2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Front Air Bag Recall (22V078)

Recall 22V078 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 in recall 22V078?

These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLB 250 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect front driver's air bag module.

Is it safe to drive a 2021 GLB 250 with recall 22V078?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An incorrect air bag module may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash. In addition, the air bag module could detach from the steering wheel during deployment. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the frontal.

Which vehicles are included in recall 22V078?

Recall 22V078 covers 50 vehicles: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250.

NHTSA lists 50 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the GLB 250 front air bag recall?

Yes. Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and replace the front driver's air bag, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Manufacturer recall number: 2022030007.

When was recall 22V078 announced?

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC reported recall 22V078 to NHTSA on February 11, 2022. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as March 25, 2022.

This recall was filed 56 months ago. If your GLB 250 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my GLB 250 is part of recall 22V078?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 22V078 is open on your GLB 250, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 22V078000 is open on your GLB 250, it will be listed there, along with Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022030007. You can also ask any Mercedes-Benz dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should GLB 250 owners do about recall 22V078?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 22V078000 applies to your GLB 250.
2. Call a Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Get a repair order for every visit, even if the dealer only inspects the vehicle. Read it before you leave and make sure your complaint is written the way you described it.
4. Keep a simple log of any frontal symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the recall repair does not fix it, or the vehicle keeps going back for the same issue, talk to a lemon law attorney.

What are GLB 250 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 1 of them about the air bags.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the air bags have been filed since recall 22V078 was reported (1) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 29 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 1 of them involve the air bags. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: 29 complaints in total, 1 about the air bags

Examples of what owners have reported to NHTSA (unverified excerpts):

Entire electrical system went out while driving causing check engine light to come on after the failure of system; there was no dashboard working at all when the system went out; without the dashboard out it was not certain if the vehicle was safe to drive anymore; the dealer has not been able to reproduce…

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 owner, NJ, NHTSA complaint 11551607, filed October 24, 2023

Can recall 22V078 make my GLB 250 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Air bag defects are hidden until the moment they matter most. A recall repair may replace an inflator or sensor, but if warning lights return or the system faults again, that is a repeat repair for a safety defect.

A remedy is available. Many vehicles are fixed on the first try. If the problem returns after the recall repair, or the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 has needed other repairs for the same defect, those visits count toward a lemon law claim.

Civil Code 1793.22(b) sets out a presumption that applies in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for the same defect, or more than 30 total days out of service for repairs. Written notice to the manufacturer is required in some cases. Owners outside that window can still have a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 22V078