Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC recall 26V278

Affected vehicles (2)

Component / system

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2026 CLA 350 4MATIC (EV) and CLA 250+ (EV) vehicles. The front passenger seat belt retractor may have been manufactured with a defect that prevents the deactivation of the child seat safety function (Automatic Locking Retractor). As a result, the seat belt may remain in a locked position and cannot be extended.

Risk / consequence

A passenger who is unable to fasten their seat belt is not properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 8, 2026.

Chronology of events

1. January 2026

   In the end of January 2026, MBAG launched initial investigations based on an irregularity during a certification test in which a front passenger seat belt locked. During subsequent analyses it was found that under certain circumstances the front passenger seat belt might lock after using the child seat safety function. In parallel to these analyses, beginning at the end of February, MBAG conducted an investigation to identify whether any potentially affected vehicles have been sold to customers. During March 2026, it was analyzed whether a locked front passenger seat belt would be recognized by a vehicle's front passenger and whether there is any scenario in which a customer can resolve this sporadic issue before starting the journey. On April 24, 2026, MBAG determined that a potential safety risk cannot be ruled out and decided to conduct a recall. MBAG can confirm there are no warranty claims, field or service reports, and other information such as the numbers of deaths and/or injuries related to this defect in the USA .

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

May 08, 2026 - May 08, 2026 No Dealers

Owner notification

Jun 30, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026 Phased Recall