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Campaign 21V072 Posted February 12, 2021 67 units

2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz Recall 21V072: eCall Disabled

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 21V072 affects 67 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for a disabled Emergency Call system. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 67 2017-2021 vehicles, including C300, E300, GLA 250, and AMG E53 models, under recall 21V072 because the communication module was inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, disabling the Emergency Call (eCall) function. A Mercedes-Benz dealer will reactivate the module free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The communication module in these Mercedes-Benz vehicles is the onboard cellular unit that links the car to outside networks. Its most important job is the Emergency Call (eCall) function: in a serious crash, the module automatically contacts emergency services, shares the vehicle's location, and opens a voice line to the occupants. It also powers the Mercedes me connect features owners use through the app and the head unit.

During certain dealership service visits, a software error in the workshop diagnostic tool inadvertently switched off the communication module. Once deactivated, the module stopped transmitting. The car drives normally, but the eCall function will not place an automatic emergency call after a crash, and Mercedes me connect features stop working.

There is a warning sign. Owners often notice the Mercedes me connect features acting up, or see the head unit display showing that the SOS function is not available. Either signal points to a deactivated communication module.

Who's affected?

Spans 25 model variants across the C, E, S, CLA, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, CLS, and AMG GT lines from the 2017 to 2021 model years, all sharing the same HERMES NAFTA communication module software.

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Auto crash notification
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Communication
2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 Auto crash notification
2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 Communication
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 Auto crash notification
Units affected67
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this recall.

What's the safety risk?

A disabled eCall system blocks the vehicle from reaching the emergency call center after a crash, which delays responders and raises the risk of serious injury. Watch for Mercedes me connect functions that stop working or a headunit message that SOS is not available, and schedule the inspection soon if either appears. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free communication-module inspection and activation that restores the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
  3. Reference recall number 21V072 when you call the dealer, and bring the owner notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one.
  4. Call Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about the recall or your appointment.
  5. Avoid relying on the in-vehicle Emergency Call button until the dealer confirms the eCall system has been reactivated.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician inspects the communication module and activates it if needed. The fix is a software activation, and parts and labor are free under the recall. If you previously paid out of pocket to have the Emergency Call function restored, Mercedes-Benz plans to provide pre-notice reimbursement under its standard reimbursement plan. Bring your receipts and any service records to the dealer service desk, or contact Mercedes-Benz customer service to start a reimbursement claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

February 12, 2021 NHTSA published the recall
February 22, 2021 Dealer notification began
February 22, 2021 Dealer notification ended
March 31, 2021 Owner notification mailed
April 13, 2021 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
April 13, 2021 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 21V072?

Recall 21V072 covers 67 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles across C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, and AMG variants. The communication module was inadvertently deactivated during a prior service visit, which can disable the Emergency Call (eCall) function. Dealers will inspect and reactivate the module for free.

What should I do if my 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V072. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the communication module inspection and activation. Reference recall number 21V072 when you call. The repair is free, and Mercedes-Benz customer service is reachable at 1-800-367-6372.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if necessary, free of charge, at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased.

What is the safety risk of a disabled eCall system?

A disabled Emergency Call system prevents a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center after a crash or medical emergency. That delay in reaching responders increases the risk of injury. The vehicle is otherwise drivable, and the dealer reactivates the module at no cost.

What if I bought my Mercedes-Benz used?

The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Mercedes-Benz never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, and reference recall number 21V072 when you call the dealer.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V072000
Mercedes-Benz customer service1-800-367-6372
NHTSA recall #21V072
NHTSA recall # (full)21V072000

Source documents

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 →