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Steering Defect — Recall 14V598000 (2015 Steering Coupling Disengagement)
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Safety2015
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2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 has 43 NHTSA recalls covering steering, sunroof, airbags & fuel. Learn your California lemon-law rights.
You paid between $40,000 and $85,000 for a 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The badge promises German precision engineering, a sport-luxury driving experience, and a vehicle that earns its price with quality and longevity. What many owners of the W205 generation discovered instead is a vehicle carrying an unusually dense recall history — 43 formal NHTSA campaigns covering steering failures, fuel leaks, airbag misfires, seat belt defects, and a panoramic sunroof that became the subject of not one, not two, but three separate safety recalls. Then there are the defects that never made it to the recall list: a crankcase ventilation valve that fails on virtually every M274-powered C300 somewhere between 30,000 and 75,000 miles at a $2,000-plus repair bill; a 9G-Tronic transmission that engages with a violent lurch when shifted out of Park; and an infotainment system that can boot to a black screen, taking the backup camera with it.
The W205 C-Class was a genuine leap forward when it launched for 2015 — the first Mercedes built on the modular MRA platform, with a 100 kg weight reduction, a new turbocharged four-cylinder, and a complete interior overhaul. Early reliability issues plagued the 2015-2016 model years in particular, with Consumer Reports rating the 2016 C-Class below average. The 2018-2019 model years improved in some respects but introduced new recall categories — seat belt retraction, rearview camera software, and yet another round of eCall communication failures.
By any measure, the W205's recall breadth is exceptional. Six separate steering-system recalls. Six lighting recalls. Seven seat or seat belt recall campaigns. Four distinct eCall communication recall campaigns. Three panoramic sunroof recalls. Two fuel system recalls. If your C-Class has been back to the dealer repeatedly for the same symptom — steering stiffness after a 'repair,' a seat belt that still won't retract, a backup camera that still goes black — California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act may provide a remedy beyond what the dealer is offering.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 14V598000 covered 2015 C-Class vehicles where the steering column sliding shaft could disengage from the coupling socket, causing loss of steering control — the most catastrophic steering failure mode. If a California owner's 2015 C-Class received the recall repair and the steering complaint persisted or recurred, the dealer's inability to complete the recall repair constitutes a warranty breach triggering Song-Beverly. Document the remedy date and any post-repair steering symptoms.
MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling interlock mechanism to verify that it is in the locked position, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2014. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2014090008.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 15V087000 addressed 2015 C-Class headlamps that were misaimed from the factory, reducing road illumination below Federal standards. Misaimed headlights substantially impair night driving safety. An owner who experienced recurring headlamp alignment issues after the recall remedy — or whose vehicle was never repaired under the recall — has grounds under Song-Beverly if dealer visits failed to produce a compliant repair.
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the horizontal adjustment mechanisms on the headlamps with sealing caps on the affected vehicles. The recall began May 23, 2016. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372.
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 15V138000 covered 2015 C-Class vehicles where the fuel delivery module locking plate was not properly secured, creating a fuel leak risk near hot engine components — a potential fire hazard. Fuel leaks substantially impair safety and use. Under Song-Beverly, a fuel system defect that required multiple dealer visits to correctly diagnose and repair, or that recurred after the recall remedy, supports a lemon-law claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles for improperly secured locking plates and pinched wires, correcting the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. The recal began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recal
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 15V845000 covered 2015-2016 C-Class vehicles experiencing sudden loss of electric power steering assist, dramatically increasing steering effort and creating a crash risk. EPS loss at highway speed is a well-documented W205 owner complaint beyond the recall scope. A vehicle that loses power steering multiple times within the warranty period — whether covered by this recall or by a separate dealer repair — triggers Song-Beverly's two-repair presumption for safety defects.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering software, free of charge. The recall began in January 15, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 16V087000 covered 2016 C-Class vehicles where the fixed panoramic glass panel between the windshield and the sliding sunroof was improperly bonded, risking detachment at highway speed into oncoming traffic. This is a structural safety defect. California owners whose 2016 C-Class sunroof panel detached or who experienced multiple repair attempts under this recall have a direct Song-Beverly claim if the root cause was not resolved.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the rear sunroof glass panel, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 16V438000 addressed 2016 C-Class vehicles where a software fault in the electric power steering module caused sudden loss of steering assist. EPS deactivation at highway speed is a safety hazard. Owners who received the EPS software update but continued to experience steering stiffness or loss-of-assist warnings should document each occurrence — a recurring EPS fault after recall repair substantiates a Song-Beverly claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 16V603000 covered 2016 C-Class vehicles where the ESC electronic control unit could malfunction, affecting the vehicle's stability management. A disabled ESC substantially impairs safety on slippery or curved roads. If the ESC warning light recurred after the recall remedy, or if the vehicle entered ESC-off mode unexpectedly at highway speed, the owner has grounds for a Song-Beverly claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESP Hydraulic control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 17V114000 covered 2015-2017 C-Class where the starting current limiter could overheat from repeated starter attempts, melting surrounding components and creating a fire risk. This fire hazard is a Catastrophic-tier safety defect in practical impact; it is classified Safety here because the risk is conditional (repeated failed starts). Any owner whose 2015-2017 C-Class experienced starter or electrical component fire or smoke has an extremely strong Song-Beverly claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter, free of charge. The recall began August 31, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017080002.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 17V177000 covered 2015-2017 C-Class vehicles that received an incorrect software update for the airbag control unit, potentially causing airbag non-deployment in a crash. Airbag non-deployment is a life-threatening defect. If a 2015-2017 C-Class owner was involved in a crash where airbags failed to deploy, this recall's scope is directly relevant and may support both a lemon-law and a products liability claim.
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.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 17V243000 covered 2016-2017 C300 vehicles where improper welding of the EPS motor electrical contacts caused the power steering assist to deactivate suddenly. Although only 3 vehicles were initially identified, the EPS loss symptoms are widely reported on 2016-2017 C-Class beyond this recall scope. Owners experiencing repeated EPS deactivation warnings ('Check Power Steering' / stiff wheel) should request the recall inspection regardless of whether their specific VIN was notified.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 17V251000 addressed 2015-2017 C-Class seat belt pretensioner assemblies that might not function correctly in a crash, reducing occupant protection. A defective pretensioner that fails in a collision directly increases injury risk. Under Song-Beverly, any safety-restraint defect requiring multiple dealer visits or a repeat remedy is a qualifying defect. California owners who had pretensioner work performed under this recall and subsequently experienced seat belt anomalies should document further visits.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 17V627000 — one of the largest Mercedes-Benz recalls, covering nearly 500,000 vehicles — addressed 2015-2018 C-Class where the driver airbag could deploy without a crash due to improper steering component grounding. Inadvertent deployment at highway speed is catastrophic. An owner whose airbag deployed without a collision, or who experienced multiple dealer visits without a complete repair of the grounding issue, has a textbook Song-Beverly claim: safety defect, multiple repair attempts, same root cause.
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.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 18V207000 covered 2017-2018 C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models where the right side of the front seatback might not lock properly, causing the seatback to fold forward in a crash and reduce occupant protection. Seatback failure in a collision is a life-threatening defect. A California owner who had this repair performed but experienced continued seatback looseness or noise has grounds for a Song-Beverly repair-attempt count.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatbacks, replacing the seatbacks lock, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 25, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018040007.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V456000 covered 2017-2018 C-Class Cabriolet variants where the rear beltline trim could separate from the vehicle body and become a road hazard. A component that detaches while driving poses crash risk to other motorists. If a California Cabriolet owner had the trim repair but saw subsequent separation or the dealer could not prevent recurrence, each visit counts toward the Song-Beverly repair-attempt total.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear beltline trim and replace the trim if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V608000 covered 2018 C-Class models where incorrect bonding could allow the rear window glass to loosen and detach at highway speed. A detached rear window is a road hazard and substantially impairs vehicle use and structural integrity. California owners who experienced rear window looseness or separation — or whose dealer could not complete the adhesive repair correctly on the first attempt — have a direct warranty conformance failure under Song-Beverly.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will rework the rear window bonding, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
EV warning message; reduced power; charging fault; battery recall; fire risk warning
Recall 18V725000 covered 2018 C-Class vehicles where the 12-volt battery's positive terminal lacked protective coverage, risking a short circuit in a crash. Though classified as a crash-consequence defect rather than a spontaneous defect, it represents a safety design deficiency. If the remedy was not completed or the battery cable insulation was found to be further damaged at a subsequent service, it supports a warranty breach claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive pole cover, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018110002.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V761000 addressed a software defect in 2018 C-Class electrical systems. If the software update required multiple dealer visits to take effect, or if the underlying electrical symptom recurred after the update, each dealer visit counts toward Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold. Owners should obtain copies of all repair orders that reference this campaign number.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the CPC control unit software, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030012.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 18V838000 covered 2018 C-Class vehicles where the passenger airbag occupant classification system (OCS) sensor displayed an incorrect status, potentially causing the passenger airbag to be disabled when an adult occupant was present. An airbag that may not deploy for a valid occupant is a safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, a safety restraint defect that required more than two repair attempts creates a presumption of lemon-law eligibility.
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.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 18V839000 addressed a seat or seat-related fastener defect on 2018 C-Class vehicles. Seat structural integrity failures in a collision substantially impair occupant safety. If the repair required multiple attempts or if seat movement or abnormal noise persisted after the recall remedy, each service visit contributes to Song-Beverly eligibility.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckles, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020012.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 18V850000 — affecting 2015-2019 C-Class — covered steering rack locknuts that could fracture under high load, potentially causing the steering to become stuck in one position. Sticky or locked steering at any speed is catastrophic. This recall overlaps with broad owner complaints about EPS loss and sticky steering on W205. An owner with a pre-recall history of steering complaints followed by the recall repair may have multiple repair-attempt credit toward Song-Beverly.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080012.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 18V872000 covered 2018 C-Class 4MATIC Coupe models where the steering coupling was not correctly locked during manufacturing, potentially causing steering noise and instability. A manufacturing defect in a safety-critical steering component is a warranty non-conformity from day one. California owners who purchased or leased these vehicles new and experienced steering complaints within the warranty period have a strong Song-Beverly baseline.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120010.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 18V906000 covered 2018 C300 vehicles where headlights were improperly aimed during prior dealer service, reducing visibility and creating crash risk. A dealer-introduced defect — headlight misalignment caused by the dealer's own technicians — is a particularly strong warranty claim: the defect was created during a repair covered by the manufacturer's express warranty, making the subsequent misalignment directly attributable to the dealer's failure.
MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the setting of the headlights and adjust them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020008.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 18V909000 addressed a brake system defect on 2018 C-Class vehicles. Any brake defect that reduces stopping ability or causes unexpected braking substantially impairs vehicle safety. California owners who experienced brake-related symptoms (sudden braking, reduced brake response, brake warning illumination) around the scope of this recall should confirm recall remedy completion and document any recurrence.
Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the ESP system software, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2018120025.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 19V130000 covered 2017-2019 C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models where the front seat seatbacks might not properly lock, risking forward collapse in a crash. This defect affects crash protection across all trim levels equipped with those seat designs. Under Song-Beverly, a seat structural defect repaired by dealer replacement that subsequently shows renewed movement or noise triggers a new repair-attempt count.
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the locking of the seatback on the affected vehicles and replace the seatback lock, as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on April 12, 2019 to notify owners. Owners will receive a second notification when the remedy is
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 19V540000 addressed a seat or seat-fastener defect on 2019 C-Class vehicles. Seat integrity is directly related to occupant safety in a crash. California owners who experienced seat abnormalities — movement, noise, or improper position — should confirm recall remedy completion and document any recurrence, as each dealer visit for the same symptom counts toward Song-Beverly eligibility.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080008.
EV warning message; reduced power; charging fault; battery recall; fire risk warning
Recall 19V586000 covered 2018-2019 C300 and C43 AMG models where the 12-volt battery mounting bracket was not properly secured, allowing the battery to shift and disconnect terminals in a crash. Battery disconnection can cause sudden loss of electrical power including steering, brakes, and restraints. If a California owner's vehicle experienced an electrical system shutdown or battery-related warning while driving, this recall's scope is directly relevant.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery mounting bracket, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019090010.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 19V787000 addressed 2013-2017 Mercedes-Benz vehicles where a software fault caused the eCall system to transmit incorrect date, time, and therefore inaccurate vehicle location in an emergency call. While the eCall defect does not impair day-to-day driving, it materially reduces a required federal safety system's effectiveness. Under Song-Beverly, a defect in a mandatory federal safety system that required multiple software update attempts qualifies for repair-count purposes.
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 1-800-3
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 20V068000 covered 2019-2020 C-Class where the eCall communication module relayed an inaccurate vehicle location during emergency calls. An emergency system that cannot reliably summon help materially impairs vehicle safety. If the software update required multiple dealer visits or if the eCall warning light returned after the update, each visit counts toward Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
Recall 20V364000 covered 2019-2020 C-Class with turbochargers where oil supply lines could leak onto hot engine components, creating a fire risk. An engine fire risk substantially impairs safety and use. California owners whose turbocharger oil lines leaked — whether covered by this recall or discovered independently during routine service — have a warranty defect claim. A fire or smoke event elevates the claim to potential products liability.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger oil lines and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020070017.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 20V449000 covered 2019 C-Class models where the seat belt warning system displayed only a solid warning light (not a blinking light with audible tone) when a seat belt was unbuckled, reducing occupant awareness of an unbelted condition. While the seat belt itself functions, the impaired warning system reduces the vehicle's conformance to Federal safety standards. Multiple dealer visits for instrument cluster or software issues related to this defect add to Song-Beverly repair-attempt count.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 20V608000 addressed 2019 C300 models where the center console lock system could not lock properly, potentially allowing unauthorized access to stored items. While not a driving-safety defect, a locking system that fails to function as advertised represents a non-conformity with the vehicle's warranty. This defect combines with other 2019 C-Class warranty issues to strengthen a Song-Beverly claim if the vehicle also has unresolved safety recalls.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the center console storage compartment, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020100006.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 21V032000 — covering 2017-2021 C-Class — addressed front seat belts that failed to fully retract, leaving the belt hanging and posing a trip hazard and potential entanglement risk. This is one of the most widely affecting C-Class safety recalls by model year scope. California owners who experienced non-retracting seat belts on 2017-2021 C-Class vehicles should confirm recall remedy completion; if the belt still fails to retract fully after the recall repair, that is a failed repair attempt.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will check the retraction function of the front seat belts and adjust the damping foam within the B-pillars, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this re
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 21V058000 — the largest eCall recall covering 1.29 million vehicles including 2016-2021 C-Class — addressed software that failed to transmit the correct vehicle location during emergency calls. This is a federally-required safety system. If the software update was applied but the eCall warning persisted or a second update was required, each dealer visit for this same defect supports a Song-Beverly repair-attempt count.
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V072000 covered 2017-2019 C-Class where dealer service visits inadvertently deactivated the eCall emergency system module. This is a dealer-introduced defect — the vehicle left the dealer with a disabled federal safety system it did not have when it arrived. Under Song-Beverly, a defect introduced during a covered service is the manufacturer's responsibility, and California owners should confirm eCall system function after every dealer visit.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V197000 covered 2015-2020 C-Class where the front roof panel (between windshield and panoramic sunroof) adhesive could deteriorate and allow the panel to detach at highway speed. This recall affects the broadest year range of the two panoramic-roof bonding recalls and covers thousands of C-Class vehicles. A panel that detaches at 70 mph is projectile hazard. California owners who had the repair performed should inspect for any renewed looseness, cracking, or air noise — all are indicators of a failed repair.
Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 21V230000 covered 2021 C-Class where a faulty electrical contact in the seat position switch could prevent airbags and seat belt force limiters from activating in a crash. A defect that disables both airbag and seat belt limiter simultaneously is among the most serious restraint system failures. Any 2021 C-Class owner who experienced a crash with airbag or belt limiter non-deployment should seek legal counsel, as this recall provides direct evidentiary support.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 21V406000 addressed 2021 C-Class Cabriolet models where rear headrests were incorrectly mounted to seatbacks, potentially reducing whiplash protection in a rear-impact crash. A headrest that is not properly secured cannot function as a restraint. California owners of affected 2021 Cabriolets should confirm this recall has been completed and should report any loose or improperly seating rear headrests after the dealer repair.
Dealers will inspect the rear seatback guide bushings and replace them if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060010.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 21V509000 covered 2018-2020 C-Class where LED headlights were incorrectly aimed during a prior dealer repair, reducing illumination and violating Federal lighting standards. Like Recall 18V906000, this is a dealer-introduced defect — Mercedes-Benz held accountable for misalignment caused by its own technicians. California owners who continue to report inadequate headlight illumination after the recall remedy have grounds for additional warranty claims.
Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V961000 covered 2016 and 2019-2021 C-Class where manufacturing particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors could cause a fuel leak near hot engine components, creating a fire risk. Fuel leaks with fire potential are a direct safety threat. California owners of affected model years who experienced fuel odor in the cabin, fuel-stained engine bay, or 'strong fuel smell' at startup should confirm recall remedy completion and report any recurrence immediately.
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 22V232000 covered 2018-2021 C-Class where a software error caused the rearview camera to display a black screen when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. A non-functional backup camera violates Federal rear-visibility standards and substantially impairs safe vehicle operation. California owners who had the software update applied but continue to experience intermittent blank backup camera screens have a failed-repair situation that triggers Song-Beverly scrutiny.
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 22V365000 covered 2017-2022 C-Class where a SIM card software error caused the eCall system to lose mobile network connectivity, fully disabling emergency call capability. Combined with recalls 21V058000, 21V072000, and 19V787000, this represents the fourth distinct eCall recall on W205 — a pattern of systemic communication system failure. A vehicle with a history of four separate eCall-related recalls is a strong lemon-law candidate if any single defect required multiple repair attempts.
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owner
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 23V445000 covered 2021 C-Class where the fuel pump could shut down unexpectedly, causing sudden loss of drive power — a safety hazard if the stall occurs at highway speed. Unexpected engine stalls at speed substantially impair vehicle use and safety. California owners who experienced stalling or sudden power loss on a 2021 C-Class, particularly at highway speed, should confirm whether this recall has been remedied and document any recurrence.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 23V854000 — the most recent panoramic sunroof recall, issued December 2023 — covered 2014-2020 C-Class where a prior repair (from recall 21V197000) may have incorrectly re-bonded the front roof panel, introducing a new detachment risk. This is a recall that exists because a prior recall's fix was done incorrectly. A vehicle that has now been subject to two separate bonding recalls for the same panel has an unusually strong non-conformity history under Song-Beverly — the manufacturer has failed to permanently remedy the structural defect across two separate recall campaigns.
Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTS
Violent jerk or lurch when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse; harsh upshift or downshift at low speed; transmission hesitation; jerk at idle when foot is on brake at red light; shaking at highway speed on paddle-shift; fault codes stored in TCM
Under Song-Beverly, a transmission defect that causes repeated harsh engagement or jerk at stop becomes a lemon-law eligible defect if the dealer cannot repair it after two or more attempts. Because Mercedes-Benz issued TSBs acknowledging the defect, a dealer who performs the TSB software update and the complaint recurs has demonstrably failed to repair a known manufacturer defect — a strong trigger for Song-Beverly eligibility. Document every transmission service visit, including dates, mileage, and the specific TSB number cited by the dealer.
EHCU software update (TCM flash); if shift complaint persists, valve body or conductor plate replacement ($1,800–$4,500 dealership estimate)
Check engine light with code P052E or P052E71; rough idle; oil vapor smell in cabin; visible smoke from engine bay under hard acceleration; failed emissions test; oil consumption increase; repeated check engine light even after repair
A recurring check engine light from a manufacturer-acknowledged defect (TSB LI01.20-P-076894) that forces multiple dealer visits qualifies as a substantial impairment of use and value under Song-Beverly. California owners who have had the crankcase valve replaced and seen P052E return within warranty mileage have a credible lemon-law claim — the recurring fault demonstrates the manufacturer's inability to conform the vehicle to warranty. Keep all repair orders noting the P052E code and the specific part replaced.
Replace crankcase ventilation/oil separator assembly ($1,600–$2,900 at dealership, ~6 hours labor). Fault frequently recurs, necessitating second repair within 20,000–30,000 miles.
Oil leak at front of engine; burning oil smell; low oil warning illumination; oil spots under vehicle; visible oil seepage around oil cooler or camshaft cover area on V6 models
An oil leak that returns after dealer repair, or that the dealer acknowledges but declines to cover under warranty, may constitute a warranty conformance failure under Song-Beverly. If the leak creates a fire risk or engine damage risk, it may rise to a safety-relevant defect. Document any repair order where the dealer notes the seepage but does not repair it.
Replace oil cooler seals and gaskets; inspect camshaft cover seals; dealer quote typically $600–$1,500 depending on extent of seepage
COMAND display remains black at startup; navigation unavailable; audio system unresponsive; backup camera does not display; screen freezes mid-operation requiring system restart; intermittent loss of all infotainment functions; Bluetooth disconnects repeatedly
An infotainment system that repeatedly fails to display or function, and that the dealer repairs by software update only to see the failure recur, qualifies as a defect substantially impairing use under Song-Beverly. The loss of the backup camera display is a safety concern that elevates this from a mere nuisance. Two or more repair visits for the same infotainment malfunction within the warranty period triggers Song-Beverly scrutiny.
COMAND software flash (over-the-air or dealer-applied); if boot failure persists after software update, head unit replacement required ($1,500–$3,500 part cost)
Loud explosion from sunroof while driving; sunroof glass (not the front fixed panel) shatters into the cabin or ejected upward; glass shards on occupants or rear seat; sunroof glass shattering without prior warning or impact; sunroof stuck after glass separation
Spontaneous sunroof glass shattering is a safety defect that poses direct injury risk to occupants. If a dealer denies warranty coverage claiming impact damage without evidence, and the shattering occurs at highway speed with no road debris involvement, the owner should document the denial in writing and seek a second opinion. Repeated sunroof issues on the same vehicle — including both glass shattering and front panel bonding (subject of recalls 21V197000 and 23V854000) — compound the lemon-law case.
Sunroof glass replacement ($500–$2,000 part + labor); dealer may attempt to deny warranty coverage by claiming 'impact damage' — owners should request written documentation of any denial
Parking brake engages on its own on flat surfaces while vehicle is stationary or in Drive; 'Parking Brake Malfunction' warning illuminates; unable to release EPB without turning vehicle off and restarting; EPB activates when opening door; EPB warning light stays on after release attempt
An electric parking brake that self-applies while driving or cannot be released without an ignition reset is a safety defect — a vehicle that cannot be driven normally has a substantially impaired use. If the dealer marks 'cannot duplicate' on multiple visits but the owner documents each occurrence with date, mileage, and a video of the warning, Song-Beverly's presumption can still be triggered after the statutory number of repair attempts for the same symptom.
EPB actuator replacement or body control module software update; dealer diagnosis required. If no fault code is stored (intermittent fault), dealers may mark 'unable to duplicate'
Touchscreen display shows rainbow discoloration, bubbling, or peeling of the anti-glare coating; vertical or horizontal lines across screen; screen appears foggy or has reflective blotches; delamination worsens over time; display becomes difficult to read in sunlight
Screen delamination on its own is cosmetic and unlikely to meet the 'substantial impairment of use' threshold under Song-Beverly. However, if the delamination obscures the backup camera display or makes the touchscreen inoperable, it may combine with the COMAND boot-failure defect (iss-47) to constitute a functional defect. Owners should document whether the screen degradation interferes with backup camera visibility or climate control operation.
Head unit display replacement; typically not covered under warranty after initial ownership period. Aftermarket screen overlays offer partial cosmetic relief.
Vehicle sits noticeably lower on one corner or all corners after overnight parking; 'AIRMATIC Malfunction' warning; ride height warning on dashboard; compressor runs continuously or loudly; vehicle cannot be raised to normal ride height; fault code C0161 or similar AIRMATIC codes stored
AIRMATIC suspension failure that prevents the vehicle from maintaining normal ride height substantially impairs the vehicle's use and safety. If the failure occurs within the original warranty period and requires multiple dealer visits or repeat compressor/strut replacements, Song-Beverly eligibility accrues. The high cost of AIRMATIC repair ($3,000–$7,000 full replacement) relative to vehicle depreciation makes this a significant defect for lemon-law purposes.
Replace leaking air strut(s) ($800–$1,800 per corner); replace compressor if burned out ($600–$1,200 part); in severe cases all four struts plus compressor require replacement
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
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Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG S Cabriolet, E450 Cabriolet, and E53 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. The rear headrests may be incorrectly mounted to the seatbacks.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2021 C300, 2017-2020 AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles. The front seat belts might not fully retract to their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 vehicles. The center console lock-system might not lock properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection In Interior Impact."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300, E350, and GLC300 vehicles equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The screws that retain the turbocharger oil feed and return lines may not have been properly tightened, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
remedy available
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
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 C300, C300 4MATIC, and C43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles. The mounting bracket for the 12-volt battery may not be secured. This may allow the battery to shift, possibly disconnecting the terminals in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, AMG C43 Coupe, C300 4MATIC Cabriolet, C300 4MATIC Coupe, AMG C43 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Cabriolet, AMG C63 Coupe, AMG C63 S Cabriolet and AMG C63 S Coupe vehicles and 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E400 4MATIC Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C300 4MATIC vehicles. The headlights on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2019 C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, C300 4MATIC, C300 4MATIC Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 4MATIC Cabrio, and C300 vehicles. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) software may prevent the electronic parking brake from being disengaged when returning to the vehicle, unless the ESP system is deactivated.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe and one C300 4Matic Coupe. The steering coupling may not have been correctly locked during manufacturing.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C300, 2017-2019 C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, C63 Cabrio, 2015 C63S AMG, 2018-2019 C300, C350e, C63 AMG, C63S AMG Cabrio, 2018 C63 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, E300, E400 Cabrio, E400 Coupe, 2019 CLS450, E450 Cabrio, and E450 Coupe rear-wheel drive vehicles. A locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly causing the steering to become stuck in one position.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG Coupe, E450 Coupe, E53 AMG Cabriolet, S450, S560, E450 Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG Coupe, S450 4Matic, S560 4Matic, S63 AMG and S65 AMG vehicles and Mercedes-Mayback S650 and S560 4 Matic vehicles. A correctly fastened seatbelt may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, preventing the seat belt pre-tensioners from activating in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4Matic, C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Cabrio, C43 AMG Coupe, CLS450, CLS450 4Matic, CLS53 AMG 4Matic, E53 AMG 4Matic, E450 4Matic, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG 4Matic Coupe, G550, and G63 AMG vehicles. The Central Powertrain Controller (CPC) control unit could reset while driving, possibly causing an engine stall.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. The cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, and in certain crashes, the vehicle's strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300, C300 4MATIC, C63 AMG, and C63S AMG vehicles. Incorrect bonding of the rear window may cause the window to loosen and detach from the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Mercedes C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, and C63 AMG Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a bonding issue introduced in the production process, the rear beltline trim may separate from the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C43 AMG 4Matic Cabriolet and C63S AMG Cabriolet, 2017 C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Coupe and C63 AMG Coupe, 2018 E400 Coupe and E400 4Matic Coupe vehicles. The seatbacks of the front seats may not properly lock on the right side of the seat.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 C300 vehicles. The electrical contacts for the power steering electric motor may not have been properly welded, possibly resulting in a loss of electrical contact.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4Matic, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, C63S Cabrio, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, GLC43 AMG, S550, S550 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, and Mercedes-Maybach S600 vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe vehicles and 2016 C350e and GLC300 vehicles and 2016-2017 C450 4Matic AMG Sport and GLC300 4Matic vehicles. In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 GLC 300 SUV, GLC 300 4Matic SUV, C300 Sedan and C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured February 8, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit that may have been damaged before being installed.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured November 4, 2015, to March 1, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the electric power steering assist system may shutdown due to a software error.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 C300 vehicles manufactured December 11, 2015, to December 23, 2015, C300 4Matic vehicles manufactured December 12, 2015, to December 29, 2015, and C450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured December 12, 2015, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a panoramic sunroof that may not be properly bonded, allowing the glass to detach and fall from the vehicle during operation.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 and C400 4matic sedans manufactured January 27, 2014, to December 1, 2014. Due to an error in the electric power steering control unit software, the affected vehicles may have a loss of electric power steering assist.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 4matic and C400 4matic vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to July 25, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may be improperly secured to the fuel tank. Secondly, electrical wires that connect to the fuel delivery module might have been pinched between the flange of the fuel delivery module and the tank.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 and C400 vehicles manufactured from June 18, 2014, through September 5, 2014, that fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The affected vehicles were assembled with horizontal adjustment mechanisms that allow the owner to change the horizontal adjustment used during the manufacturing process, instead of the proper sealing caps.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to September 18, 2014. If the steering coupling interlock mechanism is not locked in place, the sliding shaft, which is part of the steering column, could become disengaged from the steering coupling socket due to vibrations, steering thrust, or load feedback from the road surface.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — commonly called the Lemon Law — applies to every new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz C-Class sold or leased in California. The law requires Mercedes-Benz to repair any defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety within the manufacturer's warranty period. If Mercedes-Benz cannot conform the vehicle to warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund of your purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and finance charges.
For the W205 C-Class, 'reasonable number of attempts' has specific meaning: California courts have found that two repair attempts for a safety defect (such as EPS loss, airbag non-deployment, or panoramic roof panel detachment) or four repair attempts for any other defect may be sufficient. The law also creates a presumption of lemon if the vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days due to repair.
The W205's 43 NHTSA recalls — covering steering, airbags, seat belts, fuel system, sunroof, and communication systems — mean that many California C-Class owners are already on their second or third repair attempt for recall-related defects without realizing it. Every return visit to the dealer for the same complaint — whether labeled a 'recall repair,' a 'warranty repair,' or a 'customer-pay repair' for a defect the dealer should have covered — counts toward your Song-Beverly repair-attempt total.
Key facts for W205 C-Class owners under Song-Beverly:
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
The W205 C-Class has a documented pattern of intermittent defects that fail to trigger stored fault codes during a dealer visit — particularly EPS loss, COMAND boot failure, panoramic sunroof noise, and electric parking brake self-activation. If the dealer has returned your vehicle with 'unable to duplicate' or 'no fault found,' follow these steps:
1. DOCUMENT EVERY OCCURRENCE BEFORE THE NEXT VISIT. For EPS loss and EPB self-activation: use your phone to video the warning message on the dashboard while it is active. For sunroof noise: video the audio at highway speed with the sunroof area in frame. For COMAND boot failure: photograph or video the black screen at startup. Timestamp is automatic in phone metadata.
2. REQUEST THAT THE DEALER SCAN ALL FAULT MEMORY MODULES — not just the engine control unit. The W205 stores fault codes in separate modules for: the EPS control unit (N49), the transmission control module, the COMAND unit (A40/5), and the body control module (N10). A dealer who only reads engine codes will miss EPS, transmission, and infotainment faults.
3. FOR STEERING SYMPTOMS: Specifically request inspection under Recalls 18V850000 (rack locknut) and 17V243000 (EPS motor weld), even if your VIN was not specifically notified. These recalls have narrow initial VIN populations but the underlying defect mode is broader. Ask the dealer to document the result of the steering system inspection in writing, even if they find nothing.
4. FOR CRANKCASE VENTILATION (P052E): If the code has cleared between visits, bring a printout of the code from a prior AutoZone or independent scan. Ask the dealer to test the crankcase vent valve actuator per TSB LI01.20-P-076894 and document the test in the repair order. Request that the repair order specifically reference the TSB number — a dealer who performs a repair without citing the TSB may later deny acknowledgment of the defect.
5. FOR PANORAMIC SUNROOF: Request that the dealer inspect and document the adhesive bond condition of the front roof panel per the scope of all three recalls (16V087000, 21V197000, 23V854000). A dealer who repaired the sunroof under 21V197000 and now finds the panel re-separating must document that as a second attempted repair of the same defect — which directly triggers Song-Beverly's repair-attempt count.
6. KEEP EVERY REPAIR ORDER. California law requires dealers to provide a written work order for every service visit. If a dealer returns your car and says 'everything is fine' without a written work order, demand one. A missing or incomplete work order makes it harder to establish your repair-attempt history but does not defeat a Song-Beverly claim.
7. REQUEST A WRITTEN EXPLANATION OF ANY RECALL DENIAL. If the dealer tells you your vehicle is not covered by a recall that appears to match your VIN's year and configuration, ask for that determination in writing. MBUSA's customer service line can separately verify recall eligibility by VIN.
8. AFTER FOUR VISITS FOR THE SAME SYMPTOM (or two visits for a safety defect): Consult a California lemon-law attorney. Under Song-Beverly, you are not required to give the manufacturer more attempts than the statutory threshold. Continuing to return to the dealer without legal counsel often works in the manufacturer's favor.
The W205 C-Class is a genuinely impressive vehicle when it works — and it often does. But the sheer breadth of its recall record, combined with well-documented TSB-acknowledged defects that have never been recalled, paints a picture of a generation that was rushed to a new platform without sufficient quality validation. The three-strikes panoramic sunroof situation — three separate recall campaigns for the same panel on the same vehicle generation — is a case study in a manufacturer that failed to permanently fix a known structural defect. The P052E crankcase ventilation failure, affecting what appears to be a substantial fraction of all M274-powered C300s in the 30,000-75,000 mile window, is the kind of widespread defect that, in other regulatory environments, would already be a recall. California buyers who purchased or leased a W205 C-Class new and have experienced repeated returns to the dealer for steering, sunroof, or powertrain issues deserve to know that the law gives them real options — and Margarian Law has handled hundreds of cases against Mercedes-Benz USA.
— The Margarian Law team
If your 2015-2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been to the dealer multiple times for steering issues, the crankcase ventilation check engine light, panoramic sunroof repairs, or transmission problems — and the issues keep coming back — you may have a lemon. Margarian Law has handled thousands of California lemon-law cases, including hundreds against Mercedes-Benz USA, and offers a free, confidential case review. There is no fee unless we win.
The P052E (or P052E71) code on the W205 C300 points to failure of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) regulator valve — specifically the integrated oil separator assembly on the M274 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The valve's actuator seizes or becomes blocked, disrupting crankcase pressure management. Mercedes-Benz acknowledged the defect in TSB LI01.20-P-076894 (April 2024). The repair — replacing the crankcase ventilation assembly (Part #274-090-17-29-80) — costs $1,600-$2,900 at the dealership and requires roughly six hours of labor. The frustrating reality documented in hundreds of NHTSA owner complaints is that the repair frequently fails within 10,000-30,000 miles, triggering the same code again. If your C300 has had this repair performed more than once within the original warranty period, you may have grounds for a California lemon-law claim.
The W205 C-Class panoramic sunroof front panel — the fixed glass section between the windshield and the sliding sunroof — has been subject to three separate NHTSA recalls. Recall 16V087000 (2016) first identified improperly bonded panels on 2016 models. Recall 21V197000 (2021) expanded the scope to 2015-2020 vehicles where the adhesive bonding was deteriorating, risking panel detachment at highway speed. Then in December 2023, Recall 23V854000 was issued because some prior repairs under 21V197000 were performed incorrectly — meaning a vehicle could have been 'repaired' twice and still have a dangerously unbonded roof panel. If your C-Class shows any air noise, wind intrusion, cracking, or the panel feels loose near the windshield, stop driving the vehicle and contact your dealer immediately — a detached panel at highway speed is a serious road hazard. Confirm your VIN's recall status at nhtsa.gov.
Yes. The 9G-Tronic (725.0) automatic transmission fitted to W205 C300 and AMG models from 2016 onward is subject to two manufacturer-acknowledged Technical Service Bulletins. TSB LI27.50-P-071658 (August 2020) specifically addresses 'harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R,' and TSB LI27.00-P-060741 addresses broader shift quality complaints and stored fault codes in 725.0-equipped vehicles. The dealer's first remedy is an electrohydraulic control unit (EHCU) software update; if the jerk persists after the software flash, valve body replacement is the next step. If your 2016-2021 C-Class has had the transmission software updated and the harsh shift or jerk persists — or if you've had valve body work performed and the condition returned — document each dealer visit carefully. Under California's Song-Beverly Act, a transmission defect that recurs after two repair attempts may qualify your vehicle as a lemon.
Loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist is covered by multiple W205 C-Class recalls depending on your model year. Recall 14V598000 (2015) covered steering coupling disengagement. Recall 15V845000 (2015-2016) covered software-caused EPS assist loss. Recall 16V438000 (2016) addressed a separate EPS software fault. Recall 17V243000 (2016-2017) covered improperly welded EPS motor contacts. Most significantly, Recall 18V850000 (2015-2019) covered a steering rack locknut that could fracture under high load and cause steering to lock in one position. If your C-Class displays 'Check Power Steering' with a heavy wheel, take it to the dealer immediately — EPS loss at highway speed is extremely dangerous. Request the dealer inspect under all applicable recall numbers for your model year. If the dealer has already performed a steering repair and the EPS fault recurred, each dealer visit for the same symptom counts toward your California lemon-law repair-attempt total.
Yes — Recall 21V032000, issued in January 2021, covers 2017-2021 C300, AMG C43, and AMG C63 vehicles where the front seat belt retractor fails to pull the belt back into the B-pillar after the occupant unbuckles. The belt hangs loose, creating a trip hazard when exiting the rear seat and a potential entanglement risk for the door. The recall repair involves replacing the seat belt retractor assembly. If your dealer has replaced the retractor under this recall and the belt still does not retract fully, that is a failed recall repair — which counts as a separate repair attempt under California's Song-Beverly Act. Additionally, a non-retracting seat belt may contribute to an overall pattern of seat belt and restraint system defects on your C-Class (the vehicle also has recalls 17V251000 and 20V449000 for related seat belt issues) that together strengthen a lemon-law claim.
Yes, a 2015-2021 W205 C-Class can qualify as a lemon under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act if the vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair it. For W205 C-Class owners, the most common qualifying situations involve: (1) panoramic sunroof front panel bonding that recurred after a recall repair (Recalls 21V197000 or 23V854000); (2) crankcase ventilation valve (P052E) check engine light that returned within warranty mileage after dealer repair; (3) electric power steering that repeatedly deactivated despite prior recall or warranty repairs; (4) 9G-Tronic transmission harsh engagement that persisted after the TSB software update and valve body replacement. Under Song-Beverly, the manufacturer must pay your attorney's fees if you prevail — meaning a lemon-law claim costs you nothing out of pocket to pursue. Margarian Law offers a free, confidential case review to help you assess whether your C-Class qualifies.
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