Vehicle recall R/2018/168

Mercedes-Benz E-Class and others recall: Driver's airbag gas generator housing failure during deployment

DVSA recall R/2018/168 names the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Mercedes-Benz GLA. It was launched 14 August 2018. It covers vehicles built 1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2018/168
Launched: 14 August 2018
Issued by: MERCEDES-BENZ CARS UK LTD
Manufacturer reference: SRPC1822
Vehicles: DVSA lists 421 on each model line

What can go wrong

On affected vehicles it has been determined that drivers airbags with potentially faulty gas generator housing material may have been installed in vehicles of model series 156 176 246 205 238 & 253. If the material of the gas generator housing fails during airbag deployment in the event of a crash the airbag system would possibly no longer have a restraint effect. In addition separating parts could enter the passenger compartment. This could lead to an increased risk of injury.

The fix

On affected vehicles replace the driver’s airbag

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. DVSA lists the same vehicle number on each line: 421. It may be a figure per line or for the whole recall.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz A-Class	1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018	421
Mercedes-Benz C-Class	1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018	421
Mercedes-Benz E-Class	1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018	421
Mercedes-Benz GLA	1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018	421
Mercedes-Benz GLC	1 January 2018 to 30 March 2018	421

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/2018/158 Laser welding between backrest rail and backrest metal fitting of front seats may not meet specification 14 August 2018, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
R/2018/205 Incorrect software specification for the steering column switch module 9 August 2018, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
R/2018/204 Incorrect underfloor panelling installed 21 August 2018, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
R/2018/203 Communication module software incorrect specification for emergency call system 24 August 2018, Mercedes-Benz A-Class
R/2018/169 Fault in navigation software 29 August 2018, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
R/2018/146 Right side of front seat backrests may not lock into place 30 July 2018, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-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