Mercedes-Benz A CLASS(176), B Class (246) Recall R/2021/402: Update To The Diesel Engine Control Unit Software To Improve The Emissions, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 13 Dec 2021
- Launched
- 31,414
- vehicles in the UK
- SRPC2156
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled A CLASS(176), B Class (246) vehicles built between 29 June 2012 and 5 July 2013. As a result of a directive from Germany,s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) changes are required to certain specific calibration functions within the engine management systems of certain vehicles. The recall notice describes the fix as: conduct an update to the diesel engine control unit software. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
As a result of a directive from Germany,s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) changes are required to certain specific calibration functions within the engine management systems of certain vehicles.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: UPDATE TO THE DIESEL ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE TO IMPROVE THE EMISSIONS Defect: As a result of a directive from Germany�s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) changes are required to certain specific calibration functions within the engine management systems of certain vehicles. Remedy: Conduct an update to the diesel engine control unit software.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The notice doesn’t describe a separate risk beyond the defect above. Book the repair even if the car seems fine.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: conduct an update to the diesel engine control unit software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
A CLASS(176), B Class (246) built between 29 June 2012 and 5 July 2013 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 31,414 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 SRPC2156 or the DVSA reference R/2021/402. 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 Class (177), A CLASS(176), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 20 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | Book soon | R/2021/376 | |
| A CLASS(176), C Class, CLA(117), GLA and 3 moreVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair | Low | R/2021/274 | |
| A CLASS(176), B Class (246), B CLASS(242), CLA(117) and 1 moreA bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications | Urgent | R/2021/202 | |
| A Class, A Class (177), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 16 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | Book soon | R/2021/110 | |
| A Class (177), A CLASS(176), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 20 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | Book soon | R/2021/120 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2021/399 on 13 Dec 2021, for update to improve emissions. The one launched after it was R/2021/412 on 17 Dec 2021, for the distance between the brake line and wiring harness may not be sufficient. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2021 and software recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/402, launched 13 December 2021. 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.