NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 11031357: 2024-2026 Mercedes-benz Amg Cle53

Official manufacturer communication context for 2024-2026 Mercedes-benz Amg Cle53, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 11031357 summary graphic for 2024-2026 Mercedes-benz Amg Cle53
11031357NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
7affected product rows
7source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Complaint Cracking noises on load change from rear axle (can be heard from wheel side). See attached reference video Cause Unfavorable manufacturing tolerances in the production process of the drive shaft. A long term solution is being investigated with high priority Remedy If the above-mentioned customer complaint is present, a test drive and thorough NVH diagnosis must be performed in order to verify the root cause of the noise. If the axle shafts have been identified as the source of the noise, determine the vehicle production date and perform the following steps: (Date format > MM/DD/YYYY) Vehicles up to production date 12/09/2024: 1. Replace both rear axles with A 214 350 44 06 2. Tighten the axle shaft bolt to a torque of 80 Nm + 90 Note! This bolt must be replaced after removal due to the angle torque per AH00.00-P-0020-01A: Notes on threaded connections fastened using a tightening angle-based tightening process Vehicles as of production date 12/10/2024: Do not replace any parts (wheel bearing, axle shaft) as it will not resolve the concern. A 214 350 44 06 must not be replaced. 1. Remove both axle shafts 2. Clean the contact surface of the axle shaft and wheel bearing (remove old molykote with potential debris from wear) 3. (Stir molykote in container before use) Apply a generous layer of Molykote to the axle shaft from the contact surface up to the middle of the splines (Attachment Figure 1). Allow to dry for 30 minutes. 4. Apply a second layer and allow to dry completely for at least 1 hour 5. Reinstall both axle shafts 6. Tighten the axle shaft bolt to a torque of 80 Nm + 90 Note! This bolt must be replaced after removal due to the angle torque per AH00.00-P-0020-01A: Notes on threaded connections fastened using a tightening angle-based tightening process If rear axle shafts A214 350 44 06 are installed and the above molykote application has already been performed, please submit a TIPS case to the Powertrain inbox with the following information: - Initial Quick Test w/ Freeze Frame Data - Video or Sound file of the noise concern with details of where the recording was taken (ex. inside/outside vehicle, where sensors were placed) - Clear photos of part labels on both rear axle shafts - If possible, breakaway torque when loosening the axle bolt - Clear photos of the mating surfaces of rear axle shafts and wheel bearings

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

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
Mercedes-benzAmg Cle532024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Cle53 4matic2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Cle53 4matic Cabriolet2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Cle53 4matic+2024, 2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzAmg Cle53 4matic+ Cabriolet2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzE53 E 4matic+2025Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
Mercedes-benzE53 E 4matic+ All-terrain2026Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 11031357?

Complaint Cracking noises on load change from rear axle (can be heard from wheel side). See attached reference video Cause Unfavorable manufacturing tolerances in the production process of the drive shaft. A long term solution is being investigated with high priority Remedy If the above-mentioned customer complaint is present, a test drive and thorough NVH diagnosis must be performed in order to verify the root.

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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