Seat Belt Warning System Not Operating Properly – 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz

July 31, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V449000

Seat Belt Warning System Not Operating Properly

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.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V449

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

Components SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 56

 

Summary

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.

 

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.

 

Check if your Mercedes-Benz has a Recall

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM:  Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Initial Notification Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster MY17-19 205 213 222 238 257 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class)	DATE: August 7, 2020

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FORMERCEDES.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance & Analysis

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Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :		Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster
TBA	20V449	20P2197278
This is to notify you of a new Recall Campaign to update the software for the seat belt warning in the instrument cluster in 56  Model Year (“MY”) 2017-2019 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform), S-Class (222 platform), E-Class Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) and CLSClass (257 platform) vehicles.  The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers.  Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “PENDING” on August 7, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-19 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform), S-Class (222 platform), EClass Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) and CLS-Class (257 platform) vehicles, the seat belt warning system does not meet  current production specifications. If the driver or passenger seat belt is not fastened, the seat belt warning would not warn the driver as intended by means of a blinking warning lamp in the instrument cluster and an audible warning tone, but only with a permanently activated warning lamp. Thus, the driver would not receive the full scope of intended warnings in the event of an unfastened seatbelt. An unfastened seatbelt increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.  The customer may be made aware of the issue by the absence of the blinking warning lamp and the audible warning tone if the vehicle is driven without the seat belt fastened.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall.  An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the (SCN) -Coding of the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.
Parts		Remedy is not available at this time. An additional notification will be sent once the remedy is available.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2017-2019
Vehicle Model		C-Class, E-Class, S-Class,  E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		56
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		0
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new  MY17-19 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible  and CLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.  Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo.  Once the repair is complete the vehicle may be sold or leased. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent MY17-19 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, EClass Coupe/Convertible  and CLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline			Customer letters will be mailed approximately one week after the remedy becomes available.
AOMS/SOMS			AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners			This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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TO: Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers	FROM:  Gregory Gunther, Department Manager, Vehicle Compliance and Analysis, Engineering Services
RE: Recall Campaign Launch Notification Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster MY17-19 205 213 222 238 257 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class)	DATE:  August 28, 2020

 

IMPORTANT RECALL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

 

Please see the attached documents related to the campaign listed above.

 

Please note that all customer inquiries should be directed to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FORMERCEDES.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory Gunther

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Recall Campaign Launch Notification				August 28, 2020
Campaign No. :	NHTSA ID	Campaign Desc. :		Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster
2020080015	20V449	20P5499711
This is to notify you of the Recall Campaign Launch to update the software for the seat belt warning in the instrument cluster in 56  Model Year (“MY”) 2017-2019 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform), S-Class (222 platform), E-Class Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) and CLS-Class (257 platform) vehicles.  The recall campaign will be visible on the www.safercar.gov website and may generate questions from customers. Affected VINs will be flagged in VMI as “OPEN” on August 28, 2020.
Background
Issue		Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-19 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform), S-Class (222 platform), E-Class Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) and CLS-Class (257 platform) vehicles, the seat belt warning system does not meet current production specifications. If the driver or passenger seat belt is not fastened, the seat belt warning would not warn the driver as intended by means of a blinking warning lamp in the instrument cluster and an audible warning tone, but only with a permanently activated warning lamp. Thus, the driver would not receive the full scope of intended warnings in the event of an unfastened seatbelt. An unfastened seatbelt increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.  The customer may be made aware of the issue by the absence of the blinking warning lamp and the audible warning tone if the vehicle is driven without the seat belt fastened.
What We’re Doing		MBUSA will conduct a voluntary recall.  An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the (SCN) -Coding of the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.
Parts		The remedy is available and can be performed.
Vehicles Affected
Vehicle Model Year(s)		2017-2019
Vehicle Model		C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class
Vehicle Populations
Total Recall Population		56
Total Vehicles in Dealer Inventory		0
Given this notice, it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to sell or lease any new MY17-19 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class vehicles in dealer inventory covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.  Once the remedy is available, the vehicles will be flagged as “OPEN” and Work Instructions will be available in Star TekInfo.  Once the repair is complete the vehicle may be sold or leased. Loaner and demonstrator vehicles may continue to be driven, but must not be retailed until repaired. Additionally, given this notice, it is a violation of Federal Law for car rental companies to rent MY17-19 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, EClass Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class vehicles covered by this notification until the vehicle has been repaired.
Next Steps/Notes
Customer Notification Timeline			Customer letters will be mailed on September 8, 2020.
AOMS/SOMS			AOMs – This recall may generate questions from your dealers. Please forward this notice to your dealers ASAP.
Rental Fleet Partners			This recall may affect vehicles in your fleet. Please contact your respective MBUSA fleet representative for further information and next steps. For repairs, please contact your preferred MBUSA dealer.
While we regret any inconvenience this may cause, MBUSA is determined to maintain a high level of vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Please refer all customer inquiries to the Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.

 

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Campaign No. 2020080015, August 2020

 

TO:	ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:	Model C-Class,E-Class,S-Class,E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class (205, 213, 222, 238, and 257 platform) Model Year 2017-2019 Update Software for Seat Belt Warning

 

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain MY17-19 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform), S-Class (222 platform), EClass Coupe/Convertible (238 platform) and CLS-Class (257 platform) vehicles, the seat belt warning system does not meet current production specifications. If the driver or passenger seat belt is not fastened, the seat belt warning would not warn the driver as intended by means of a blinking warning lamp in the instrument cluster and an audible warning tone, but only with a permanently activated warning lamp. Thus, the driver would not receive the full scope of intended warnings in the event of an unfastened seatbelt. An unfastened seatbelt increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The customer may be made aware of the issue by the absence of the blinking warning lamp and the audible warning tone if the vehicle is driven without the seat belt fastened. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the (SCN) -Coding of the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.

 

Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:

• VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. Always check for any other open campaigns, and perform accordingly.

• Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.

 

Please note that Recall Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.

 

Approximately 56 vehicles are involved.

 

Order No. P-RC-2020080015

 

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 Note:                                                                                                                                                              

• Use Xentry 6/20 with all associated patches or higher.

• Follow the steps exactly as described in Xentry.

• Connect battery charger (battery voltage >12.5V).

• Ensure all electrical consumers are switched-off.

• In the event of software/SCN update issues, contact Star Diagnosis User Help Desk via. XSF ticket.

• Refer to Star Diagnosis System (SDS) Best Practices Guide.

 

 

Procedure

1. Connect XENTRY Diagnosis.

2. Perform SCN coding in the A1 instrument cluster (IC) control unit.

To do this, select menu item “Quick test view  A1 instrument cluster (IC) Adaptations  Control unit update  Update of SCN coding “.

Then follow the user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis.

 

Warranty Information

Operation: Connect/disconnect battery charger (02-5058)

Star Diagnosis System (SDS), Connect/disconnect (02-4762)

Perform SCN coding in the A1 instrument cluster (IC) control unit  (02-9446)

Damage Code	Operation Number	Labor Time (hrs.)
54 997 11 8	02-5058*	0.1
	02-4762*	0.1
	02-9446	0.1

 

* Operation item may be invoiced only once for each workshop order

 

Note

Operation Number labor times are subject to change

 

P-RC-2020080015

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL 2020080015
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:
Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster
NHTSA Recall #20V449

 

2020080015

• A remedy is available for your vehicle.
• Schedule an appointment with your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
• This repair will be provided free of charge.

 

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year (“MY”) 2017-2019 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class vehicles.  Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles.

What is the CONCERN?	In certain MY 2017-2019 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible and CLS-Class vehicles, the seat belt warning system does not meet current production specifications.  If the driver or front passenger seat belt is not fastened, the seat belt warning would not warn the driver as intended by means of a blinking warning lamp in the instrument cluster and by an audible warning tone, but only with a permanently activated warning lamp. Thus, the driver would not receive the full scope of intended warnings in the event of an unfastened seatbelt.  An unfastened seatbelt increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.  The customer may be made aware of the issue by the absence of the blinking warning lamp and the audible warning tone if the vehicle s driven without the seat belt fastened.
What will your DEALER DO?	An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the software of the instrument cluster on the affected vehicles.  This service will be provided free of charge.  We are dedicated to always delivering the best customer experience, and respect for your time is a top priority.  While the minimum repair time can be less than thirty minutes, your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this service visit.  As a matter of normal service process, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will also check for other repair measures which might be applicable to your vehicle which may increase the required working time.
What should YOU DO?	For additional information and to schedule an appointment, please contact your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer at your earliest convenience.  To locate authorized dealers see www.MBUSA.com/recall.  Please mention you are scheduling an appointment to update the software for the seat belt warning in the Instrument Cluster under Recall Campaign # 2020080015.  You may be asked for your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which for your convenience is located above your name at the top of this letter. Impacts from COVID-19: Your health and safety remain our top priority. The Mercedes-Benz dealerships remaining open for recall repairs and service are closely following the guidelines set forth by the CDC.  Free Mobile Repair at your home or business as well as vehicle pick-up and delivery may be available.   Your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can confirm availability. Information for Owners  In the event that you are no longer the vehicle owner, or have had a change of address, please complete the reverse side and return the updated information in the enclosed envelope.

 

To find the most convenient  authorized  Mercedes-Benz dealer from your smartphone, scan the QR code to  the left.

If this is a leased vehicle and the lessor and registered owner receive this notice, please forward this information by first class mail to the lessee within 10 business days to comply with Federal Regulations.

A VIN-based recall lookup tool on our MBUSA.com website offers a search feature that will indicate whether a vehicle has been subject to a safety recall, and whether that vehicle has had the free remedy performed.  See www.mbusa.com/recall.  Should you have any questions or encounter any difficulty regarding this Recall Campaign, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  If for any reason a dealer is unable to remedy your situation, we are always happy to hear from you. Please contact us at 1-(800) FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).

If an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for any reason is unable to remedy the situation without charge, or within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to law 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

Sincerely,

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Mercedes-Benz AG Company
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA  30328
Phone (770) 705-0600

IMPORTANT VIN:

If for any reason YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE OR have a CHANGE OF ADDRESS, please COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW, place in the ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, and DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX. If possible, provide the name and address of the present owner so that we may contact them.

 

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10 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MERCEDES BENZ	C300	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	CLS450	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	E300	2017-2019
MERCEDES BENZ	E400	2018
MERCEDES BENZ	E450	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	S450	2019
MERCEDES BENZ	S560	2018-2019

 

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12 Associated Documents

Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- Recall Campaign Initial Notification Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster

RCMN-20V449-4258.pdf 173.816KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V449-6109.PDF 218.254KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V449-0142.pdf 511.1KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Recall Campaign Launch Notification Update Software for Seat Belt Warning in the Instrument Cluster

RCMN-20V449-7184.pdf 302.735KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V449-5343.PDF 211.246KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V449-2096.PDF 211.143KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V449-2275.PDF 211.328KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V449-9709.PDF 218.251KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V449-5081.pdf 244.854KB

 

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Recall 573 Report – Amendment 1

RCLRPT-20V449-8465.PDF 218.255KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V449-5712.pdf 156.783KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2021-2

RCLQRT-20V449-1578.PDF 211.435KB

 

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Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V449&docType=RCL

 

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Mercedes-Benz Reprogramming

J2534 Pass-Thru

All information in regard to Mercedes-Benz J2534 compliant software is available free of charge and found under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is available for purchase from Mercedes-Benz USA.

In order to use the J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the purchaser must furnish their own:

• Windows based PC or laptop^*

• J2534 compliant interface box^*1*

^*Must be purchased from a third party company and are not available from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

^*1* suggested listing of J2534 interface boxes is located within the J2534 Pass-Thru User’s Manual which is posted for view without cost under the MB Workshop Resources tab on the home page of www.startekinfo.com

 

Vehicle Coverage

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles has coverage for all required functions associated to reprogramming, initialization, and fault clearing of emission control modules (engine and transmission) fitted to vehicles 2004 Model Year and newer. Additionally all access and functionality required in regard the configuration via SCN Coding and/or CVN Coding is covered.

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is delivered via DVD media which is delivered monthly for the license term of one year upon purchase.

• All control unit software (reprogramming calibrations) is contained within J2534 DVD media.

 

Terms and conditions

J2534 complaint software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is purchased in 1-year license increments. During that license term the user will receive an initial software package, license key, SCN/CVN Coding information/access as well as monthly updates via DVD media.

• Additional updates of software after the 1st year can be purchased at additional cost, however are not required for the system to continue functioning.

For pricing and additional information via the internet, please refer to the information at the beginning of this section.

 

	CarDAQ-Plus - PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-M Modular PassThru J2534 Vehicle Reflash Hardware
	CarDAQ-Plus 3
	Bosch Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534
	Autel (AULMF2534) MaxiFlash Pro
	Drew Technologies (DRWCDPLUSKIT) CarDAQ-Plus J2534 Flash Reprogramming Kit
	RAP2 OEM J2534 Remote Reprogramming Tool
	Autel MaxiFlash Elite VCI J2534 Pass-Thru ECU Programming Tool
	BOSCH Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534 VCI
	Autel MaxiFlash VCI Vehicle Communication Interface J2534 PassThru ECU Programming Device Bluetooth Connection Internet Update Support CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, DoIP, D-PDU Works with PC or Autel MS909
	GODIAG J2534

 

www.startekinfo.com

 

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