The speedometer disappears while you're driving. Warning lights go dark. Navigation cuts out. NHTSA and Mercedes-Benz documented this condition in 144,049 vehicles on May 11. Affected: 2024-2026 C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, AMG GT, and GLC models, all combustion-powered. No crashes or injuries reported, per NHTSA. The fix is free. But if you're shopping for one of these used, you need to know the status before you buy.
The recall covers exactly the vehicles buyers are targeting right now. On May 1, the U.S. raised EU auto tariffs to 25%. New Germany-built Mercedes models carry an estimated $5,000 to $8,900 in added tariff cost, per KBB analysis. Buyers who can't absorb that premium are moving to 2024-2026 used inventory. This recall covers all of it.
What the Defect Does
The infotainment control unit in these vehicles manages navigation, multimedia, and the driver cluster display behind the steering wheel. The software can enter a reset loop under certain conditions, blanking the instrument panel mid-drive. Speedometer, warning lights, and navigation disappear simultaneously, without warning. The reset is temporary, but NHTSA classified it as a crash risk.
Mercedes first identified the issue in August 2025 and deployed an over-the-air software update. The OTA campaign didn't reach enough vehicles. On April 27, 2026, Mercedes converted it to a formal safety recall. Dealers received notification May 8. Owner letters go out by June 26. This OTA-to-formal-recall sequence is now a familiar pattern: Ford and Tesla have both followed it in recent recall cycles when voluntary wireless updates produced insufficient uptake.
The fix is a software update applied at any authorized Mercedes dealer, at no cost.
Affected Models and Current Used Prices
The six model lines span three years of production. CarScout's May 10 snapshot shows active 2024 inventory on four of the most common models:
| Model | Platform | CarScout 2024 Listings | Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| C 300 | W206 | 440 | $29,653-$63,140 |
| GLC | X254 | 446 | $27,595-$66,695 |
| CLE 300 | C236 | 163 | $41,500-$68,500 |
| E 450 | W214 | 33 | $55,460-$79,984 |
| SL | R232 | Limited | $62,998+ |
| AMG GT | C192 | Limited | $44,743+ |
The new 2026 C-Class starts at $46,950 MSRP before any tariff adjustment. A 2024 C 300 starts at $29,653 used, per CarScout data. The GLC 300 averaged $36,488 across all years in March, per CarScout. That spread, plus the tariff pressure on new inventory, is what's driving demand toward exactly these recalled vehicles.
Before You Buy: Four Steps
If you're shopping a 2024-2026 C-Class, GLC, E-Class, SL, CLE, or AMG GT:
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before agreeing to a price. It takes 30 seconds.
- Ask whether the recall software update has been applied. Request service records confirming it.
- For CPO vehicles, the certification process should include open recall remediation. Verify this in writing before signing.
- If the recall is still open, it's not a dealbreaker. It's a free fix at any Mercedes dealer. Factor in the appointment time and use the open status as a negotiating point.
Vehicles with the recall applied are safe to drive normally. If the recall is still open, Mercedes hasn't issued a "stop driving" advisory. The display issue is momentary and the vehicle remains mechanically operable. Prioritize the fix, but it doesn't require parking the car.
If You Already Own One
Owner notification letters go out by June 26. You don't need to wait. Call your dealer now and reference the May 8 recall notification. Any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can apply the update. Mercedes customer service is at 1-800-367-6372.
FAQ
Does this recall affect all Mercedes C-Class and GLC models, or only certain years? Only 2024-2026 model years are included. The recall covers the C-Class (W206 platform), E-Class (W214), SL (R232), CLE (C236), GLC (X254), and AMG GT (C192), all combustion-powered variants. Earlier model years, including 2023 and older, are not part of this recall. Confirm your specific VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can I get the software fix at any Mercedes dealer, or only the selling dealer? Any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can apply the update at no cost. You don't need to return to the original seller. Owners will receive mailed notification by June 26, but appointments are available now. Call your nearest dealer or reach Mercedes directly at 1-800-367-6372.
Should this recall change my decision on a used 2024-2026 Mercedes? The defect is a software reset, not a mechanical failure. The fix is free and doesn't require parts. A vehicle where the recall has already been applied carries no ongoing risk from this issue. If the recall is open, confirm the seller will remediate it before closing or negotiate accordingly. A used 2024 GLC at $27,595 with a free software fix pending is still a different calculus than a new 2026 GLC at $50,800 plus EU tariff exposure.
If you're tracking used Mercedes inventory as these tariff dynamics shift, CarScout lets you set alerts by model, year, price range, and zip code. When a GLC or C 300 matches your criteria, you get notified directly rather than watching listings manually. Subscriptions start at $5 a week at usecarscout.com.