Wheel Bolt Problem in the Mercedes-Benz Electric SUV
Electric vehicles are typically significantly heavier than internal combustion engine cars, requiring special attention to the selection of components. It appears that Mercedes-Benz has encountered a problem with this very aspect in the G580 with EQ Technology. The company has announced a recall of over 3,700 vehicles of this model in the USA.
Key points of the situation:
Source of the Problem and Recall Scale
According to the manufacturer, early versions of the electric G580 were equipped with wheel bolts that were not properly designed to account for the model’s additional mass and higher torque. Instead, the same bolts as on the conventional ICE version were used. Over time, this mismatch can lead to a loosening of the connection between the wheel and the hub during operation, increasing the risk of an accident.
A total of 3,734 vehicles, manufactured between February 26, 2024, and August 19, 2025, are being recalled.
How the Defect Was Discovered
Mercedes reports that the potential issue came to light during long-term durability testing of the electric G-Class, when a wheel bolt loosened despite meeting all specifications. This prompted a deeper investigation into whether the SUV’s additional weight, greater torque, and operation in demanding conditions could gradually degrade the reliability of the connection.
Conditions with the Highest Risk
The company concluded that a wheel is most likely to loosen after “extreme steering maneuvers combined with a series of repeated wheel changes over the vehicle’s lifetime.” Such a combination can intensify wear on the contact surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Problem Resolution Process
Starting May 22, Mercedes will begin notifying owners of the need to visit a dealership. There, technicians will replace the original bolts with an updated design, better suited to the requirements of the electric model. The updated design uses a two-component flanged bolt, designed to maintain stable friction on the contact surface and reduce wear during tightening.
Vehicles manufactured from August 26, 2025, and later are already equipped with these updated bolts from the factory.
Model Sales Context
This recall occurs against the backdrop of challenging sales for the electric SUV. While the conventional G-Class showed record sales in 2025, the G580 model, according to one Mercedes-Benz executive back in mid-2025, turned out to be a “complete failure.” To stimulate demand, the company even introduced significant discounts on this electric SUV in the USA, whose starting price, including delivery, is $164,550.
This situation clearly demonstrates how critical even a single, seemingly minor detail like a wheel bolt can be for safety, especially when transitioning to new technologies. Using components from conventional models without deep redesign for the specific loads of electric vehicles can lead to serious engineering errors. For buyers of premium electric models, this is also a call for caution: early versions of new technological products often require further refinements, which may be discovered only after sales have begun.