NHTSA Service Bulletin 11013996: 2017-2025 Mercedes-benz A 220
Official manufacturer communication context for 2017-2025 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 Hand detection system not operating correctly / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" Cause Possible causes: the hand detection mat, the hand detection control unit, the contacts and the steering wheel harness. Remedy Test Procedure: Perform an initial quick test with freeze frame data. Save the N179 - Hand detection system (HE) and N62/4 - Driver assistance system (SG-FAS) control unit logs. Note the fault frequency of fault codes set. Delete the N179 and N62/4 fault memory. Using both hands, "scan" the steering wheel all the way round, including the chrome molding at 6 o'clock (see Picture 1). Read out fault memory and follow steps below for any faults set. Remedy: Vehicles with control unit N179 - Hand detection system (HE): B1E7614: Check contacts and wiring harness in steering wheel by carrying out a visual check for damage, pinched areas, loose connections, etc. (examples in Figs. 2 and 3); If no damage is noted replace the N135 - Steering wheel electronics (LRE) and reassess. If fault code returns replace the steering wheel. B1E7713: Please check the wires and connections in the steering wheel. Afterwards, please check whether the complaint is caused by over torqued screws on steering wheel trim pieces. To do this, please loosen the screws slightly and reevaluate the situation. (Picture 4). P164456: Perform SCN coding. P1CA000: Perform an initial start-up on the N179 hand detection control unit. Faults in N62/4 - Driver assistance system (SG-FAS) control unit with U186B29, U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1: If no fault is stored in the N179 control unit: Scan steering wheel as indicated in the test procedure and check whether the fault is reproducible. If no fault code is stored in the hand detection control unit, the fault codes in the driver assistance systems control unit are precautionary messages. Software for the N62/4 - Driver assistance system (SG-FAS) is now available for Star 3 vehicles only. Fault in IDC223 control unit: U186B29: Delete fault memory and flash the new IDC (N62/4) software A223 902 75 37. If the software update is not available, or the problem persists, create a TIPS case. Fault in IDC213 control unit: U0429E0, U042941, U042929, U042902, U0429E1: If no fault is stored in the HOSWD control unit then scan the steering wheel and check whether the fault is reproducible. If reproducible: Create a TIPS case, adding the note "reproducible". If no fault code is stored in the hand detection control unit, the fault codes in the driver assistance systems control unit are precautionary messages. New coding parameters (SCN) will be available in Q2/2025 for the HOSWD control unit.
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 11013996?
Complaint Hand detection system not operating correctly / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" Cause Possible causes: the hand detection mat, the hand detection control unit, the contacts and the steering wheel harness. Remedy Test Procedure: Perform an initial quick test with freeze frame data. Save the.
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.
Get Full Report