Mercedes-Benz V Class Recall R/2018/157: Rotating Front Seat Wire Fixings Can Loosen, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 13 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 176
- vehicles in the UK
- SRX1801
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled V Class vehicles built between 1 May 2015 and 31 May 2017. On V-Class and Vito models with rotating front seats (SA codes SB5/SB6) the front seats can loosen the wire fixings under the seats when being rotated. The recall notice describes the fix as: since the beginning of June 2017 the series has protected the wiring from jamming and damage by using an optimized mounting clip. We will recall and bring the installation of the cables under the swivel seats on the affected vehicles up to the optimized current series status. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
On V-Class and Vito models with rotating front seats (SA codes SB5/SB6) the front seats can loosen the wire fixings under the seats when being rotated. Should the wiring harness be damaged in the worst-case scenario this could lead to deactivation of the thorax bag or to unintentional triggering of the thorax bag in the case of a short circuit caused in the process. A disarmed thorax bag is indicated via the SRS indicator lamp.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ROTATING FRONT SEAT WIRE FIXINGS CAN LOOSEN Defect: It has been determined that on V-Class and Vito models with rotating front seats (SA codes SB5/SB6) the front seats can loosen the wire fixings under the seats when being rotated. Should the wiring harness be damaged in the worst-case scenario this could lead to deactivation of the thorax bag or to unintentional triggering of the thorax bag in the case of a short circuit caused in the process. A disarmed thorax bag is indicated via the SRS indicator lamp. Remedy: Since the beginning of June 2017 the series has protected the wiring from jamming and damage by using an optimized mounting clip. We will recall and bring the installation of the cables under the swivel seats on the affected vehicles up to the optimized current series status
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to deactivation of the thorax bag or to unintentional triggering of the thorax bag in the case of a short circuit caused in the process.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: since the beginning of June 2017 the series has protected the wiring from jamming and damage by using an optimized mounting clip. We will recall and bring the installation of the cables under the swivel seats on the affected vehicles up to the optimized current series status.
Are You Affected?
V Class built between 1 May 2015 and 31 May 2017 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 176 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 SRX1801 or the DVSA reference R/2018/157. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| V ClassFastening of steering wheel height adjustment | Urgent | R/2024/475 | |
| V ClassOn affected vehicles the routing of the fuel filter drainpipe might not meet specifications. The drainpipe could come into contact with the underbody and become damaged leading to a diesel leak | Urgent | R/2023/011 | |
| V ClassThe routing of the interior wiring harness in the area of the centre console might not meet specifications | Low | R/2022/335 | |
| V ClassThe coolant pump might have a leakage between the vacuum system and the coolant circuit | Low | R/2022/005 | |
| V ClassThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | Book soon | R/2022/118 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2018/205 on 9 Aug 2018, for incorrect software specification for the steering column switch module. The one launched after it was R/2018/163 on 13 Aug 2018, for rotating front seat wire fixings can loosen. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/157, launched 13 August 2018. 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.