Recall 19V540 covers 1,957 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for an Active Brake Assist radar software error. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,957 2019-2020 vehicles, including C 300, E 300, S560, and Gle 350 models with the Driver Assistance Package, because a software error in the radar sensor control unit can impair Active Brake Assist. When the system does not apply partial or full braking as expected, crash risk increases; Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The radar sensor control unit is the computer that reads information from the forward radar sensor in these 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the Driver Assistance Package. It helps Active Brake Assist judge closing speed and distance to traffic ahead. When the system sees a collision risk, it supports visual and audible warnings and automatic braking assistance.
On affected vehicles, the control unit has software that was coded incorrectly by the supplier. That software does not match the current production specification. During internal testing, the automatic braking part of Active Brake Assist worked only sporadically, so the feature does not perform as designed.
There is no advance warning that the software fault is present. The driver is still alerted by the visual and audible warning from Active Brake Assist, but the braking support itself is the part affected by this recall.
Who's affected?
Spans passenger cars and SUVs across the 2019-2020 model years, all tied to the radar sensing system.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S | Radar |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cls 450 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 450 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E 300 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S 450 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | Radar |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 350 | Radar |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Gle 450 | Radar |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53 | Radar |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 | Radar |
| Units affected | 1,957 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An impaired Active Brake Assist system can fail to apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing crash risk. There is no advance warning before the failure mechanism, although the driver still gets the system's visual and audible Active Brake Assist alerts. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, Cls 450, C 300, E 450, E 300, S 450, AMG C43, AMG CLS53, AMG E53, S560, AMG S63, AMG S65, AMG C63, Gle 350, Gle 450, AMG GT53, or Glc 300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free radar sensor control unit software update that fixes the impaired Active Brake Assist function.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V540 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the repair, and do not rely on Active Brake Assist to brake for you.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician updates the radar sensor control unit software for vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. The recall repair is available now, and 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, since all 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
| July 19, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| July 26, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 13, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 13, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V540?
Recall 19V540 covers 1,957 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the Driver Assistance Package. A radar sensor control unit software error can impair Active Brake Assist, so the system does not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V540. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the radar sensor control unit software update. Reference recall number 19V540 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2019080008 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers update the radar sensor control unit software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 19V540.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced automatic braking support from Active Brake Assist. If the radar sensor control unit software does not work as intended, the system does not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began September 13, 2019. Mercedes-Benz dealers update the radar sensor control unit software for free. If you never received a notice, check your VIN and call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 19V540.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V540000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V540 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V540000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 →