What 45 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-benz C-class Cabriolet

I purchased this vehicle on December 26, 2025 from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. Shortly after the purchase, I discovered an issue related to the airbag system, which indicates a potential safety defect. At the time of purchase and during the test drive, the vehicle was already turned on, and no warning or disclosure was provided regarding any airbag malfunction or warning message. The issue became apparent only after the purchase. I later brought the vehicle in for repairs. While some repairs were performed, the airbag issue was not fixed and remains in the same condition as before. The dealership is now refusing to repair the airbag system at no cost and is insisting that I pay for the repair, despite the fact that this defect appeared immediately after purchase and was never disclosed to me. I believe this represents a serious safety concern, as a malfunctioning airbag system may fail to protect occupants in the event of an accident. I also believe the vehicle was sold to me with an undisclosed safety defect. I am requesting that this issue be formally reviewed and investigated.

NHTSA ODI 11712823

On July 17, 2021 I was driving at the posted rate of speed down I-275 Southbound here in Michigan. All of the sudden and without warning, there was a loud explosion which happened, from as near as I can tell, in the driver's side windshield pillar, where there is an airbag. No warning lights came on, and the car did not change its driving characteristics. Only after I reached my destination and searched under the dash, and every where else (including the exterior), did I find that the plastic "cover" on the pillar is pushed away from the pillar and much more loose than the plastic cover on the passenger side. Since the incident, I have had severe tinnitus in my left ear which was about 15-18" away from it. The air bag did not deploy. I did not hit a pothole, did not hit a bump, did not hit another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11428078

THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED YET. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED A LONG TIME AGO. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11325066