Mercedes-Benz Recalls 144,000 Vehicles in U.S. Over Blank Dashboard Display Issue

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WASHINGTON — Mercedes-Benz is recalling approximately 144,000 vehicles in the United States because a software glitch can cause the digital instrument cluster to go blank while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday, May 8, 2026 .

The recall affects certain 2024 through 2026 model year vehicles, including the AMG GT, C-Class, E-Class, SL, CLE, and GLC models . The problem stems from the infotainment control unit, which manages navigation and multimedia features, and may reset unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion .

🔧 The Problem: Why the Screen Goes Blank

According to NHTSA recall documents, the software in the infotainment control unit can trigger repeated system resets as part of an intended fallback protocol . When this happens, the instrument panel display—which shows critical driver information such as speed, fuel level, and warning lights—goes blank temporarily .

“The system is designed to improve performance but may result in a brief interruption in the instrument cluster’s display of information while the reset is in process. As a result, the driver may be unable to view certain driving-related information during the reset process, increasing the risk of a crash.”
— NHTSA Recall Documents

The issue first emerged in August 2025 when Mercedes rolled out a new display software version intended to improve system robustness. The automaker initiated a recall in the South Korean market by December 2025 . U.S. safety regulators and Mercedes entered into discussions in April 2026, with the automaker ultimately upgrading a planned over-the-air update into a formal safety recall on April 26, 2026 .

Mercedes-Benz has not reported any crashes or injuries linked to the problem .

📋 Affected Models and Model Years

The recall spans a broad range of Mercedes’ lineup and includes both standard and high-performance AMG models, as well as the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. Below is the complete breakdown of affected vehicles and the number of cars included in the recall :

C‑Class Sedans

CLE Coupes & Cabriolets

E‑Class Sedans & Wagons

GLC SUVs & Coupes

AMG GT, SL & Maybach

Total Recalled Vehicles: 144,049 .

🛠️ The Fix: Free Software Update

The remedy is straightforward. According to NHTSA, dealers will update the infotainment control unit software free of charge .

Mercedes-Benz reportedly began rolling out revised software in 2025, initially handling the issue through software campaigns and over‑the‑air updates. Approximately 62 percent of affected vehicles had already received the updated software remotely before the recall became official . However, the remaining vehicles require a dealer visit for the update.

What owners need to know:

• Dealer software update — at no cost to the owner .
• Owner notification letters — expected to be mailed starting June 26, 2026 .
• Contact information — owners may call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372 or NHTSA’s vehicle‑safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information .

🚗 A Wider Trend: Digital Dashboards Under Scrutiny

This recall highlights a growing challenge for automakers as they transition from traditional analog gauges to fully digital, software‑driven cockpits. The complexity of modern infotainment and instrument cluster systems has led to an increase in software‑related recalls across the industry.

The recall is the second significant Mercedes action in recent months. The automaker earlier recalled about 24,000 vehicles over a driveshaft defect that could cause a sudden loss of propulsion in certain 2018–2020 E‑Class and S‑Class 4MATIC models, with no prior warning to the driver .

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