Mercedes-Benz Vito Recall R/2018/163: Rotating Front Seat Wire Fixings Can Loosen, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 13 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 209
- vehicles in the UK
- SRX1801
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled Vito vehicles built between 1 May 2015 and 31 May 2017. On 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 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. The reason for this is the technical concept which allows for flexible cable harness installation depending on the seat mounting.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ROTATING FRONT SEAT WIRE FIXINGS CAN LOOSEN Defect: It has been determined that on 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. The reason for this is the technical concept which allows for flexible cable harness installation depending on the seat mounting. 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?
Vito built between 1 May 2015 and 31 May 2017 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 209 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/2018/163. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| VitoCheck driver's airbag replace if necessary | Urgent | R/2025/239 | |
| VitoCheck driver's airbag replace if necessary | Urgent | R/2025/238 | |
| VitoConfigurations were written into one or more control units that might not meet specifications | Low | R/2022/244 | |
| VitoVehicles fitted with takata driver airbags equipped which may not function as intended when deployed | Urgent | R/2022/157 | |
| VitoVehicles fitted with takata driver airbags equipped which may not function as intended when deployed | Urgent | R/2022/156 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2018/157 on 13 Aug 2018, for rotating front seat wire fixings can loosen. The one launched after it was R/2018/158 on 14 Aug 2018, for laser welding between backrest rail and backrest metal fitting of front seats may not meet…. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/163, 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.