Mercedes-Benz Recalls Select EV Models Over Inconsistent Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced a voluntary safety recall of 94 electric vehicles that were manufactured between February 21, 2022, and October 22, 2024, due to a software-related issue with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). The affected vehicles include various models across the EQE, EQS and S-Class ranges, including SUVs and AMG variants.

According to the report filled by Mercedes to NHTSA, Mercedes-Benz determined that on Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V366 certain Model Year 2022-2025 S-Class (223 platform), EQE SUV (294 platform), EQE (295 platform), EQS SUV (296 platform) and EQS (297 platform) vehicles, the reversing sound of the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) might not be consistent within a model year.

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The pedestrian alert sound might be played at the required volume during reverse driving, however, a noise tone might be emitted rather than the intended beep tone. Subsequently, local legal requirements might not be met. FMVSS 141 Section 5.5 requires that vehicles within the same make, model, model year, body type, and trim level provide the same pedestrian alert. Although the alert provided meets the required volume requirements, emitting a sound other than that

intended as a pedestrian alert theoretically might increase the risk of a crash.

Due to a deviation in the documentation process, potentially affected vehicles might have been equipped with a software version for the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System that emits a noise tone as opposed to the beep tone intended for vehicles of the same make, model, model year, body type, and trim level.

Mercedes-Benz began investigating the issue in August 2024 after a complaint from outside the U.S. identified the AVAS sound as potentially too quiet. Though volume levels were within the required limits, further internal review revealed that some vehicles may have received an unintended software variant. By May 2025, Mercedes-Benz determined that noncompliance with U.S. safety standards could not be ruled out and initiated the recall.

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No crashes, injuries, or warranty claims have been reported in the United States related to this issue. Owners will be notified of the recall by August 1, 2025. Affected vehicles will receive a software update to correct the AVAS tone through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships at no cost.