Recall 18V872 affects 2 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and E 400 coupes for an unlocked steering coupling. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 2 2018 C 300 and E 400 coupes because the steering coupling has a manufacturing locking defect. The connection between the steering wheel and steering rack can loosen, reducing steering ability and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Mercedes-Benz makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The steering coupling in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and E 400 connects the steering column to the rest of the steering system. When you turn the wheel, this joint helps transfer that movement to the front wheels. The connection has to be locked correctly during assembly so the steering input reaches the wheels as designed.
On these coupes, Mercedes-Benz does not have confirmation that the steering coupling lock was documented correctly after assembly. The filing traces that gap to a software bug at the testing station that recorded the coupling lock status. Because the record is missing or unreliable, Mercedes-Benz cannot confirm the coupling was locked correctly on the recalled vehicles.
An owner should not expect a warning light, noise, or steering message before this problem shows up. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers two model lines built on separate single-day production windows, both tied to the steering system.
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 400 | steering system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or E 400 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering connection was not properly locked, it can loosen and reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the connection fails, so confirm your VIN and arrange dealer inspection promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or E 400 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to ask whether the steering-coupling inspection is ready for your VIN.
- Schedule the free steering-coupling inspection that confirms the connection between the steering wheel and steering rack is correctly locked.
- Bring the owner letter if Mercedes-Benz mailed one, or reference recall number 18V872 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the steering feels loose or does not respond normally.
What happens at the repair
When the dealer repair is available, a Mercedes-Benz technician will inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 18, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 31, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 31, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V872?
Recall 18V872 covers 2 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and E 400 coupes with a steering coupling that was not locked correctly during manufacturing. If that connection loosens, steering ability can be reduced, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or E 400 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coupe is included in recall 18V872. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the steering coupling inspection. The dealer will lock the coupling correctly if needed. Reference recall number 18V872000 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 inspect the steering coupling and lock it correctly if needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with this steering recall?
This recall involves steering control. If the steering coupling was not locked correctly, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering rack can come loose, reducing steering ability and increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN before relying on the vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V872000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V872 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V872000 |
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 →