Recall 19V868 covers 99 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, E63, and AMG E53 vehicles for incorrect driver air bag software. Free repair at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 99 2019 AMG E63S, E63, and AMG E53 vehicles because the issue involves an incorrect driver air bag and software version. In a crash, the restraint systems can fail to function as intended, increasing injury risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The driver frontal air bag in a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, E63, or AMG E53 is built into the steering wheel. In a frontal crash, the air bag module works with vehicle sensors and control software to deploy the bag at the calibrated time for that model.
On the affected vehicles, early production cars left the Vehicle Processing Center with an earlier driver air bag and software version. Those cars were supposed to receive updated, certified air bag hardware and software before release. Because that update was missed, the driver air bag setup does not match the certified production specification for these models.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the installed hardware and software version, not a wear item you can hear, feel, or see during normal driving. If the air bag warning light is on, treat that as a separate service concern and have a Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect it.
Who's affected?
The scope is limited to 3 Mercedes-Benz performance-car variants from the same model year, all tied to the front air bag component.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E63 | front air bag |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 99 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
During a crash, the wrong driver air bag and software version can keep the restraint systems from working as intended, increasing injury risk. There is no advance warning before the restraint system problem. Schedule the inspection soon and have the dealer replace the driver air bag or update the software if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, E63, or AMG E53 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free driver air bag inspection, replacement if needed, and software update that fixes the incorrect air bag and software version.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V868 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the dealer visit; the restraint system can fail to work as intended in a crash until the repair is complete.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions, and reference Mercedes-Benz recall 2020030001/2.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the driver's air bag, replaces it if needed, and updates the air bag software. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remain covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 13, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 13, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 24, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 24, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V868?
Recall 19V868 covers 99 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, E63, and AMG E53 vehicles recalled for inspection of the driver air bag and air bag software version. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the system and replace the driver's air bag or update the software as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S, E63, or AMG E53 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V868. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 2020030001/2. The dealer will inspect the driver air bag, replace it if needed, and update the air bag software for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V868, Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the driver air bag, replace it as needed, and update the air bag software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the restraint systems can fail to work as intended during a crash. Mercedes-Benz tied that risk to an incorrect driver air bag and software version, which increases the risk of injury. The dealer repair is free.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 AMG E63S, E63, or AMG E53 is included, then call a Mercedes-Benz dealer with recall number 2020030001/2.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V868000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V868 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V868000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →