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Mercedes-Benz seat recalls: switches, limiters and headrests that matter in crashes
The 2021 model year dominates this group, and the front passenger seat's position relative to the airbag comes up twice. On 2021 E350, E450 and E450 Wagon plus 2019-2021 AMG E53 and 2020-2021 AMG E63 models, either the mechanical seat adjustment range limit stop is missing or the passenger seat limiter lets the seat sit too close to the airbag. A faulty contact in the seat position switch on 2021 C-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door and G-Class vehicles can keep airbag protection from working. Cabriolet rear headrests are mounted incorrectly, and 2019 Sprinter front seat height adjusters have a weak weld.
Warning signs to watch for
- The front passenger seat slides farther forward than it should, closer to the airbag
- A rear headrest on a Cabriolet feels loose or moves in its seatback guides
- A Sprinter front seat feels loose or unstable at the height adjuster
- Most of these defects give no warning during normal driving — they only show up in a crash
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these five recalls carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction, and the notices say the vehicles are safe to use while you schedule the free repair. The risk is crash risk, not breakdown risk: the seat position switch may leave you without proper airbag protection, and the seats and headrests can move in a collision. Until the passenger seat limiter recalls are repaired, keep the front passenger seat slid back rather than far forward, and be mindful of who rides in an affected Cabriolet rear seat.
What the free repair involves
Each repair is free at the dealer. Dealers replace the seat position switches, replace the front seat tilt adjuster on Sprinter vans, inspect for the mechanical seat adjustment range limit stop and install it if it is missing, recalibrate the passenger seat limiter, and inspect the rear seatback guide bushings on Cabriolet models and replace them where needed.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 4 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-05-28 | Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet rear headrests may be mounted incorrectly | medium |
| 2021-04-01 | Mercedes-Benz seat switch may disable airbags in crash | high |
| 2021-03-26 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class passenger seat sits too close to airbag | medium |
| 2020-10-30 | Mercedes-Benz front passenger seat slides too far forward | medium |
| 2019-11-06 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter front seats may shift in a crash | medium |
Common questions
Will I be able to tell if my seat is affected?
Usually not. These defects mainly matter during a crash. The clearest sign is a front passenger seat that adjusts beyond its normal range, or a Cabriolet rear headrest that feels loose. Check your VIN with MBUSA at 1-800-367-6372.
Why is the passenger seat limiter a safety problem?
With the range limit stop missing or the limiter out of calibration, the passenger seat can sit too close to the air bag, raising injury risk when it deploys. Keep the seat slid back until the repair is done.
Which models have the seat position switch defect?
MBUSA lists certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles, and points to its recall report for exact model details. Call 1-800-367-6372 with your VIN to confirm.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.