent a whopping $888 million on the plant to be ready for S-Class production. The Maybach S-Class is also built at this plant with the all-electric EQS joining later in the year. 

With the opening of this all-new plant some products had to be dropped

With the opening of this all-new plant, and in anticipation of new models like the EQS being added, some products had to be dropped. That is why the S-Class two-door models are now gone. The S-Class coupe and convertible will be replaced by the AMG GT coupe and the SL for the convertible. Two additional models are being added to the plant. Both the S63e and S73e plug-in hybrids will be built at Factory 56. 

The US should see its first 2021 S-Class sedan any time. The base S 500 4MATIC Luxury Line model starts at just under $110,000. The top-of-the-line S589 4MATIC Executive Line starts at $131,450. Later in the year, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will begin production. It will begin at an eye-watering $160,500. 

All manufacturers are susceptible to recalls, but it’s news when the manufacturer is Mercedes. Is quality control slipping, or is this just an anomaly? We’ll see as 2021 progresses.