Vehicle recall R/2011/117

Mercedes-Benz CLS recall: Passenger air bag may not deploy correctly

DVSA recall R/2011/117 names the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It was launched 21 October 2011. It covers vehicles built 21 October 2010 to 30 May 2011.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2011/117
Launched: 21 October 2011
Issued by: MERCEDES BENZ UK LIMITED
Manufacturer reference: P173
Vehicles: 1,279 across the lines below

What can go wrong

It is possible that due to a faulty electrical connection and high air temperature only the first stage of the air-bag will only ignite and the second stage will not. This could result in the non-deployment or full deployment of the passenger air-bag. If the vehicle is involved in a serious collision it is possible that the passenger may receive increased head injuries.

The fix

Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the passenger air-bag.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz CLS	21 October 2010 to 30 May 2011	1,279

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2011/116 Steering may become heavy 24 October 2011, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz CLS
R/2011/172 Fuel may leak 26 January 2012, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and others
R/2012/148 Bonnet catch may release 4 December 2012, Mercedes-Benz CLS
R/2008/149 Engine could lose power. 17 November 2008, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Mercedes-Benz CLS and others
R/2014/182 Oil may leak 16 January 2015, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and others
R/2015/041 Fire may occur 23 March 2015, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources