Recall 20V298 covers 640 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 vehicles with an incorrect passenger air bag. Free repair at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 640 2012 C250, C300, C350, and AMG C63 vehicles because a prior recall repair installed the wrong front passenger air bag assembly on some cars. The incorrect air bag can leave the front passenger with inadequate protection in a crash, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger airbag module in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 sits behind the passenger-side dashboard. In a crash severe enough to deploy the airbags, it is supposed to inflate in the correct position and with the correct performance for that carline. It helps protect the front passenger.
On affected vehicles, the passenger airbag assembly had already been replaced under an earlier recall. During that dealer repair, the wrong replacement passenger airbag was installed. Mercedes-Benz traced the issue to dealer work instructions that were not followed, which left affected vehicles with an airbag module that was not approved for that specific model line.
You will not get a warning sign before this problem matters. There is no light, sound, or drivability change that tells you the passenger airbag is the wrong part.
Who's affected?
Covers AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 variants using the same front passenger air bag module.
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 | front air bag |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 | front air bag |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 640 |
| 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 car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect passenger air bag can fail to provide adequate crash protection for the front passenger, increasing injury risk in a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon if your vehicle is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, C250, C300, or C350 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag module replacement that corrects the wrong replacement front passenger air bag.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V298 when you call.
- Ask the dealer how long the air bag module replacement takes and whether parts are ready for your vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the passenger air bag module covered by this recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to correct this recall condition, MBUSA offers reimbursement review for documented parts, labor, fees, and taxes. Reimbursement can be capped at the amount the repair would have cost at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Bring your repair paperwork and payment proof to the service desk, or contact MBUSA customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 22, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 29, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 26, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V298?
Recall 20V298 covers 640 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, C250, C300, and C350 vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under an earlier recall. A wrong replacement passenger air bag module was installed in affected vehicles, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace it for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, C250, C300, or C350 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V298. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the passenger air bag module replacement. Reference recall number 20V298 and Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020060011 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will replace the passenger air bag module free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced passenger protection in a crash. An incorrect front passenger air bag module can fail to provide adequate protection for the front passenger, increasing injury risk. The fix is a free passenger air bag module replacement at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 Mercedes-Benz is included, then call a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall 20V298.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V298000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V298 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V298000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →