Recall 18V838 affects 104,663 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLC vehicles for passenger-air-bag display errors. Free update at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 104,663 2018-2019 C 300, AMG GLC63S, and other vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units because the passenger air bag status can display incorrectly. If the display says ON when the passenger air bag is off, a front passenger has less protection in a crash; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger air bag status display in these 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz vehicles depends on several parts working together. The seat mat and automatic child seat recognition system detect who or what is in the front passenger seat. The Audio 20 head unit then sends that status to the center console display, where the air bag on or off light tells the driver how the passenger air bag is set.
On the recalled vehicles, a signal logic error disrupts that message between the seat mat, the head unit, and the display. The air bag status is not transmitted to the display correctly. During Mercedes-Benz's review, vehicles showed conflicting air bag on and off lights, and testing confirmed that the wrong light can also be shown.
What you notice is tied to that display. You can see an incorrect passenger air bag status, including both lights at the same time. In other cases, there is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
The scope spans C-Class and GLC variants from the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same air bag system component.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 350 E | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Glc 350 E | air bag system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 | air bag system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 | air bag system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 | air bag system |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 | air bag system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E | air bag system |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 | air bag system |
| Units affected | 104,663 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect passenger air bag status display can show ON while the passenger air bag is not active. A front seat passenger can think the air bag will deploy in a crash when it will not, increasing injury risk. The display itself is the warning sign, but there is not always advance warning. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300, AMG GLC63S, C 350 E, C 300 4MATIC, AMG C63S, Glc 350 E, AMG C63, AMG C43, Glc 300, AMG GLC43, AMG GLC63, or GLC350E is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free Audio 20 software update that corrects the passenger air bag status display.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V838 when you call.
- Treat an incorrect passenger air bag display as a safety issue until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the Audio 20 head unit software so the passenger side air bag status displays correctly. The software update and related labor are free under the recall. MBUSA is not providing a separate reimbursement notice for this campaign because all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. If you already paid for related work, ask the service desk how the new vehicle warranty applies to your prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 3, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 9, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 9, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V838?
Recall 18V838 covers 104,663 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and GLC vehicles with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The passenger air bag status can display incorrectly. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the audio head unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class or GLC is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V838. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the audio head unit software update. Reference recall number 18V838 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2018120009 when you call.
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 audio head unit software free of charge. The remedy became available when the recall began on January 3, 2019.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the passenger air bag status display can show 'ON' when the air bag will not deploy in a crash. A front seat passenger then lacks accurate air bag status information, increasing injury risk. The dealer repair corrects the software issue for free.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your exact vehicle is included, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 18V838 if the recall is open on your VIN.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V838000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V838 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V838000 |
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 →