Mercedes-Benz Recall 20V-449: Electrical system – software

Affected: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450, 2017–2019 Mercedes-Benz E300 and 4 more. Filed with NHTSA on July 31, 2020, covering about 56 vehicles.

The problem

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 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, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.

The risk

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

The fix

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign20V-449 (20V449000)
Manufacturer number2020080015
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz USA, LLC
ComponentElectrical system › Software
Report dateJuly 31, 2020
Owners notifiedSeptember 8, 2020
Vehicles affected56
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the electrical system

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 20V-449 repair free?

Yes. Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 56 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.