April 2026 Mercedes-Benz Recall, Complaint & Service Bulletin Roundup

In April 2026, Mercedes-Benz's safety and service activity primarily centered on a series of detailed technical service bulletins (TSBs), with a notable focus on the 2021 AMG GT model. This period saw no new recalls, owner complaints, or federal investigations, indicating a stable month in terms of major safety incidents. Instead, the manufacturer concentrated on providing comprehensive guidance to dealerships for diagnosing and resolving various operational and diagnostic concerns. These twelve TSBs offer essential information to ensure the optimal performance and reliability of affected vehicles, particularly for owners experiencing issues with their 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT TSBs.

Recalls

No new recalls were filed for Mercedes-Benz in April 2026. This indicates that no new safety defects requiring a broad vehicle recall were identified by the manufacturer or mandated by federal regulators during this period.

Owner Complaints

No new owner complaints were reported for Mercedes-Benz in April 2026. This suggests a period without a significant surge in direct consumer reports to safety authorities regarding potential defects or malfunctions.

Investigations

No new NHTSA investigations were opened, upgraded, or closed for Mercedes-Benz in April 2026. This means there were no new federal inquiries into potential safety defects, nor were any ongoing investigations concluded or escalated during this reporting cycle.

Service Bulletins

Mercedes-Benz issued a comprehensive set of twelve service bulletins in April 2026, predominantly for the high-performance 2021 AMG GT. These bulletins cover a wide array of issues, ranging from intricate electrical system glitches and communication module errors to engine performance concerns and practical maintenance advisories. Each TSB provides specific diagnostic steps and repair procedures, empowering technicians to efficiently address problems and maintain vehicle standards. Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT TSBs will find these updates crucial for understanding and resolving potential issues.

One significant bulletin, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras Not Activated TSB (NHTSA ID: LI82.85-P-078473), specifically addresses instances where critical messages like "Digital Extras not activated" or "SOS - service not activated" appear on the vehicle's display. This often occurs after a communication module replacement and is typically accompanied by the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B15CE00. The TSB outlines a clear remedy for this electrical system fault, guiding technicians through the proper activation and coding procedures to restore full functionality.

Another critical bulletin, 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Parking System Malfunctions (NHTSA ID: LI54.65-P-080132), details various parking system malfunctions that owners might encounter. These can manifest as visual warnings such as a "Red Ring Around Vehicle" on the display or explicit messages like "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative." This TSB provides extensive diagnostic guidance for issues related to PARK sensors and other electrical system components, helping technicians to accurately pinpoint the exact cause of these often complex parking system malfunctions.

For engine-related concerns, 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT CEL P012800 Coolant Temp Below Spec (NHTSA ID: LI20.10-P-072886) addresses the common scenario of a Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminating with diagnostic trouble code P012800. This code specifically indicates that the engine's coolant temperature is below its specified operating range, which can impact engine efficiency and emissions. The bulletin suggests potential solutions, including software updates, to ensure optimal engine operation and prevent recurring CEL illuminations.

Beyond these specific fault codes and warning messages, Mercedes-Benz also released other important updates. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Poor Call Quality TSB (NHTSA ID: LI82.70-P-077433) addresses customer complaints of poor voice quality and background noise during phone calls, often tracing the problem to improperly seated microphones or dirt in the housing. Owners concerned about condensation in their headlamps can refer to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Headlamp Fogging TSB (NHTSA ID: LI82.10-P-078301), which clarifies that fogging is frequently a natural phenomenon due to temperature differences and provides a procedure to clear condensation, distinguishing it from actual defects requiring repair.

Furthermore, a critical 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT ECU Software Update (NHTSA ID: NCU - 2024100016) was issued to ensure the Engine Control Unit software meets current production specifications. This update is vital for preventing potential issues with on-board diagnostics and maintaining compliance with exhaust gas emissions standards. For specific high-performance variants, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Front Brake System Update (NHTSA ID: SC-2022020005) was released for Model 190 with M032 (BLACK SERIES VERSION) to update the front axle brake system to current series production specifications, ensuring optimal braking performance. Lastly, a practical issue regarding battery installation was covered by 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 12V Battery Holder Issue (NHTSA ID: LI54.10-P-078605), which clarifies that a newly supplied 12V battery holder (A2175453100) might be incorrect for mounting a new battery (A0009824113), advising technicians to reuse the original holder to avoid fitment problems.

What Mercedes-Benz Owners Should Do

Owners of affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly the 2021 AMG GT, should remain vigilant for specific warning messages and symptoms detailed in these numerous service bulletins. If you experience any of the issues described, such as "Digital Extras not activated" messages, unexpected parking system malfunctions like a "Red Ring Around Vehicle," or an illuminated Check Engine Light with diagnostic trouble code P012800, it is crucial to contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer promptly. Be prepared to describe the exact symptoms you observe and mention any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may have appeared on your dashboard or infotainment screen. Your dealer has access to these specific service bulletins and can perform the necessary diagnostic checks, repairs, or software updates to resolve the issues. Keeping up-to-date with these manufacturer communications ensures your vehicle operates as intended and helps maintain its long-term reliability and safety. Regular maintenance and addressing these issues proactively can prevent more significant problems down the line.