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Mercedes-Benz E 300 Recall 20V449: Seat Belt Warning May Not Sound or Blink When Unbuckled

NHTSA campaign 20V449, reported July 31, 2020, 56 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Some Mercedes-Benz vehicles that previously had their instrument cluster replaced may have software that does not properly run the front seat belt warning. Instead of a blinking light with an audible tone, the system may only show a solid light when the driver or front passenger seat belt is unfastened.

Without the audible tone and blinking light, front occupants may forget to buckle up. Not wearing a seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost. Owners can contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and reference recall number 2020080015. You can also check your VIN for open recalls on the NHTSA website.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V449Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Problem
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
Risk
Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Mercedes-Benz C 3002019
Mercedes-Benz CLS 4502019
Mercedes-Benz E 300201720182019
Mercedes-Benz E 4002018
Mercedes-Benz E 4502019
Mercedes-Benz S 4502019
Mercedes-Benz S 56020182019