Recall 12V492 affects 499 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 and E550 coupes for improper right curtain air bag stitching. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz recalled 499 2012 E550 and E350 Coupe vehicles because improper stitching in the right side window curtain air bag can keep it from deploying as intended. In a crash that needs that air bag, it can deflate faster than intended, reducing occupant protection; the Mercedes-Benz dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The right side window curtain air bag in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 and E350 Coupe is built into the side of the roof area. In a side crash, it is supposed to drop down along the window opening and create a cushion between occupants and the door glass or side structure. That protection depends on the air bag unfolding in the correct shape at the correct moment.
On affected coupes, the stitching on the right side window curtain air bag was done improperly. The stitching holds parts of the fabric package together while still allowing the bag to open as designed during deployment. If that stitching changes how the fabric releases, the air bag can fail to deploy as intended, reducing the right side curtain protection Mercedes-Benz designed into the system.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the folded air bag assembly, so an owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel it during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers the E550 and E350 in the same model year, both tied to the side air bag component.
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 | side air bag |
| Units affected | 499 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the right window curtain air bag, improper stitching can let the bag deflate faster than intended. That reduces occupant protection and increases injury risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the air bag replacement with the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 or E350 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Mercedes-Benz owner notice, or call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 if you bought the coupe used or never received one.
- Ask a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer about recall number 12V492 and whether the free right side window curtain air bag replacement that corrects the improper stitching is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, and ask the dealer to document the completed air bag replacement on your repair order.
- Drive with added caution until the dealer confirms the repair is complete, because the right window curtain air bag can deflate faster than intended in a crash.
What happens at the repair
Mercedes-Benz has listed the dealer remedy as replacement of the right side window curtain air bag. Once the repair is available, a Mercedes-Benz technician will remove the affected curtain air bag and install a replacement unit so it can deploy as intended. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The filing does not provide a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the visit will take when you schedule.
Timeline
| October 9, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V492?
Recall 12V492 covers 499 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 and E350 coupes with improper stitching in the right side window curtain air bag. In a crash, that air bag can deflate too quickly and reduce occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the air bag for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Mercedes-Benz E550 or E350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coupe is included in recall 12V492. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the right side window curtain air bag. Reference recall number 12V492 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 12V492, Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the right side window curtain air bag free of charge, including parts and labor.
Is it safe to drive my 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 or E550 before the repair?
Recall 12V492 does not carry a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is tied to a crash that requires the right window curtain air bag to deploy. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair and ask Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 about any driving concerns.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the owner history. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 or E550 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 12V492.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V492000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V492 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V492000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →