The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has 86 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1996–2025. On average a defect was admitted 1.81 years after the car was built, the slowest took 9 years. The most recalled system is Electrical System (20 campaigns). Owners also filed 223 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Electrical System 20 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-benz usa, llc (mbusa) is recalling certain 2024 eqe 350 4matic, eqe 350+, eqe 500 4matic, eqs 450 4matic, eqs 450+, eqs 580 4matic, amg eqe 53 4matic, amg eqs 53 4matic, 2023-2025 eqe SUV 350 4matic, eqe SUV 350+, eqe SUV 500 4matic, eqs SUV 450 4matic, eqs SUV 450+, eqs SUV 580 4matic, 2024-2025 eqs SUV 680 4matic, and amg eqe SUV 53 4matic vehicles. The battery management system software may cause the high-voltage battery to shut down, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power
Risk. A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the battery management system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024060002
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupe, 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, 2023-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance, and 2024-2025 AMG SL 63 S E Performance vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. A software error may cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail, causing a loss of drive power
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the high-voltage starter alternator control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030012
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail
Risk. An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire
Fix. Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008
Fuel System, Gasoline 6 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at…
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012
Seat Belts 6 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 EQS450 and 2022 EQS580 vehicles. The bolts that secure the rear seat belt buckles to the body of the vehicle may not be secured properly
Risk. Unsecured seat belts may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury
Fix. Dealers will inspect and secure the rear seat belt buckle bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070009
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 EQS450 and 2022 EQS580 vehicles. The bolts that secure the rear seat belt buckles to the body of the vehicle may not be secured properly
Risk. Unsecured seat belts may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury
Fix. Dealers will inspect and secure the rear seat belt buckle bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070009
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG Coupe, E450 Coupe, E53 AMG Cabriolet, S450, S560, E450 Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG Coupe, S450 4Matic, S560 4Matic, S63 AMG and S65 AMG vehicles and Mercedes-Mayback S650 and S560 4 Matic vehicles. A correctly fastened seatbelt may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, preventing the seat belt pre-tensioners from activating in the event of a crash
Risk. If the seat belt tensioning does not activate in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckles, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020012
Structure 6 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450, EQS 580 and AMG EQS53 vehicles. The front or rear bumper tow ring assembly may have insufficient thread depth, which can result in the tow ring detaching from the vehicle
Risk. A tow ring that detaches during vehicle transport or loading can increase the risk of a crash or injury
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the tow ring assembly thread, as necessary, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070019/20
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2022 S 500 vehicle. The dashboard may be insufficiently attached, which can result in an improper front passenger air bag deployment in the event of a crash
Risk. Improper deployment of an air bag can increase the risk of injury
Fix. Dealers will replace a portion of the dashboard, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023010001
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S580 and S580 vehicles. The bulkhead that separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment may not have been properly sealed, causing water to drain into the passenger compartment. Water intrusion into the foot wells may cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, disabling safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments (PreSafe system)
Risk. Disabled safety features, including seat belt tightening and seat adjustments, can increase the risk of injury in a crash
Fix. Dealers will repair the bulkhead front wall sealing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023040009
Engine And Engine Cooling 5 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire
Fix. Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for…
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. In the event of a mechanical failure in the engine Camtronic system, the engine control unit (ECU) software may cause the engine to overheat or stall
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, an engine that overheats can increase the risk of a fire
Fix. Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 15, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on November 15, 2024, January 10, 2025, and February 21, 2025. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for…
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 and Maybach S580 vehicles. An engine control unit software error may cause a sudden engine stall, without the ability to restart the vehicle
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372
Air Bags 5 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling a certain 2023 EQS 450+ vehicle. The mounting brackets near the roof may have sharp edges that can damage the side-curtain air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk. An air bag that is damaged during deployment can increase the risk of injury in a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the window airbags, and mounting brackets, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025010005
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Maybach S580 vehicles. Trim parts on both front seats may detach during rear air bag deployment, which can damage the air bag cushion or cause the air bag to deploy improperly
Risk. Improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of an injury
Fix. Dealers will replace the trim parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050006
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S500, S580, and Maybach S580 vehicles. The air bag control unit software may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit, resulting in a deactivated front passenger air bag
Risk. A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the air bag control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2021. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021100010. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372
Steering 5 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system
Risk. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury
Fix. Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system
Risk. Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury
Fix. Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 S580 4Matic and S500 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connector to the steering column module may not be secured properly, which can disable gear shifts and/or safety features including the electronic stability program, the driver's air bag, and turn signal indicators
Risk. Disabled safety features or the inability to shift gears can increase the risk of a crash or injury
Fix. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the cover for the electrical connector, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040006
Suspension 5 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 S580Z, S500V, and S580V vehicles. The sub frame weld for the thrust arm on the rear axle carrier may have been improperly welded, causing the thrust arm to break and detach
Risk. A detached thrust arm can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, or cause the vehicle to pull to one side during emergency braking, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will inspect the sub frame weld on the rear axle carrier and replace the rear axle carrier as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at…
What's wrong. Mercedes benz is recalling 4,564 my 2001-2006 cl-class (model 215), my 2002-2006 s-class (model 220), my 2003-2007 sl-class (model 230), my 2007-2008 cl-class (model 216), and my 2007 s-class (model 221)passenger vehicles equipped with active body control (abc) acceleration sensors on the front struts. These sensors measure acceleration around the z-axis of the vehicle and assure an automatic adaptation of the front struts to maintain a relatively level body position. Variations in the soldering process resulted in soldering points on the board of the abc sensors which may not be within design tolerances. Signals from the affected sensors measuring the acceleration may not be accurately…
Risk. A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in one front strut adjusting to a value indicating body movement while another strut does not adjust presenting the driver with an uneven front suspension. This condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle…
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front abc sensors in all potentially affected vehicles. The recall began on september 22, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
What's wrong. Mercedes-benz is recalling 1,515 my 2007 s-class vehicles. The radial knuckle of the front strut may fail. The radial knuckle flaw may occur after significant mileage accumulation combined with exposure to high continuous stress by driving on rough roads
Risk. If a radial knuckle fails, the steering control of the vehicle may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will check and replace, if necessary, the ball joint(s). The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372
Communication 4 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS450, S500, and S580 vehicles. The communication module software may restrict or disable the emergency call system (eCall)
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury
Fix. The communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022010006
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 Maybach S 580 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The emergency call system may fail to place an automatic or manual call and may not provide the vehicle location as intended
Risk. A disabled emergency call system that prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services or fails to identify the vehicle location, can delay emergency responders and increase the risk of injury
Fix. Dealers will update the communication module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024110002
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this…
Exterior Lighting 3 Read
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights
Risk. Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 EQS 450, EQS 580, and 2021 S500 and S580 vehicles. A software error may disable the rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights
Risk. Disabled rear turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other driver's, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will update the rear signal software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040013
What's wrong. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S550 Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S65 AMG Coupe and S63 AMG Convertible 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to February 4, 2016. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 1.81 years |
| Slowest campaign | 9 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 11.9% |
| Campaigns on record | 86 |
Which S-Class years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Electrical System | |
| 2024 | Electrical System | |
| 2023 | Electrical System | |
| 2022 | Communication | |
| 2021 | Electrical System | |
| 2020 | Electrical System | |
| 2019 | Seat Belts | |
| 2018 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | |
| 2017 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2016 | Electrical System | |
| 2015 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2014 | Seat Belts | |
| 2012 | Tires | |
| 2011 | Tires | |
| 2009 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | |
| 2008 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2007 | Electrical System | |
| 2006 | Suspension | |
| 2005 | Interior Lighting | |
| 2004 | Suspension | |
| 2003 | Suspension | |
| 2002 | Suspension | |
| 2001 | Visibility | |
| 2000 | Equipment | |
| 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling |
Check your own car
Each of these 86 campaigns covers a range of production, not every Mercedes-Benz S-Class ever built — two cars of the same year can differ by a single week at the plant. Whether yours is among them, and whether the free repair was already carried out, is answered only by the number on its windscreen: check this S-Class by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign on one model says little about the brand as a whole — see how the Mercedes-Benz S-Class compares in the full recall check by make and model →
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
86 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1996–2025. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my S-Class still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 1.81 years, and the slowest campaign came 9 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.
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