Recall 15V711 covers 127,504 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C63, GLK350, C300, and C350 vehicles for corroding air bag control units. Repair is free at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 127,504 2008-2010 C63, GLK350, C300, and C350 vehicles because corrosion in the air bag control unit can make the unit malfunction. The defect can trigger an unexpected air bag deployment or keep the air bags from deploying in a crash, which increases injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will repair the vehicle free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The SRS air bag control unit in the 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C63, GLK350, C300, and C350 is the module that monitors crash sensors and commands the air bags when a deployment is needed. It sits above the transmission tunnel, where heat from the engine and transmission reaches the module during normal driving. The system depends on clean electrical connections inside that control unit.
In affected vehicles, a manufacturing problem left part of the control unit's power supply chip without enough protective coating. Corrosion can form in the semiconductor material, then make an internal layer swell. That swelling can interrupt tiny electrical paths inside the chip, causing the SRS control unit to malfunction instead of reading and responding correctly.
The warning sign is the SRS warning lamp on the dashboard. If that light comes on, the control unit has detected a restraint-system fault and the vehicle needs Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosis.
Who's affected?
Spans four Mercedes-Benz models across the 2008, 2009, and 2010 model years, all tied to the front air bag control module.
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 | front air bag |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 | front air bag |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 | front air bag |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 | front air bag |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C350 | front air bag |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 127,504 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A malfunctioning air bag control unit can deploy the air bags without warning. An unexpected deployment increases injury risk and the chance of a crash. The same malfunction can keep air bags from deploying in a crash that requires them. If the SRS warning lamp turns on, schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C63, GLK350, C300, or C350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free air bag control unit inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes the corrosion-related control unit malfunction.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V711 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the dealer inspection. The faulty air bag control unit can deploy the air bags unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the air bag control unit for corrosion or related malfunction and replaces the unit when inspection shows it needs replacement. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Mercedes-Benz used its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign, so owners who already paid for a related air bag control unit repair should ask customer service or the service desk how to submit documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V711?
Recall 15V711 covers 127,504 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C63, GLK350, C300, and C350 vehicles with an air bag control unit that can corrode and malfunction. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the unit and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz C63, GLK350, C300, or C350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V711. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the air bag control unit inspection. Reference recall number 15V711 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the air bag control unit and replace it if needed free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V711?
The safety risk is an air bag control unit malfunction. The defect can cause air bags to deploy unexpectedly, increasing injury and crash risk, or prevent air bags from deploying in a crash that needs air bag protection. The remedy is a free dealer inspection and replacement if needed.
When did Mercedes-Benz notify owners about recall 15V711?
Mercedes-Benz sent an interim owner notice on December 23, 2015, and the recall repair began on March 14, 2016. If you never received a letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 15V711.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V711000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V711 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V711000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →