If the OCS does not detect a very light person sitting in the seat, the passenger side air bag would be turned off. In the event of a crash necessitating side air bag deployment, the passenger would be at an increased risk of injury.
Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side seat cushion including the OCS. The recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes at 1-201-573-0600.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.