Recall 18V456 covers 10,826 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet vehicles because rear beltline trim can separate. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 10,826 2017-2018 C 300, C300, AMG C43, AMG C63, AMG C63S, and C63S AMG Cabriolet vehicles because a production bonding problem can let the rear beltline trim separate from the vehicle. If the trim comes off while driving, it becomes a road hazard and raises crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear beltline trim on 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300, C300, AMG C43, AMG C63, AMG C63S, and C63S AMG cabriolets is an exterior body trim piece near the rear side opening. It uses a bonded aluminum profile attached to a base part, so the trim stays fixed to the vehicle while the body flexes and moves in normal driving.
On included vehicles, the supplier production process did not ensure proper primer application before bonding the aluminum profile to the base part. Without that primer, the bond does not meet the intended strength. The aluminum profile is at risk of peeling away from the base part and separating from the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem is hidden in the bond, occupants do not get advance notice before the rear beltline trim separates.
Who's affected?
Spans AMG and C 300/C300 variants across 2017 and 2018, all tied to body structure.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | body structure |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 | body structure |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | body structure |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | body structure |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz C63S AMG | body structure |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | body structure |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | body structure |
| Units affected | 10,826 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear beltline trim separates while driving, it becomes a road hazard and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation, so schedule the inspection soon and avoid driving if the trim looks loose. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S, C 300, C300, AMG C43, AMG C63, or C63S AMG is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free rear beltline trim inspection and replacement that fixes the trim separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V456 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the rear beltline trim looks loose or starts separating.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the rear beltline trim and replaces the trim when the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Owners who already paid for a related rear beltline trim repair can use Mercedes-Benz's standard reimbursement plan. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and any related service paperwork to the dealer service desk or contact MBUSA customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 9, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V456?
Recall 18V456 covers 10,826 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet vehicles with rear beltline trim that can separate because of a bonding issue from production. If the trim separates while driving, it can become a road hazard and increase crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the trim and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V456. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the rear beltline trim inspection. Reference recall number 18V456 when you call. The inspection and any needed trim replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers inspect the rear beltline trim and replace it if needed free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V456?
The risk is road debris from the vehicle itself. If the rear beltline trim separates while driving, it can land in traffic and create a road hazard, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair path is to inspect the trim and replace it if needed.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cabriolet is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 18V456.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V456000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V456 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V456000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →