Recall 18V609 affects 22 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S vehicles because the front passenger seat can over-adjust. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 22 2018 AMG E63S vehicles because the front passenger seat can move beyond its intended adjustment limit. If that happens, the official risk is increased passenger injury in a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger power seat in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S is supposed to move only within a defined travel range. That range matters because the seat position works with the air bag, belt, and vehicle structure during a crash. The seat control unit and the mechanical stops are the parts that keep the seat from moving past that intended limit.
On affected vehicles, the mechanical limit and seat software calibration do not restrict the front passenger seat to the current production specification. The seat can adjust farther than Mercedes-Benz intended. That places the passenger seat outside the tested range used during internal certification crash testing, which is why the seat needs an update and corrected adjustment limits.
There is no warning sign before failure. The passenger seat can still power forward and back, so an owner is not given a warning light, sound, or obvious change that confirms the travel range is wrong.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 22 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the passenger seat moves beyond its intended adjustment range, the occupant faces a higher risk of injury in a crash. There is no warning sign before this seat adjustment problem, so avoid forcing the seat past normal travel and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free front-passenger-seat adjustment-range inspection and repair that keeps the seat within its intended travel.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V609 when you call.
- Avoid using the front passenger seat at the far end of its adjustment travel until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the front passenger seat adjustment range. If the seat moves beyond its intended limit, the technician installs a mechanical adjustment range limiter or updates the seat control unit software. The inspection and any recall repair are free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 31, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V609?
Recall 18V609 covers 22 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S vehicles with a front passenger seat that can travel beyond its intended adjustment limit. In a crash, that seat position raises injury risk for the passenger. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the adjustment range and complete the needed seat repair for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S is included in recall 18V609. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the seat inspection. Reference recall 18V609 or Mercedes-Benz number 2018090013 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect the seat adjustment range for free. If needed, the dealer will install a mechanical adjustment range limitation or update the seat control unit software.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is higher passenger injury risk in a crash. The issue is the front passenger seat adjustment range, not the engine or brakes. If the seat is adjusted beyond its intended limit, its position increases the risk to the occupant during a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V609000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V609 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V609000 |
Source documents
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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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 →