Recall 18V909 covers 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and AMG C43 vehicles with ESP software blocking parking-brake release. Free repair at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 675 2019 C 300 and AMG C43 vehicles because ESP software can keep the electronic parking brake from disengaging after the vehicle is parked. Turning off ESP to move the vehicle can increase crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Electronic Stability Program, or ESP, on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and AMG C43 helps manage wheel braking and engine power when the vehicle starts to slip. It also communicates with the electronic parking brake, the motorized brake that holds the car still after you park and exit.
On affected vehicles, supplier coding in the ESP software leaves the sleep-mode function outside Mercedes-Benz specification. After the vehicle has been parked, the software blocks normal release of the electronic parking brake when you return to drive away, unless ESP is switched off. That incorrect state also disables ESP function and creates a situation where the parking brake is not active when the vehicle is left.
Before this happens, the brake light stays on and a warning message appears in the instrument cluster. Those are the warning signs that the ESP and electronic parking brake are not working together as intended.
Who's affected?
Both listed C-Class variants share the same 2 component categories: electrical system software and parking brake.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | Parking brake |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | electrical system software |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 675 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the ESP system is deactivated, the vehicle has less stability support, which increases the risk of a crash. A brake light that stays on and a warning message in the instrument cluster are signs to schedule service soon and drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or AMG C43 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free ESP software update that fixes the electronic parking brake disengagement issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V909 when you call.
- Keep ESP active while driving and ask the dealer for guidance if the electronic parking brake will not disengage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the ESP system software. The update addresses the parking-brake control issue described in the recall, where the electronic parking brake can stay engaged after the vehicle has been parked and exited unless ESP is deactivated. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Mercedes-Benz used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for this ESP software repair before recall service, ask Mercedes-Benz customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 4, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 4, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 29, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 29, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V909?
Recall 18V909 covers 675 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 and AMG C43 vehicles with ESP software that can keep the electronic parking brake from disengaging after the vehicle is parked and exited. Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the ESP system software for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or AMG C43 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V909. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the ESP software update. Reference recall number 18V909 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2018120025 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 ESP system software free of charge. You can also contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with recall number 2018120025.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased crash risk if the vehicle is driven with the ESP system deactivated. The software issue involves the electronic parking brake not disengaging after parking and exiting the vehicle unless ESP is turned off.
What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz C 300 or AMG C43 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 or AMG C43 is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer for the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V909000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V909 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V909000 |
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 →