Safety Campaigns · W204 / W205 / W206
Every manufacturer-issued safety recall and significant technical service bulletin for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class since 2007. Verify whether your specific vehicle is affected using the official DVSA and Mercedes-Benz recall databases.
The Mercedes C-Class has been subject to multiple safety recalls across three generations, primarily concerning airbag inflators, seatbelt pretensioners, and software-related drivetrain faults.
Use the VIN checker below to confirm your vehicle’s status, then review the full campaign table for details on each recall.
The following table lists all current and historical safety recalls issued by Mercedes-Benz AG and notified to the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Each entry includes the official recall reference number, affected chassis codes, production date range, and a plain-English summary of the defect and remedy. Data sourced from DVSA public records and cross-referenced with Mercedes-Benz UK dealer service bulletins [THIRD-PARTY].
| Recall Ref | Date Issued | Affected Models | VIN Range / Build Period | Issue | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/2018/342 | Nov 2018 | W205, S205, C205 | Jun 2014 – Mar 2017 | Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture during deployment due to propellant degradation in high-humidity environments | Replace front passenger airbag module with revised unit free of charge |
| R/2019/187 | Jul 2019 | W205, S205 | Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 | Seatbelt pretensioner pyrotechnic charge may fail to activate in certain frontal collisions | Inspect and replace front seatbelt assemblies where batch trace confirms affected supplier lot |
| R/2020/098 | Mar 2020 | W205 (OM654) | Sep 2017 – Jun 2019 | Engine control unit software may cause unintended reduction in engine power under sustained load | Update ECU software to latest calibration at authorised dealer |
| R/2021/215 | Sep 2021 | W206, S206 | Mar 2021 – Aug 2021 | Rear axle suspension arm bolt torque specification not met during assembly | Inspect rear suspension arm bolts; re-torque or replace fasteners as required |
| R/2016/401 | Dec 2016 | W204, S204, CL203 | Feb 2007 – Nov 2014 | Takata PSDI-5 driver airbag inflator may produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment | Replace driver airbag module with non-Takata replacement unit |
| R/2022/076 | Apr 2022 | W205 (M274) | Oct 2014 – Feb 2018 | Fuel vapour purge line connector may loosen over time, potentially allowing fuel odour into cabin | Replace purge line connector with revised locking design |
This list is updated quarterly against the DVSA recall database. If your vehicle appears in the VIN range above but you have not received notification, contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz retailer directly — recall completion is mandatory and cost-free regardless of ownership history. For the most authoritative real-time check, use the VIN verification tool below or consult the official GOV.UK recall checker.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) differ from safety recalls: they address known mechanical or electronic faults that do not pose an immediate safety risk but which Mercedes-Benz has documented for workshop reference. TSBs are not automatically repaired free of charge unless covered under warranty or goodwill policy. The following are the most frequently referenced TSBs for C-Class engines in our specialist network [EM-INTERVIEW].
Affected: OM651 engines, 2008–2015 build
Symptom: Cold-start rattle lasting 2–5 seconds, diminishing as oil pressure builds
Action: Inspect tensioner hydraulic damping function; replace with revised part number A6510500911 if wear exceeds specification. Not a safety recall, but widely recognised as preventative maintenance before chain stretch occurs [PATTERN DATA].
Affected: M274 petrol engines, 2012–2018 build
Symptom: Intermittent rattling noise at idle after warm-up; no fault codes stored
Action: Measure chain elongation via camshaft adaptation values in XENTRY; replace tensioner assembly if adaptation exceeds 8° crank angle. Commonly addressed during scheduled service rather than as standalone repair [EM-INTERVIEW].
Affected: W205 with NTG5 head unit, 2014–2017 build
Symptom: Screen freezes or restarts cyclically; Bluetooth pairing fails intermittently
Action: Update head unit firmware to v18.0 or later; reset MOST bus ring if update does not resolve. Typically resolved under goodwill for vehicles outside warranty [EM-INTERVIEW].
Affected: W205/W206 with 725.0 transmission, 2016–2021 build
Symptom: Judder or vibration between 30–50 mph in 4th–6th gear; worsens when cold
Action: Perform adaptive learning reset via XENTRY; flush and replace ATF with approved MB 236.17 fluid. Torque converter replacement only required if shudder persists post-adaptation [PATTERN DATA].
TSBs are referenced here for owner awareness and to support informed conversations with specialists. They do not constitute a guarantee of free repair. For confirmed diagnostic guidance tied to your specific symptom, use our free diagnostic wizard or consult a vetted Mercedes specialist through our network.
The only definitive way to confirm whether your specific vehicle is subject to an open recall is to enter its 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the official Mercedes-Benz recall lookup system. Your VIN is located on the V5C registration certificate, the driver’s side door pillar plate, or etched into the windscreen base.
This tool routes your enquiry to the official Mercedes-Benz UK recall database. Results are returned instantly. No personal data is stored.
If your VIN returns an open recall, book an appointment with any vetted Mercedes specialist in our network or an authorised dealer — recall work is always free. If no recalls appear but you suspect a fault, our symptom hub and fault code reference can help identify potential issues before they escalate.
Recalls address safety-critical defects identified by the manufacturer or regulator. They do not cover general wear items, maintenance failures, or faults arising from previous owner neglect. Understanding this distinction prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary expectation of free repair.
If your fault falls outside recall scope but matches a known pattern, our repair-replace-scrap framework applies the Mercedes 70% threshold to help determine whether repair remains financially sensible for your vehicle’s current value [PATTERN DATA].
Enter your 17-character VIN into the checker above or visit the official GOV.UK vehicle recall service. Both sources query the same DVSA database and return results instantly. You can also contact any Mercedes-Benz retailer with your VIN — they will confirm status and book the repair if needed.
Yes. Safety recalls are mandated by law and must be completed at no cost to the vehicle owner, regardless of age, mileage, or number of previous keepers. This includes parts, labour, and any associated diagnostics. Authorised dealers and many independent specialists in our vetted network can perform recall work.
A recall addresses a safety defect and is legally enforceable — the manufacturer must notify owners and fix it free of charge. A TSB documents a known non-safety fault for workshop reference; repairs are only free if the vehicle is under warranty or the manufacturer offers goodwill coverage. TSBs are valuable for diagnosis but do not carry the same legal obligation.
Not necessarily. This page covers the most significant campaigns for W204, W205, and W206 generations. Earlier models (W203, W202) and niche variants (CL203 coupe, S202 estate) may have separate campaigns. Always verify via VIN check rather than relying solely on published lists. If your chassis code isn’t shown, use the C-Class hub to navigate to your specific generation.
Part of the Engine Finders network. We route your enquiry to vetted, rated, and reviewed Mercedes engine specialists — independent workshops who know these engines properly. No call centres. No pushy sales.
Or explore your options first: read our repair-replace-scrap framework to understand the 70% threshold we apply to every Mercedes recommendation.