NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 has 6 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators that can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, and a steering coupling bolt that may be insufficiently tightened and cause complete loss of steering.
Three of the six recalls involve the front airbags. The Takata inflator defect affects both the driver and passenger side: in a crash, the inflator can rupture violently and hurl metal fragments at occupants rather than deploying a cushioning bag. A separate recall covers vehicles where an incorrect front passenger airbag may have been installed during a prior repair, meaning the bag may not deploy correctly when needed. There is also a recall for a driver airbag that can deploy without any crash occurring; an unexpected deployment at speed gives the driver no time to react and can cause a collision. Prior repair attempts for the airbag issue did not fully resolve the problem in all cases, which is why multiple campaigns exist across this group.
On the steering side, a bolt connecting the steering column coupling may not have been tightened properly at the factory. If it works loose, the steering wheel can lose its connection to the front wheels entirely, leaving the driver unable to change direction.
The final recall involves the emergency call system, which uses GPS and cellular communication to summon help after a crash. A software fault can cause the system to report an incorrect date, time, and vehicle location to emergency responders, potentially sending help to the wrong place after a serious accident.
At a glance
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may be incorrect, possibly installed during a prior repair, and may not function properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error causes the eCall emergency system's date and time to be incorrect, which may result in an inaccurate vehicle location being sent during an emergency call.
What the fix does
Mercedes-Benz will send a remote software update to your vehicle. Dealers will verify the update worked or install a new communication module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the steering coupling may not be tight enough, which could cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering coupling bolt as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.