Recall 12V478 affects 432 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class vehicles because R1234yf refrigerant can ignite after refrigerant-line rupture. Free dealer repair.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 432 2013 Sl-Class vehicles originally equipped with R1234yf refrigerant because an air conditioner refrigerant line can rupture in a severe frontal crash. Released refrigerant can ignite under specific conditions and spread fire to nearby combustible materials; the dealer repair will be free once Mercedes-Benz makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The air-conditioner refrigerant line on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class carries R1234yf refrigerant through the climate-control system. Under normal driving, that closed line lets the air conditioner move refrigerant without releasing it into the engine compartment. The recall centers on the line and refrigerant used in the original system.
Mercedes-Benz testing looked at severe frontal crash conditions that rupture the air-conditioner refrigerant line. When the line ruptures, refrigerant escapes as a gas mixture into the engine compartment instead of staying sealed inside the air-conditioning circuit. That release is the defect described in recall 12V478.
There is no warning sign before failure. The line is not described as wearing out during normal use; the problem appears when crash forces rupture the line and release refrigerant where it does not belong.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class | Air conditioner |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 432 |
Not every 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Escaping R1234yf refrigerant can ignite under specific conditions. A fire that starts there can spread to nearby combustible materials, so if your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and avoid delaying service. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask whether the free refrigerant and hose replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V478 when you call the dealer.
- Schedule the refrigerant and hose replacement that removes the R1234yf refrigerant and installs R134a-specific refrigerant lines.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, along with any service records for air-conditioning refrigerant work.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician removes the R1234yf air conditioning refrigerant and replaces it with R134a. The technician also installs new refrigerant lines and hoses designed for R134a, so the air conditioning system matches the recall remedy. Mercedes-Benz began the safety recall on November 8, 2012, and the remedy is provided free of charge. If your VIN is included, ask the service desk to confirm the refrigerant conversion and hose replacement are complete before the vehicle is returned.
Timeline
| October 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V478?
Recall 12V478 covers 432 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class vehicles equipped with R1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. In severe frontal-crash testing, a ruptured refrigerant line released gas into the engine compartment, where it can ignite under specific conditions. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the refrigerant and lines for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sl-Class is included in recall 12V478. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for the recall repair. The dealer replaces the R1234yf refrigerant with R134a and installs new refrigerant lines at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz states this remedy is free. A franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer replaces the refrigerant and refrigerant lines for affected vehicles.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V478?
The risk is fire after a severe frontal crash. Recall 12V478 involves R1234yf refrigerant escaping from a ruptured air-conditioning line into the engine compartment. Mercedes-Benz testing found the released refrigerant can ignite under specific conditions and spread to other combustible materials.
When did the Mercedes-Benz Sl-Class recall repair begin?
The safety recall repair began on November 8, 2012. If your VIN is included now, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 12V478 when you ask for the refrigerant and refrigerant-line replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V478000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V478 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V478000 |
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 →