Recall 16V829 covers 672 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and convertible vehicles for seat belt extender failure. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 672 2016-2017 AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, and S550 coupe and convertible vehicles under recall 16V829 because the seat belt extenders can fail to retract as intended and break in a crash. That defect can leave an occupant improperly restrained, increasing injury risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The seat belt extender in these 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, and S550 coupe and convertible models is the powered arm that presents the belt so the driver or passenger can reach it. After the belt is buckled, the extender is supposed to pull back into its stored position so the seat belt sits in the intended path across the occupant.
On affected vehicles, the control unit that moves the extender was coded incorrectly for the resistance in that mechanism. That coding error lets the extender stay out instead of retracting as intended. In a crash, an extender left out of position creates a risk that the extender breaks or interferes with the way the belt and other restraint parts manage occupant movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should treat an extender that stays out after buckling as related to the recall and have a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Spans AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, and S550 cars across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all involving the same seat belt component.
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG | seat belt |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | seat belt |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 | seat belt |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 | seat belt |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | seat belt |
| Units affected | 672 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a seat belt extender that fails to retract or breaks can leave the occupant improperly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Keep using the seat belt, and schedule the software update soon so the extender control unit is corrected. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, or S550 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free control-unit software update that corrects seat belt extender retraction.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V829 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair; the seat belt extender is part of the restraint system in a crash.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about scheduling or dealer availability.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the control unit software for the seat belt extender system. The software update is free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related seat belt extender repair before the recall notice, Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 16, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 5, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V829?
Recall 16V829 covers 672 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, and S550 vehicles with seat belt extenders that do not retract as intended and can break in a crash. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65, S65 AMG, AMG S63, or S550 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V829. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the control unit software update. Reference recall number 16V829 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the control unit software free of charge for vehicles included in recall 16V829.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V829?
The safety risk is reduced occupant restraint in a crash. If the seat belt extender does not retract or breaks, the seat occupant is not properly restrained, increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz addresses this with a free control unit software update.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mercedes-Benz is included in recall 16V829, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V829000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V829 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V829000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →