NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
58 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 5, 2023
Structure
1. The component that failed was the rear subframe for the rear transaxle and wheel suspension system. It was inspected by a licensed MB service department and determined the drivers side of the rear subframe had rusted completely through and was separated from the frame. The passenger side of the rear subframe was also severely…
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1. The component that failed was the rear subframe for the rear transaxle and wheel suspension system. It was inspected by a licensed MB service department and determined the drivers side of the rear subframe had rusted completely through and was separated from the frame. The passenger side of the rear subframe was also severely rusted and at risk of breaking. The subframe is currently being replaced. 2. The subframe to this vehicle holds the transaxle and rear wheel suspension in place, I noticed with a hard breaking the rear of the car swerved, slightly fishtailing. I immediately drove home and parked it until I could drive it to a service/repair facility. If this subframe had completely broken free the entire rear drivetrain would have been severely damaged or completely destroyed or worse, break free from the vehicle and cause a crash. 3. The problem is well known in the auto industry. My service center who inspected my vehicle described it and said it is a well known problem and they have replaced other subframes due to the same issue. I even spoke to an AUDI salesman today and they know of it and send these MB vehicles as a trade-in to auction and do not even attempt to replace the subframe. A recall for this problem of the subframe failure due to rust has already been issued for MB in Europe for quite some time but no recall in the USA. 4. This vehicle and component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance rep. 5. no warning lamps or any other messages were illuminated to give any warning of a subframe failure due to rust. The first symptom of the problem is the loose rear end with hard breaking causing a slight fishtail of the rear of the car. I experienced this on my drive home from work and afterwards only drove it to my service center.
NHTSA ODI #11500347
49,000 miles · Dec 19, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle and then lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safety and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rea…
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle and then lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safety and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rear subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 49,000.
NHTSA ODI #11498026
68,026 miles · Nov 21, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle independently swayed to the left without warning. The contact notified the independent mechanic who instructed her to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. The mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the subframe…
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle independently swayed to the left without warning. The contact notified the independent mechanic who instructed her to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. The mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the subframe; however, the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a second independent mechanic who kept the vehicle for three weeks before the vehicle was repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,026.
NHTSA ODI #11494459
Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2022
Structure
Rear sub frame failure due to corrosion. Failed part causes vehicle to lose control when applying breaks. Further broke sub frame has high risk of fire due fuel tank breach. Vehicle was inspected by Mercedes Benz technicians several times up to the point of failure, no advanced warning. Technician stated no lights, no warning…
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Rear sub frame failure due to corrosion. Failed part causes vehicle to lose control when applying breaks. Further broke sub frame has high risk of fire due fuel tank breach. Vehicle was inspected by Mercedes Benz technicians several times up to the point of failure, no advanced warning. Technician stated no lights, no warning signs until total failure occurs.
NHTSA ODI #11494104
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2022
Structure
While returning from a long trip with my entire family, I initially lost control of the vehicle on a normal curve at 70 mph speed on a highway. We managed to stop without getting in an accident. After determining that it is not because of any tire damage and not understanding the problem, we continued with the journey driving at…
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While returning from a long trip with my entire family, I initially lost control of the vehicle on a normal curve at 70 mph speed on a highway. We managed to stop without getting in an accident. After determining that it is not because of any tire damage and not understanding the problem, we continued with the journey driving at reduced speeds. From then on, vehicle was losing control whenever I try to brake. After narrowly missing few accidents, I realized the stopping distance also increased a lot. I almost hit several vehicles whenever I try to come to stop all of a sudden. Unsure of the weirdly behavior all of a sudden, I decided to stop at a nearby autoshop and get a quick check. Surprisingly the mechanic heard about these issues earlier and pointed us directly at the cause of this behavior. The issue is a ROTTEN REAR SUBFRAME. A part which is supposed to last for the entirety of its life, rusted from inside out prematurely. Learning this, I sent my family home in a different vehicle and brought mine towed. Mercedes Service center gave me an initial estimate of $8860 to repair and might increase once they start removing things for repair. After further research, I found out this is a very common issue. In other countries, Mercedes is replacing this free of charge to customers who report it as this is a safety issue. So I tried to reach out to Mercedes Corporate office and they declined to repair it Free of charge as there is no official recall on this issue. I am only glad that my entire family didn't end up in an unfortunate incident due a a cheaply made part. I urge NHTSA to look into this issue as soon as possible and help avoid lots of accidents due to this issue.
NHTSA ODI #11494009
66,000 miles · Nov 9, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle veered to the left. The contact depressed the brake pedal again and the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle then veered to the right. There were no warning lights illum…
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle veered to the left. The contact depressed the brake pedal again and the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle then veered to the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with frame rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #11492867
Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022
StructureSuspension
I was driving on the highway i hit the brakes as traffic was starting to build up and the car veered into the right lane and all of a sudden and almost got hit by a tractor trailer. It felt so scary, weird when hitting the brakes after that. I took it to my mechanic immediately and he said the rear subframe is rotted out and DO…
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I was driving on the highway i hit the brakes as traffic was starting to build up and the car veered into the right lane and all of a sudden and almost got hit by a tractor trailer. It felt so scary, weird when hitting the brakes after that. I took it to my mechanic immediately and he said the rear subframe is rotted out and DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!! I asked please get me an estimate on how much to fix. He called me later in the day and said it was a 8 month wait for the part and the Mercedes dealer said it is a VERY VERY VERY common problem on these cars. There are Thousands and thousands. There is a defect when manufactured and MERCEDES does not want to do a recall or step up to the plate in the United States. There is a recall in Canada and Europe that replaces the part. What are they waiting for till some gets hurt seriously or killed. Now i do not have a car to use for who knows how long and Mercedes should be ashamed. Please advise. This is a real scary safety issue. Please advise. Thank you [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11491585
Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2022
Structure
Rear subframe / crossmember failed due to corrosion. The rest of the car is in great condition, with no rot or corrosion. This is a regularly serviced vehicle. The part is recalled in other countries. Aside from the lack of a USA recall - the manufacturer is not providing any replacement parts. I am now without a car, and could …
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Rear subframe / crossmember failed due to corrosion. The rest of the car is in great condition, with no rot or corrosion. This is a regularly serviced vehicle. The part is recalled in other countries. Aside from the lack of a USA recall - the manufacturer is not providing any replacement parts. I am now without a car, and could have been killed if I didn't get it checked out. I do not see how it is legal to not provide parts to solve a life threatening issue caused by poor manufacturing. Should I drive the car anyway until it causes an accident ?
NHTSA ODI #11490960
86,000 miles · Oct 24, 2022
StructureSuspension
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to abruptly stop the vehicle to avoid a crash, the vehicle suddenly drifted into the opposite lane while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear control arms had …
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The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to abruptly stop the vehicle to avoid a crash, the vehicle suddenly drifted into the opposite lane while depressing the brake pedal. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear control arms had failed. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact was informed that the rear subframe and rear control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #11490550
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2022
StructureSuspension
Rear subframe cracked; car has less than 95,000 miles and looks great. My two children of driving age were using the vehicle at the time, driving others as well. Fortunately, I happened to drive it not longer after the issue and took it to the shop immediately. They put it on the lift and saw that the rear subframe was cracked a…
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Rear subframe cracked; car has less than 95,000 miles and looks great. My two children of driving age were using the vehicle at the time, driving others as well. Fortunately, I happened to drive it not longer after the issue and took it to the shop immediately. They put it on the lift and saw that the rear subframe was cracked all the way through. As it turns out, it is becoming very common on this make/model--and it is nearly impossible to get a replacement. Mercedes Benz told me maybe sometime in 2023. In addition to having it inspected, I have since been in contact with several dealers and mechanics. Results are invariable: the part is in extremely high demand, Mercedes cannot fill the demand, and the wait is indefinite but long. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. In addition to the inconvenience, the car was very dangerous to drive. I am thankful that my son did not seriously injure himself or others while driving. The crack renders the car unstable at anything but the slowest speeds. When one brakes at any speed over about 20-25 mph, the car pulls violently to one side. Simply braking alone could cause a major, even fatal, accident. And any emergency maneuver could be disastrous. The car has been garaged since June awaiting a replacement that I am told will cost between $4000 and $6000! I am left with a vehicle that runs very well--but is unsafe to drive on a public roadway--and no way to repair it. Moreover, Mercedes cannot tell me when the part may become available (likely sometime in 2023).
NHTSA ODI #11486805
Official recalls
6Nov 1, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.
Jan 9, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014 C250, C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2014-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, GLK 350, GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, 2015-2017 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2014-2017 E550 Cabrio, and 2014-2016 E550 Coupe vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2011 C300, 2011-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2011-2016 E550 Cabrio, E550 Coupe, 2011-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2012-2014 C250, E350 4Matic Coupe, SLS AMG Cabrio 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 4Matic Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2010-2011 C300, 2010-2014 C300 4Matic, C350, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, 2011-2014 E350 Cabrio, SLS AMG Coupe, 2015-2016 E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2016-2017 E550 Cabrio, 2010-2016 E550 Coupe, 2010-2015 GLK350 4Matic, GLK350 RWD, and 2013-2015 GLK250 BlueTec 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Jan 10, 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013 C250, C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C350, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 Coupe, E350 Cabrio, E350 Coupe, E550 Cabrio, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E550 Coupe, GLK350 4Matic, GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic, GLK350, SLS Coupe, SLS AMG GT Coupe, and SLS Roadster vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, MBUSA is recalling certain 2010 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, E350 Coupe, E550 Coupe, GLK350, and GLK350 4Matic vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." MBUSA is also recalling certain 2009 C300, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI and WY or "Zone C." In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. Mercedes issued an interim notification to owners on February 23, 2018. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Oct 6, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Apr 12, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2014 C250, C300 4MATIC, GLK250 4MATIC BLUETEC and GLK350 vehicles, 2013 C250 Coupe, C350, C350 4MATIC Coupe, C350 Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe vehicles, and 2013-2015 GLK350 4MATIC vehicles. The steering coupling connecting bolt may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a loss of steering.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling connecting bolt, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mar 14, 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update software in the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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