Recall 20V608 affects 7 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 vehicles for a center-console lock defect. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 7 2019 C 300 vehicles because the center console lock system is not properly securing the lid. In a rear-end crash, the lid can open and raise injury risk for occupants, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect and repair the console free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The center console stowage compartment in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is the covered storage area between the front seats. Its lock system is supposed to keep the compartment door closed during normal driving and during a crash. That matters because the console sits inside the occupant area.
On the affected vehicles, the lock system does not meet current production specifications. Mercedes-Benz traced the issue to a supplier development deviation and a plastic latch that was designed too rigidly. In crash testing, that rigid latch caused the crash-lock mechanism to malfunction, allowing the center console compartment door to open during a simulated rear-end collision.
There is no warning sign before failure. The latch sits inside the console lock mechanism, so an owner will not get a dashboard light, noise, or other advance signal that the crash-lock feature will not hold the door closed in a rear impact.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 | Latches/locks/linkages |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a rear-end crash, the center console lid can open and raise injury risk for occupants. There is no warning sign before this happens, so confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer inspection soon if it is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free center-console lock inspection and replacement if needed, so the storage lid stays latched in a rear-end crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. Reference recall number 20V608 when you call.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about scheduling or owner notice status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician checks the center console storage compartment and replaces it if the lock system does not secure properly. The inspection, replacement parts, 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 the affected vehicles remain covered by warranty. Ask the service desk how that coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 9, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 1, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V608?
Recall 20V608 covers 7 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 vehicles with a center console lock-system that does not lock properly. In a rear-end crash, the console lid can open and increase injury risk to occupants. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the storage compartment and replace it when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V608. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the center console storage compartment inspection. Reference recall number 20V608 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2020100006 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz will inspect the center console storage compartment and replace it when needed free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury during a rear-end crash. If the center console lid opens during the crash, items or the lid itself can increase the risk of injury to occupants. The dealer repair addresses the lock-system problem at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V608000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V608 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V608000 |
Source documents
-
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →