The New Mercedes G 63 4×4² Has A Rear Axle Housing That Could Fracture

Several hundred Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4² models are being recalled in the United States because they have rear axle differential housings that may not meet the necessary strength requirements.

Despite the G 63 4×4² being a very rugged vehicle, a recall notice issued by Mercedes-Benz has revealed that the rear axle differential housing could develop cracks during normal operation. If this is to occur, differential oil may start leaking and there is a potential for the housing to fracture. This could trigger an interruption of the power transmission on the rear axle and increase the risk of a crash.

Read: 2023 Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4² Is Here To Conquer All Terrains With Portal Axles And 577 HP

Mercedes-Benz launched an investigation into the issue after internal testing showed traces of fracturing on the housing. The analyses into the issue is still ongoing but the carmaker has decided to issue a recall anyway, in part because it has received one customer complaint. There have been no reported third-party damages, injuries, or fatalities related to the fault in the U.S.

A total of 588 examples are involved in the recall, all of which were manufactured between March 5, 2021, and December 1, 2023. Mercedes-Benz will issue a stop-drive warning to owners on December 21, instructing them to not drive their vehicles. The carmaker will then arrange to have vehicles towed to a nearby dealership where the rear axle will be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owners will be offered a loaner vehicle at no cost where available.

Mercedes unveiled the new G 63 4×4² in mid-2022 as the successor to the original 2015 G500 4×4². It benefits from many of the same off-road-focused upgrades as its predecessor, including portal axles that dramatically increase the ride height. Power comes courtesy of AMG’s beloved 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.