The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·21V789000·Announced 2021-10-11

Mercedes-Benz Recalls 2021 S-Class Models for Air Bag Software Defect

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2021 S 500 and S 580 vehicles because a software defect may deactivate the front passenger air bag, increasing injury risk in a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 safety-critical component (air bag) that may fail to deploy, creating a risk of harm in a crash, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Plain-English summary

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2021 S 500, S 580, and Maybach S 580 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect in the air bag control unit software that may deactivate the occupant recognition control unit. This malfunction results in a deactivated front passenger air bag.

A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Dealers will update the air bag control unit software free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 1, 2021. 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 S 500, S 580
Brand
MERCEDES-BENZ
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag System
Hazard
Affected units
1,311

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 (2)

  • S 500
  • S 580

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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