Mercedes-Benz CLS Recall R/2011/117: Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy Correctly, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 21 Oct 2011
- Launched
- 1,279
- vehicles in the UK
- P173
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled CLS vehicles built between 21 October 2010 and 30 May 2011. 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. The recall notice describes the fix as: recall all the affected vehicles and replace the passenger air-bag. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
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.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY Defect: 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. Remedy: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the passenger air-bag.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in the non-deployment or full deployment of the passenger air-bag.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: recall all the affected vehicles and replace the passenger air-bag.
Are You Affected?
CLS built between 21 October 2010 and 30 May 2011 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 1,279 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code P173 or the DVSA reference R/2011/117. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS, E Class, GLCDrive shaft joint | Low | R/2026/148 | |
| C Class, CLS, E Class, GLCMisfire detection M264 | Low | R/2024/474 | |
| AMG GT, CLS, E ClassTightness of transmission wiring harness connector | Low | R/2024/307 | |
| AMG GT, CLS, E ClassTightness of transmission wiring harness connector | Low | R/2024/305 | |
| CLSParameter data set of airbag control unit | Urgent | R/2024/268 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2011/068 on 24 Aug 2011, for fire may occur. The one launched after it was R/2011/116 on 24 Oct 2011, for steering may become heavy. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2011 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2011/117, launched 21 October 2011. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.