2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Backup Camera Display Recall (22V232)

Recall 22V232 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 in recall 22V232?

Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Is it safe to drive a 2021 AMG C43 with recall 22V232?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk 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 display function.

Which vehicles are included in recall 22V232?

Recall 22V232 covers 126,443 vehicles: 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA35; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45; 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35; 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300; 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350; 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250; 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250.

NHTSA lists 126,443 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the AMG C43 backup camera display recall?

Yes. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

When was recall 22V232 announced?

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC reported recall 22V232 to NHTSA on April 8, 2022. NHTSA lists the owner letter date as July 15, 2022.

This recall was filed 54 months ago. If your AMG C43 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my AMG C43 is part of recall 22V232?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 22V232 is open on your AMG C43, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 22V232000 is open on your AMG C43, it will be listed there, along with Mercedes-Benz recall number 2022060007. 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 AMG C43 owners do about recall 22V232?

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 22V232000 applies to your AMG C43.
2. Call a Mercedes-Benz dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Keep a simple log of any display function 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 AMG C43 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 4 of them about the rearview camera.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the rearview camera have been filed since recall 22V232 was reported (2) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 92 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 4 of them involve the rearview camera. 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, 2 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: 18 complaints in total, 2 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300: 14 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350: 13 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450: 7 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35: 5 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45: 1 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35: 1 complaints in total, 0 about the rearview camera

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

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 owner, FL, NHTSA complaint 11455730, filed March 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 owner, IL, NHTSA complaint 11503216, filed January 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was not displaying on the display screen.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 owner, NY, NHTSA complaint 11431590, filed September 3, 2021

Can recall 22V232 make my AMG C43 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.

Owners often ask whether this display function recall means their AMG C43 qualifies as a lemon. Not by itself. Song-Beverly looks at whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs use, value or safety and was not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

A rearview camera that blanks out or freezes is a safety issue because federal rules require a working backup image. Camera problems are often software related, and many owners see them come back after an update.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

California law presumes a reasonable number of attempts has been made if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, the same problem was repaired two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for any covered defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repairs more than 30 days in total (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Some of these require written notice to the manufacturer. A claim can still succeed outside that window.

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 22V232