Recall 12V380 affects 189 2002, 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 and G550 vehicles for loose air-bag molding strips. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 189 2002, 2011 G55 and G550 vehicles because front passenger air bag deployment can loosen a molding strip inside the cabin. If that strip becomes a projectile, the risk of personal injury increases; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The molding strip in these Mercedes-Benz vehicles is part of the interior structure near the front passenger air bag area. On 2002, 2011 G55 and G550 vehicles, that trim sits in the area affected when the passenger air bag opens. In normal use, it stays secured while the cabin trim surrounds the air bag opening.
The problem happens during a front passenger air bag deployment. As the air bag inflates, parts of the molding strip can loosen instead of staying attached to the surrounding structure. A loose trim piece can become a projectile inside the passenger compartment, adding injury risk during the same crash event that triggers the air bag.
There is no warning sign before failure. The molding strip can appear normal in everyday driving, because the issue shows up when the passenger air bag deploys.
Who's affected?
Covers the G55 and G550 in separate model years, both tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz G55 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz G550 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 189 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the passenger airbag deploys, a loose molding strip can come free near the air bag cover flap and increase the risk of personal injury. Keep using normal caution and schedule the recall work, since this issue matters during a crash event. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002 or 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 or G550 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Mercedes-Benz owner notice if you have not received one, or call Mercedes-Benz customer service for the current repair status.
- Ask a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer about the free molding-strip reinforcement that keeps trim pieces from loosening during passenger air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 12V380 when you call.
- Drive normally unless a Mercedes-Benz dealer gives you different instructions for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician reinforces the connection between the molding strip and the front passenger air bag cover flap. The work is meant to keep the molding strip secured during passenger air bag deployment, so it does not come loose inside the cabin. Mercedes-Benz says the safety recall began on October 26, 2012, and the repair is free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| August 6, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V380?
Recall 12V380 covers 189 2002, 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 and G550 vehicles with a front passenger airbag cover issue. During airbag deployment, part of the molding strip can loosen and become a projectile inside the passenger compartment, increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers reinforce the connection for free.
What should I do if my 2002, 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55 or G550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V380. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the molding strip and airbag cover flap reinforcement. Reference recall number 12V380 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair covered safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will reinforce the connection between the molding strip and airbag cover flap free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 12V380 is injury during a front passenger airbag deployment. If the molding strip comes loose, it can become a projectile in the passenger compartment. Mercedes-Benz fixes the attachment issue for free through its dealer network.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz G-Class used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific G55 or G550 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 12V380.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V380000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V380 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V380000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →