Recall 18V725 affects 4,073 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 and C 300 vehicles for an exposed battery cable. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4,073 2018 E 300 and C 300 vehicles because the starter battery cover can leave a live positive electrical wire exposed during certain crashes. A short circuit can deactivate emergency door unlocking for outside responders and increase fire risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 and C 300, the starter battery cover is supposed to shield the positive battery cable. That cable carries electrical power from the battery into the vehicle's electrical system, so the cover needs to keep the live cable separated from nearby metal parts.
In recall 18V725, the wrong battery cover was installed because of a documentation error after a design change. The incorrect cover does not fully cover the electrical cable on the starter battery. In certain crashes, a heavily deformed strut brace can contact the exposed live cable and short circuit the battery.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to the battery cover's shape and its position near the strut brace, so an owner will not hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the crash-related contact happens.
Who's affected?
Both listed models share the same battery-cable component, so the VIN decides which individual sedans are included.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 | battery |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | battery |
| Units affected | 4,073 |
| 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 sedan is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
If the battery shorts, emergency door unlocking from outside the vehicle is deactivated for a responder, and the short circuit increases the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before failure. 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 E 300 or C 300 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free positive pole cover replacement that covers the live battery wire.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or reference recall number 18V725 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about recall 18V725.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the positive pole cover so the starter battery's live positive wire is covered as intended. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Mercedes-Benz is not offering a separate reimbursement program for repairs before the owner notice because all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies to prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 31, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 23, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 23, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 27, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V725?
Recall 18V725 covers 4,073 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 and C 300 vehicles with a starter battery positive pole cover that does not fully cover the live positive wire. In certain crashes, the strut brace can deform, short the battery, disable emergency outside door unlocking, and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 or C 300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V725. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the positive pole cover. Reference recall number 18V725 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the positive pole cover free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to the battery short circuit described in recall 18V725. In certain crashes, a deformed strut brace can short the starter battery, deactivate emergency door unlocking for an outside responder, and increase fire risk. The free dealer repair replaces the positive pole cover.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 or C 300 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 18V725.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V725000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V725 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V725000 |
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 →