Mercedes-Benz Recall 18V-838: Air bags – occupant classification

Affected: 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43, 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S and 7 more. Filed with NHTSA on November 27, 2018, covering about 104,663 vehicles.

The problem

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.

The risk

If the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign18V-838 (18V838000)
Manufacturer number2018120009
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
ComponentAir bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Report dateNovember 27, 2018
Owners notifiedJanuary 3, 2019
Vehicles affected104,663
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 18V-838 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 104,663 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.