Mercedes G-Class EV Recall: Loose Wheel Bolts Safety Alert

Wouter Smit · 2026-04-06

Hey there, car safety professionals. Let's talk about something that just crossed my desk and should be on yours too. Mercedes-Benz just issued a recall for over 3,500 of its electric G-Class SUVs. The reason? Loose wheel bolts. Now, that might sound like a minor thing at first glance, but trust me, it's anything but. We're talking about a critical safety component that, if it fails, could lead to a wheel detaching while driving. Imagine that at highway speeds. It's the kind of problem that turns a luxury EV into a serious hazard in an instant. This recall specifically affects the 2024 and 2025 model year G-Class electric vehicles, the ones they call the EQG. ### Why This Recall Matters for Professionals You know how it is. Recalls happen. But this one hits on a few key points that make it a standout case study. First, it's on a brand-new, high-profile electric vehicle from a luxury manufacturer. Second, the root cause appears to be a potential assembly error—something that can slip through even the most rigorous quality control if the stars align wrong. For those of us in the field, it's a reminder to always double-check the basics. A wheel isn't just a wheel. It's a complex system of bolts, hubs, and torque specs that has to be perfect every single time. ### What Owners Need to Do If you have a client with one of these vehicles, here's the drill. Mercedes dealers will inspect the wheel bolts on all four wheels. If they find any that aren't tightened to the correct specification, they'll replace them. The fix is straightforward, but it's absolutely essential. The service will be performed free of charge, of course. Owners should be receiving official notification by mail soon, if they haven't already. In the meantime, they can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website using their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). ### The Bigger Picture on EV Recalls This situation makes me think. The automotive world is racing toward electrification, and with that comes new learning curves. We're seeing traditional issues, like bolt torque, appear on radically new platforms. It underscores that fundamental mechanical integrity doesn't disappear with an electric motor. As one industry veteran put it to me recently: *'A loose bolt is a loose bolt, whether it's on a Model T or a spaceship. The consequences don't care about the powertrain.'* That's a powerful reminder for all of us. Here’s a quick checklist for professionals handling this or any similar recall: - Verify the VIN is included in the recall campaign. - Communicate the risk clearly and without panic to vehicle owners. - Schedule the inspection promptly—don't let it become a 'when I have time' item. - Document everything. The inspection, the correction, the communication. - Use it as a training moment for junior technicians on the importance of torque procedures. ### Staying Proactive in a Reactive World Recalls are, by nature, reactive. Something has been identified as wrong, and now we fix it. But our job is to be proactive. This Mercedes issue is a perfect prompt to review your own shop's procedures. When was the last time you calibrated your torque wrenches? Are your techs following spec to the letter on every wheel they touch? It's easy to get complacent, especially on routine jobs. But a wheel coming off is about as un-routine as it gets. This recall affects a few thousand vehicles, but the lesson applies to millions. Let's make sure we're learning it. So, keep an eye out for those notifications. Check your databases. And remember, in our line of work, the small details—like the exact twist on a bolt—are often the biggest deal of all.