Recall 18V405 covers 399 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles for a missing center rear child-seat tether. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 399 2018 Gla 250 vehicles because the child seat top tether anchorage point for the center rear seat was not installed as required. If that anchor is missing, a child seat cannot be properly installed in the center rear position, increasing injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The child seat top tether anchorage on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is the fixed attachment point for the upper strap on a forward-facing child seat. When installed, that tether helps keep the child seat secured to the rear seat and limits forward movement during a crash.
On affected vehicles, the top tether anchorage for the center rear seat position was left out of the rear seat backrest. Mercedes-Benz traced the problem to incorrect documentation during production, which allowed some vehicles to leave the plant without that anchor installed. The seat still has the center seating position, but the required tether point for a child restraint is missing.
The owner notice is physical, not electronic. During child seat installation in the center rear seat, the person installing the seat will find that the top tether anchorage point is not there.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | Connector/clip |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 399 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing top tether anchorage point prevents a child seat from being properly installed in the center rear seat position, increasing the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, avoid using that seat position for a child restraint until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear seat backrest replacement that restores the center rear child-seat tether anchorage.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V405 when you call.
- Avoid installing a child seat in the center rear seat until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the rear seat backrest so the center rear seating position has the required child seat top tether anchorage. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the vehicle's New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 15, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V405?
Recall 18V405 covers 399 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles with a missing child seat top tether anchorage point for the center rear seat. Without that anchor, a child seat will not be properly installed in that position, increasing injury risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the rear seat backrest for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V405. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear seat backrest replacement. Reference recall number 18V405 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be completed at no cost to the owner. Mercedes-Benz will replace the rear seat backrest free of charge at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V405?
The safety risk is improper child seat installation in the center rear seat. If the top tether anchorage point is missing, a child seat cannot be secured as required in that seating position, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 18V405.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V405000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V405 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V405000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →