Recall 18V905 covers 809 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S and AMG GLC63 SUVs for delayed passenger air bag deployment. Free repair at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 809 2018-2019 AMG GLC63S and AMG GLC63 vehicles because the frontal air bag can deploy late for certain unbelted front-seat passengers in a crash. That delayed deployment can increase injury risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag in the 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S and AMG GLC63 is part of the restraint system for the front passenger seat. Its inflator fills the air bag cushion during a qualifying crash, while the air bag control unit is the computer that reads crash forces and commands the timing of deployment.
On affected vehicles, the control unit software parameters were not matched to the crash behavior of the AMG GLC variant. Mercedes-Benz found that this AMG version has a different crash pulse than other GLC variants, and it needs specific air bag control unit settings. With the wrong settings, the passenger frontal air bag can deploy late for an unbelted front seat passenger in a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the crash-sensing software setup, so the vehicle does not give the driver or passenger an advance alert before the air bag is needed.
Who's affected?
Covers both AMG GLC63 and AMG GLC63S across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with the same front air bag component listed for each.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S | front air bag |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 | front air bag |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 809 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Delayed air bag deployment increases the risk of injury in a crash because the restraint system reacts later than intended. There is no warning sign before this failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S or AMG GLC63 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free air bag control unit software update that corrects delayed frontal passenger air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V905 when you call.
- Keep front-seat passengers belted until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the air bag control unit software parameters so the frontal air bag deployment logic matches the recall repair. The software update and labor are free 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. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 15, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 15, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 1, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V905?
Recall 18V905 covers 809 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S and AMG GLC63 vehicles with frontal passenger air bag software that delays deployment for certain unbelted front seat passengers in a crash. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the air bag control unit software parameters for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63S or AMG GLC63 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V905. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the air bag control unit software update. Reference recall number 18V905 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2019020004 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 update the air bag control unit software parameters free of charge. The remedy is available now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is delayed frontal air bag deployment for certain unbelted front seat passengers during a crash. That delay increases the risk of injury. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If you never received the original notice, check your VIN and reference recall 18V905 when you contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V905000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V905 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V905000 |
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 →