Recall 18V761 covers 119 2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for CPC software resets that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 119 2019 vehicles, including the C 300, Cls 450, E 450, AMG C43, and G 550, because the Central Powertrain Controller control unit can reset while driving. That reset can stall the engine and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Central Powertrain Controller, or CPC, is an electronic control unit in affected 2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It coordinates powertrain functions, including engine control inputs, so the engine and transmission respond correctly while the vehicle is moving. Think of it as a software-driven traffic controller for key drivability commands.
In this recall, supplier coding left some CPC software outside Mercedes-Benz specifications. The control unit can reset while the vehicle is being driven. A reset interrupts the controller's normal communication, and that interruption can cause the engine to stall. Vehicles with the correct CPC software versions are not part of this defect group.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to see a dashboard message, hear a noise, or feel a gradual change before the CPC reset happens.
Who's affected?
Spans 8 Mercedes-Benz model lines from the 2019 model year, all tied to electrical system software.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cls 450 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz G63 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 119 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Mercedes-Benz model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can leave the vehicle without power while traffic is moving, which increases the risk of a crash. If the engine stalls, move out of traffic when it is safe, stop the vehicle, and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cls 450, C 300, E 450, AMG C43, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, G 550, or G63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free CPC control-unit software update that fixes the reset condition that can stall the engine.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V761 and Mercedes-Benz recall 2019030012 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the Central Powertrain Controller control unit software. The software update and labor are free under recall 18V761. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the 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
| October 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 12, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V761?
Recall 18V761 covers 119 2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with central powertrain controller software that can reset while driving and stall the engine. An engine stall increases crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the CPC control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V761. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the CPC control unit software update. Reference recall number 18V761 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 update the CPC control unit software free of charge. The recall repair has been available since April 12, 2019.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine stall while driving. The central powertrain controller can reset, which can stop engine power and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free software update with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought the Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019 Mercedes-Benz is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 18V761.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V761000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V761 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V761000 |
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 →