Recall 05V560000: Air Bag Defect/Replacement

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Mercedes Benz/C Class 2005-2006

MANUFACTURER: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V560000 MFG'S REPORT DATE: December 15, 2005

COMPONENT: Air Bags

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 61000

SUMMARY:
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with sport model steering wheels fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." In certain low risk air bag deployment tests conducted by NHTSA, using an out-of-position unbelted 5th percentile female crash test dummy, irregularities were demonstrated indicating that occupants may not be properly protected in a crash.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash, an occupant may not be properly restrained which could result in injuries.

REMEDY:
Dealers will install a new air bag inflator module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2006. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

NOTES:
Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.