2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz Recall 26V281: Blank Panel

Recall 26V281 covers 144,049 2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz vehicles because the instrument panel display can go blank. Repair will be free once available.

What's wrong?

The affected part is the infotainment control unit software in certain 2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This control unit supports the instrument panel display, the screen the driver uses for key vehicle information while the vehicle is moving. When it works correctly, that display stays active and readable during normal driving.

On affected vehicles, the infotainment control unit can reset while the vehicle is in motion. During that reset, the instrument panel display goes blank instead of continuing to show the driver information Mercedes-Benz designed it to show. The problem is in the software controlling that unit, not a cracked or worn mechanical part.

Mercedes-Benz does not list a dashboard warning or symptom before the reset. There is no warning sign before failure. If the instrument panel suddenly goes blank while driving, that blank display is the failure condition described in recall 26V281.

Who's affected?

Spans Mercedes-Benz sedans, coupes, cabriolets, wagons, and SUVs across 2024-2026, all tied to the same instrument-panel software.

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

What's the safety risk?

An instrument panel display failure can hide the speedometer and warning lights, which makes it harder to judge speed and respond to safety warnings and increases crash risk. If the display stops showing this information, pull over when safe and call a Mercedes-Benz dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once available.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Mercedes-Benz vehicle is included in recall 26V281.
2. Wait for the Mercedes-Benz owner letter before scheduling the software update, unless Mercedes-Benz customer service or a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer confirms the repair is open.
3. Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer once the repair opens to schedule the free infotainment control unit software update that fixes the blank instrument panel display.
4. Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V281 when you call.
5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Watch for the instrument panel display going blank, including loss of the speedometer or warning lights.

What happens at the repair

Once Mercedes-Benz opens the recall repair, a Mercedes-Benz technician will update the infotainment control unit software. The update is intended to stop the control unit from resetting while the vehicle is moving, which can leave the instrument panel display blank. Parts and labor will be covered under the recall. Owner letters are expected on June 26, 2026, so contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer after your VIN is confirmed and ask when the software update can be performed.

Timeline

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More information

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →