The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·20V449000·Announced 2020-07-31

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles for Seat Belt Warning Software Defect

Mercedes-Benz is recalling specific 2017-2019 models because instrument cluster software may cause the seat belt warning system to display a solid light instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (seat belt warning system) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe, and S450 vehicles, along with 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. This recall applies specifically to vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly. Instead of displaying a blinking light with an audible tone when a seat belt is unfastened, the system may only display a solid warning light.

Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belts. This increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz USA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450, E 300, C 300, E 450
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
56

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (8)

  • CLS 450
  • E 300
  • C 300
  • E 450
  • S 450
  • E 400
  • E300
  • S560

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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