NHTSA Service Bulletin 11012803: 2019-2025 Mercedes-benz A 220
Official manufacturer communication context for 2019-2025 Mercedes-benz A 220, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Complaint There may be creaking noises when steering while stationary or driving slowly. See Example Noise attachment Cause The vehicle level of the front axle may be too low. The noises when steering can be caused by continuous contact of the end stop buffer with the damper tube. Remedy The vehicle level must first be measured using the romess inclinometer (follow WIS instructions!) and the measured values should be compared with the target values in the Wheel Alignment online tool. If the vehicle level is out of tolerance, then the springs on the front axle must be replaced in order to correct the level. The currently installed springs can be pulled up in the XENTRY Parts Information tool through the corresponding selection. Verify currently installed spring in vehicle with use of color dots. NOTE: If no dots or color markings, please check the parts label that is affixed to the spring. If the MB part number is listed, continue with process listed in the paragraph below. If the part label does not contain an MB part number, is missing or illegible, please open a TIPS case. In order to find the correct or next highest spring, the spring filter must be removed in the XENTRY Parts Information tool.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11012803?
Complaint There may be creaking noises when steering while stationary or driving slowly. See Example Noise attachment Cause The vehicle level of the front axle may be too low. The noises when steering can be caused by continuous contact of the end stop buffer with the damper tube. Remedy The vehicle level must first be measured using the romess inclinometer (follow WIS instructions!) and the measured values should.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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