Mercedes-Benz A Class Recall R/2013/053: Airbag May Not Perform Correctly In A Collsion, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 30 May 2013
- Launched
- 111
- vehicles in the UK
- SRPC1304
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled A Class vehicles built between 1 June 2012 and 31 December 2012. The laser perforation of the instrument panel (i.e. the predetermined fracture point intended for the unfolding of an airbag from the inside) for the front passenger airbag may not have been performed correctly. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the instrument panel. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The laser perforation of the instrument panel (i.e. the predetermined fracture point intended for the unfolding of an airbag from the inside) for the front passenger airbag may not have been performed correctly. If this is the case in the event of a serious frontal collision during which the triggering threshold of the front passenger airbag is reached it is possible that this may not unfold as intended and correspondingly not offer its full protective potential.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AIRBAG MAY NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY IN A COLLSION Defect: The laser perforation of the instrument panel (i.e. the predetermined fracture point intended for the unfolding of an airbag from the inside) for the front passenger airbag may not have been performed correctly. If this is the case in the event of a serious frontal collision during which the triggering threshold of the front passenger airbag is reached it is possible that this may not unfold as intended and correspondingly not offer its full protective potential. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the instrument panel.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: airbag may not perform correctly in a collsion.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the instrument panel.
Are You Affected?
A Class built between 1 June 2012 and 31 December 2012 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 111 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 SRPC1304 or the DVSA reference R/2013/053. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A ClassInterior door handle release | Book soon | R/2026/098 | |
| A Class, CLAVariant of rear axle brake hose | Urgent | R/2025/131 | |
| A Class, B Class, CLA, EQA and 3 moreBackup function of steering software | Urgent | R/2024/166 | |
| A Class, C Class, CLA(117), GLA and 2 moreOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair | Low | R/2024/024 | |
| A ClassOn affected vehicles the equipped tyres might not meet the load requirements | Book soon | R/2023/190 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2013/031 on 28 Mar 2013, for fuel may leak. The one launched after it was R/2013/064 on 3 Jul 2013, for floor mat may impede accelerator pedal. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2013 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2013/053, launched 30 May 2013. 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.